Key Takeaways
- National Guaranteeing Association in Thailand: The Board of Trade of Thailand (สภาหอการค้าแห่งประเทศไทย).
- Eligible Cargo Categories: Exhibition/trade fair goods, commercial samples, and professional equipment (e.g., broadcasting, testing, or musical gear).
- Excluded Items: Consumables, perishable food/beverages, promotional giveaways, and goods imported for repair, processing, or commercial sale.
1. Color-Coded Vouchers Inside an ATA Carnet
An ATA Carnet is valid for up to 12 months from its issue date and cannot be extended. It contains color-coded vouchers detached by customs officers at each border crossing:
- Yellow Sheets: For Exportation from and Re-importation into the home country.
- White Sheets: For Temporary Importation into and Re-exportation from the destination country (e.g., Thailand).
- Blue Sheets: For Customs Transit through intermediate countries.
2. Definition of Re-Exportation & Customs Endorsement
Re-exportation is the formal customs procedure of exporting temporarily admitted goods back out of the customs territory in their unaltered state within the prescribed time limit. Before departing Thailand, the Carnet holder must present both the physical goods and the White Re-exportation voucher to Thai Customs for inspection and official stamp endorsement.
Looking for Hassle-Free Logistics? Choose LOGISTICS NO LIMIT CO., LTD.!
We specialize in cross-border trucking, customs clearance, and global supply chain management. Secure, compliant, and tracked in real-time.
Contact Our Experts Now3. ATA Carnet vs. Standard Thai Customs Temporary Import Entry
If the cargo involves goods for repair, construction project machinery, or originates from a non-Carnet territory, importers use a standard e-Customs Temporary Import declaration (Part 4 of the Customs Tariff Decree) backed by a cash deposit or Bank Guarantee.
Official Sources: Thai Customs Department (customs.go.th) and Board of Trade of Thailand (thaichamber.org).
Need Assistance with Import-Export Documentation & Customs Clearance?
Logistics No Limit (LNL) provides customs brokerage, NSW import/export permit coordination, and international freight forwarding by land, sea, and air.
View Temporary Import & Customs Brokerage ServicesAn ATA Carnet is an international customs document—often called a "Passport for Goods"—that serves as both a customs declaration and a duty guarantee for duty-free temporary admission. In Thailand, it allows commercial samples, exhibition goods, and professional equipment to enter without paying import duty or VAT, provided the goods undergo re-exportation in their original state within the approved period (up to 1 year).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Who issues ATA Carnets in Thailand?
A:The Board of Trade of Thailand (สภาหอการค้าแห่งประเทศไทย) is the sole national issuing and guaranteeing association for ATA Carnets in Thailand.
Q:How long can goods stay in Thailand under an ATA Carnet?
A:Up to the period granted by Thai Customs at the time of entry, which cannot exceed the 1-year validity date printed on the ATA Carnet.
Q:What happens if ATA Carnet goods are sold in Thailand instead of re-exported?
A:Selling Carnet goods violates temporary admission conditions unless prior customs permission is obtained and full import duties, VAT, and applicable surcharges are paid to Thai Customs.
