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Thailand

Thailand

Thailand is ASEAN's electric-vehicle production hub and a large new-car market, but it prohibits used-car imports. The ban is formally notified to the WTO (Ministry of Commerce Notification, 12 June 2019): only a narrow set of used vehicles — tractors for semi-trailers, ambulances and agricultural tractors — may be imported. Permanent import of used passenger cars is not generally permitted, so EZ Auto supplies new Chinese vehicles, including EVs, to Thailand.

What are the rules for importing a car from China into Thailand?
  • Age limit: Used passenger cars are prohibited (WTO notification G/MA/QR/N/THA/4; MOOC Notification 12 June 2019). Only narrow exceptions apply — used tractors for semi-trailers, used ambulances and used agricultural tractors. There is no age limit for NEW vehicles, which is what we supply.
  • Import duty & taxes: For NEW vehicles: import duty is 0% from ASEAN under ATIGA and about 80% from non-ASEAN sources; excise tax 30–50% by vehicle type and CO2 efficiency; VAT 7%. Effective tax on a CBU passenger car can exceed 100% of CIF. EV incentives reduce excise by CO2 band. Used imports are prohibited, so no used-vehicle duty applies.
  • Authority & certification: Thai Customs; Ministry of Commerce issues any import permit (exceptions only); Department of Land Transport (DLT) for registration; Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) conformity.

Import facts at a glance

Age limitUsed passenger cars are prohibited (WTO notification G/MA/QR/N/THA/4; MOOC Notification 12 June 2019). Only narrow exceptions apply — used tractors for semi-trailers, used ambulances and used agricultural tractors. There is no age limit for NEW vehicles, which is what we supply.
SteeringRight-hand drive (Thailand drives on the left). Left-hand-drive vehicles are not permitted for permanent registration.
Import duty & taxesFor NEW vehicles: import duty is 0% from ASEAN under ATIGA and about 80% from non-ASEAN sources; excise tax 30–50% by vehicle type and CO2 efficiency; VAT 7%. Effective tax on a CBU passenger car can exceed 100% of CIF. EV incentives reduce excise by CO2 band. Used imports are prohibited, so no used-vehicle duty applies.
Main ports / entryLaem Chabang is the main vehicle port serving Bangkok and central Thailand; Bangkok port and Map Ta Phut are also used. Container and RoRo.
Authority & certificationThai Customs; Ministry of Commerce issues any import permit (exceptions only); Department of Land Transport (DLT) for registration; Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) conformity.
Required documentsFor new / permitted vehicles: commercial invoice, bill of lading, Certificate of Conformity (TISI), customs import declaration, and an import permit only where an exception applies. Used passenger cars are generally not accepted at customs.

Critical: Thailand prohibits used-car imports (WTO-notified ban; MOOC Notification 12 June 2019), with only narrow exceptions. We supply NEW Chinese vehicles, including EVs, to Thailand. New-vehicle duty is 0% from ASEAN / ~80% non-ASEAN plus excise and 7% VAT. Confirm current rules with Thai Customs or the DLT. Sources: WTO notification G/MA/QR/N/THA/4 on the Thai used-vehicle import ban (qr.wto.org); Excise Department of Thailand (excise.go.th). Last reviewed 2026-09.

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Vehicles currently available — Thailand

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Import guides

Import process: where shipments stallChina export ports by marketImport glossary: terms that decide a shipmentZOFRI Iquique: legal route for used cars

Our experience in this region — Southeast Asia

EZ Auto is based in China (Zhengzhou, Henan) with 15–20 years in the country's car export trade. We export new and used Chinese vehicles across Southeast Asia, with sea freight from Chinese ports (Shenzhen, Shanghai, Guangzhou) to the region's main gateways — Singapore as a trans-shipment hub, Ho Chi Minh City / Cat Lai, Manila, Laem Chabang, Port Klang, Tanjung Priok and Yangon — handling China export clearance and full documentation. Where a market prohibits used imports (Thailand, Indonesia) we supply new Chinese vehicles, including EVs; where used imports are permitted we advise on each country's real framework. Local import clearance is arranged by the buyer or a licensed broker; we provide all paperwork and per-country guidance. We do not operate local offices in Southeast Asia — every car is sourced and inspected in China before shipment.

FAQ

Can EZ Auto ship cars to Southeast Asia?
Yes. We export new and used Chinese vehicles across Southeast Asia with full export documents and sea freight to the main regional ports (Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila, Laem Chabang, Port Klang, Tanjung Priok, Yangon). Where used imports are prohibited (Thailand, Indonesia) we supply new vehicles, including EVs. Import clearance is handled by you or a local broker; we supply all paperwork.
Which Southeast Asian markets allow used-car imports?
Vietnam (under 5 years, left-hand drive), the Philippines (about 5 years, left-hand drive, licensed importers only) and Malaysia (under 5 years, right-hand drive, with an Approved Permit) allow used imports under conditions. Thailand and Indonesia largely prohibit used-vehicle imports and are served by new vehicles. Myanmar allows used imports and from 2025 grants China-origin used cars a 0% customs-duty incentive. Rules change, so confirm the current position before you buy.
What steering side does each market require?
Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia require left-hand drive. Malaysia and Thailand require right-hand drive (they drive on the left). Myanmar also requires left-hand drive. Sourcing the correct steering from the factory is far cheaper than converting later, so we confirm the configuration before you order.
How long does shipping from China to Southeast Asia take?
Sea freight from Chinese ports to most Southeast Asian ports is short — typically about 7–14 days to Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila, Laem Chabang, Port Klang or Yangon, with trans-shipment via Singapore common. Transit times vary with the sailing and season, so we confirm the current schedule for your route before shipment.
Do you handle import clearance in my country?
Export clearance in China is on us. Import clearance is handled by you or your local broker; we supply all documents and advise on requirements per country, including the certification that Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines may require.

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