Importing from Thailand can be a smart move—competitive pricing, strong manufacturing capabilities, and relatively quick shipping lanes across Asia. But many first-time (and even experienced) importers lose time and money because of a few repeatable, avoidable mistakes.

This guide breaks down the most common pitfalls importers face when sourcing from Thailand—and practical ways to prevent them before they turn into delays, disputes, or surprise costs.

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Why imports from Thailand go wrong (even when the supplier is genuine)

Most issues don’t happen because “Thailand is risky.” They happen because importers:

• rush supplier selection,

• misunderstand shipping and Incoterms,

• underestimate landed costs,

• miss compliance or documentation details,

• and only discover problems when the cargo is already at the port.

The good news: you can prevent most of these with a simple system.

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Mistake #1: Underestimating the total landed cost

What goes wrong:
Many importers compare only the supplier’s unit price and assume the rest is “minor.” Then they get hit with freight, insurance, port charges, customs duties, storage, clearance fees, bank charges, and unexpected local delivery costs.

How to avoid it:

• Calculate landed cost per unit before you place the order.

• Ask your freight forwarder for a door-to-door estimate (or port-to-door, depending on your setup).

• Add a buffer for “friction costs” like detention, demurrage, or rework.

Quick landed cost mindset (simple formula):
Product Cost + International Freight + Insurance + Duties/Taxes + Port/Handling + Clearance + Local Transport = Landed Cost

If you can’t estimate this with confidence, don’t commit to pricing your product yet.

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Mistake #2: Choosing a supplier without proper verification

What goes wrong:
A supplier can look professional online and still be a trader misrepresenting the factory, a middleman who can’t control quality, or simply unreliable on timelines.

How to avoid it:

• Request company registration details, a factory address, and recent export documentation (with sensitive info masked).

• Start with a paid sample or small trial order.

• Use third-party factory audits or supplier verification when order size is meaningful.

• Video call walkthroughs help, but don’t replace verification.

Pro tip: If the supplier pushes hard for full advance payment on the first order and avoids documentation questions, treat it as a red flag—not “confidence.”

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Mistake #3: Vague product specs that leave room for “technically correct” deliveries

What goes wrong:
You ask for “Grade A” or “export quality,” and the supplier agrees—but your definition and their definition aren’t the same. You receive goods that match the invoice yet fail your market’s expectations.

How to avoid it:

• Put specs in writing: dimensions, tolerances, materials, finish, performance, packaging, labeling, and acceptable defect rate.

• Approve a Golden Sample (a signed reference sample) and make it the benchmark.

• Use measurable acceptance standards (example: AQL-based inspection targets, functional testing criteria, moisture limits, etc.).

If a spec can’t be measured, it will be argued later.

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Mistake #4: Skipping pre-shipment inspection (or doing it too late)

What goes wrong:
Importers discover defects only after arrival. By then, returning goods is expensive, replacements take weeks, and cash is stuck.

How to avoid it:

• Do inspection before final payment (or before shipment release).

• Choose the right inspection stage:

  • During Production (DUPRO): catches issues early

  • Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI): verifies final batch

  • Container Loading Supervision: ensures correct loading and reduces damage risk

Best practice: Tie final payment to passing inspection or meeting agreed acceptance criteria.

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Mistake #5: Misunderstanding Incoterms (and who pays for what)

What goes wrong:
Importers agree to CIF/FOB/DDP without understanding cost and risk transfer. This leads to surprise charges, insurance gaps, and disputes over responsibility when cargo is delayed or damaged.

How to avoid it:

• Choose Incoterms intentionally:

  • FOB: you control freight and usually gain transparency

  • CIF: supplier arranges freight/insurance, but you may have less control

  • DDP: sounds convenient, but can be messy and opaque if poorly executed

• Ensure your purchase order clearly states:

  • named port (e.g., “FOB Laem Chabang”),

  • who arranges insurance,

  • who handles export paperwork,

  • timeline expectations.

If you’re new, FOB with a reliable forwarder is often easier to control.

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Mistake #6: Documentation errors that trigger customs delays

What goes wrong:
Minor mismatches—product description differences, wrong consignee name, inconsistent quantities/weights, missing marks—can lead to holds, queries, and storage charges.

How to avoid it:
Create a documentation checklist and standard templates.

Typical documents you may need (varies by product and country):

• Commercial Invoice

• Packing List

• Bill of Lading / Air Waybill

• Certificate of Origin (when applicable)

• Insurance certificate (if separately arranged)

• Product-specific certificates/permits (as required)

• Inspection report (if you use it)

Process tip: Ask for draft documents before shipment so you can review and correct errors early.

