For those who have had the pleasure of tasting alcoholic beverages from various countries, you would know that each country’s drinks have unique and distinctive flavors. This presents an important opportunity for entrepreneurs who are interested in importing new and exotic drink flavors for people in the country to enjoy. However, when it comes to alcohol, many people may choose to give up on importing these products because they think that alcoholic beverages are difficult or impossible to import. In reality, importing alcohol can be done if you follow the steps, which are not as complicated as they might seem. Today, Freight Rangers will introduce the steps for importing alcohol and offer services such as Freight Forwarder to make the import process easier and more convenient.

Steps for Obtaining Import Permission for Alcoholic Beverages

Steps for obtaining import permission for alcoholic beverages can be summarized in the following five main steps:

1. Apply for a Type 1 Liquor Sales License

The importer must apply for a Type 1 Liquor Sales License with the Excise Department in the relevant area of import and distribution before proceeding with any other actions.

Type 1 liquor is one of the two types of alcohol that can be imported. It refers to distilled spirits with an alcohol content exceeding 20%. The other type, Type 2 liquor, includes non-distilled spirits, beer, and beverages with an alcohol content of 20% or less.

2. Obtain Label Approval

To obtain label approval, the importer must first prepare a sample label and then submit the recommended retail price to the Excise Department.

3. Registration

After completing the above two steps, the importer must register as an importer-exporter with the Customs Department to submit import information into the E-Paperless system.

4. Submit Tax Payments

Next, the importer must submit the retail price to the Excise Department and pay the excise tax. Tax payments must be made to various agencies through Customs, including:

Import Duty
Excise Department Tax
Internal Revenue Tax
Import VAT
Health Promotion Fund Contribution
Public Broadcasting and Television Fund Contribution
National Sports Development Fund Contribution
Elderly Fund Contribution

5. Receive Liquor Stamps for Sealing Containers

The process of receiving liquor stamps for sealing containers occurs after the officials have verified that all documents are accurate and complete. The officials will issue liquor stamps to the importer, who will use them to seal the containers. The officials will also oversee the stamping process before the goods are dispatched from Customs, marking the completion of the import process.

Additional Considerations

Additional considerations to learn and evaluate, beyond the aforementioned steps, include the following:

Research

Before proceeding with importation, operators should conduct thorough and comprehensive research on various aspects such as:

Laws

Study the laws and regulations related to importing alcohol from abroad into Thailand in detail. This includes understanding: When importing alcohol into Thailand, the following procedures and documentation are typically required:

Import Declaration Form
Invoice or Bill of Lading
Tax Payment Receipts
Identification Documents (e.g., passport)

Market

Research the alcohol beverage market in Thailand before importing goods. This includes:

Types and brands of alcohol that are popular
Target market segments
General retail prices
Competitive landscape

Product Sources

Verify reliable sources of products abroad and consider comparing both the quality and prices of the goods, payment terms, and shipping conditions before making an investment. This ensures you obtain products of high quality that meet your requirements.

Import Procedures

For many, the import procedures can be challenging. Therefore, using the services of a Freight Forwarder or import agent is common. The steps are as follows:

Contact an Import Agent: Choose an experienced and reliable import agent.
Enter into a Sales Contract: Create a sales contract with the import agent.
Handle Financial Transactions: Pay for the goods and transportation costs.
Track the Goods: Monitor the status of the shipment.
Complete Customs Procedures: Go through customs procedures and pay any taxes and duties.
Store the Alcohol: Store the alcohol in a legally compliant and secure location.

Preparation Before Launching for Sale

During the import process, it is essential to prepare for the launch of the product. This includes:

Setting a suitable selling price
Creating promotions
Marketing and brand promotion
Training staff

Solve Your Alcohol Import Challenges with Freight Rangers

Solve your alcohol import issues with Freight Forwarder services from Freight Rangers. With unparalleled expertise in import and export, Freight Rangers offers comprehensive logistics services backed by over 10 years of experience. This ensures that your alcohol imports will proceed smoothly, with high standards and maximum efficiency.

If you’re interested in importing alcohol or any other products, Freight Rangers is ready to provide consultations and answer all your questions 24/7.