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Mistake #7: Wrong HS classification assumptions

What goes wrong:
Using the wrong HS code (or relying on a supplier’s guess) can cause wrong duty calculations, compliance issues, and clearance delays.

How to avoid it:

• Validate classification with a customs professional or experienced broker.

• Keep technical documents ready (composition, use, datasheets, catalog pages).

• Ensure invoice descriptions match the real product (not generic names).

Treat HS classification as a core part of pricing—not an afterthought.

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Mistake #8: Ignoring product compliance and labeling rules

What goes wrong:
Your goods arrive—but can’t be sold because labeling, safety standards, or regulated inputs don’t meet your market’s requirements.

How to avoid it:

• Build a compliance matrix before ordering:

  • required labels (language, importer details, batch/lot, MRP where applicable),

  • safety standards or certifications,

  • packaging requirements,

  • restricted materials or ingredients (where relevant).

• Don’t assume “export quality” means “your-country compliant.”

If your category is regulated (food, cosmetics, electronics, medical products, toys, etc.), compliance must be planned before production, not after arrival.

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Mistake #9: Packaging that’s fine for the factory—but not for long transit

What goes wrong:
Goods arrive crushed, corroded, damp, scratched, or mixed. Especially common with fragile items, finished surfaces, and humidity-sensitive goods.

How to avoid it:

• Specify packaging standards:

  • carton strength (e.g., double-wall),

  • palletization requirements,

  • moisture protection (desiccants, liners),

  • drop-test expectations for retail packaging,

  • inner protection (foam, dividers, shrink wrap).

• Use container loading supervision for higher-value shipments.

If your packaging spec is one line long, it’s probably not enough.

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Mistake #10: Paying in a way that increases risk (and reduces leverage)

What goes wrong:
Full advance payments leave you with minimal protection if timelines slip or quality disappoints.

How to avoid it:

• Use safer structures when possible:

  • partial advance + balance after inspection,

  • Letters of Credit for larger orders,

  • staged payments tied to milestones.

• Verify bank account details independently (and re-confirm if any “change of bank details” email appears).

• Align payment schedule with control points (sample approval → inspection → shipment release).

Your payment terms should support quality control—not work against it.

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Mistake #11: Weak contracts and unclear dispute handling

What goes wrong:
When something breaks down—late shipment, wrong specs, recurring defects—there’s no clean way to resolve it because the agreement is vague.

How to avoid it:
At minimum, your PO/contract should clearly cover:

• product specs and quality standards,

• packaging requirements,

• delivery timelines and penalties (where feasible),

• inspection rights and remedies (replace/refund/rework),

• Incoterms and shipping responsibilities,

• warranty/return terms (if relevant),

• dispute resolution and governing law.

Even a simple, clear contract is better than “WhatsApp + invoice.”

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Mistake #12: No plan for clearance speed and port-side costs

What goes wrong:
Cargo arrives, but the importer isn’t ready—documents are incomplete, broker appointment is late, or last-mile transport isn’t arranged. Storage charges start accumulating quickly.

How to avoid it:

• Appoint your clearing agent/broker early.

• Pre-plan last-mile delivery, warehouse receiving, unloading equipment.

• Track the shipment and prepare documentation while cargo is in transit.

• Keep buffer time around public holidays and peak shipping seasons.

The cheapest shipment becomes expensive when it sits.

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A practical “Before You Import” checklist (use this every time)

Supplier & product

• ✅ Supplier verified (registration, references, export track record)

• ✅ Specs finalized (measurable, written, version-controlled)

• ✅ Golden sample approved (if applicable)

• ✅ Packaging requirements defined

Commercial & risk

• ✅ Incoterms agreed with named port/location

• ✅ Payment terms reduce risk (inspection before final payment where possible)

• ✅ Quality inspection booked (PSI / loading supervision if needed)

Compliance & customs readiness

• ✅ HS classification validated

• ✅ Compliance matrix completed (labels/certifications/permits if needed)

• ✅ Draft documents reviewed before shipment

Logistics

• ✅ Freight plan confirmed (mode, lead time, insurance)

• ✅ Broker/clearing agent ready

• ✅ Last-mile delivery planned

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Bonus: FAQ

Is it better to use air or sea from Thailand?
Air is faster and simpler for small, high-value, time-sensitive cargo. Sea is usually better for bulk or heavy shipments where unit economics matter more than speed.

Which Incoterm is best for first-time importers?
Often FOB is a strong starting point because you can select your own forwarder and control the logistics chain more transparently.

Do I need a sourcing agent in Thailand?
Not always. If you’re importing higher volumes or dealing with complex products, a sourcing partner can help with supplier verification, negotiation, inspections, and communication—but choose carefully and clarify responsibilities.