Stuck at Thai Customs? The Ultimate Guide to the Green Form (2026)
Received a Thai Customs Green Form (Postal Notification)? Learn exactly what it means, how to calculate the tax, and where to pick up your package in Bangkok.
**Why did I get this green slip?**
You were tracking your package from home, expecting it to arrive at your condo in Bangkok or Phuket, but instead, you found a small green slip of paper in your mailbox.
In Thailand, this is officially known as the "Notification of International Postal Item" (Form No. 122). In simple terms: Your package is being held by Customs.
Don’t panic. This doesn't mean your goods are confiscated; it usually means you just need to pay import duty and VAT. Here is everything you need to know about navigating the Thai Customs Green Form.
**1. What does the Green Form actually mean?**
The Green Form is issued when a package arrives via the postal system (not private couriers like DHL/FedEx) and meets one of these criteria:
- The Value Exceeds 1 THB: If the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) is over 1 Thai Baht, it is subject to tax.
- Missing Permits: The item might require an FDA permit (supplements/cosmetics) or a TISI permit (electronics).
- Random Inspection: Sometimes, even if the value is low, Customs wants to verify the contents.
**2. Where do I go to clear my package?**
Check the "Location" box on your form. It will typically point to one of two places:
**A. Your Local Post Office**
If you are lucky, the form will list your neighborhood post office. This means the duty has already been assessed by an officer, and you simply need to go to the counter, pay the amount listed, and take your box home.
**B. Laksi Postal Customs (Bangkok)**
If your form says "Laksi" (หลักสี่), your package is held at the Postal Customs Department near Don Mueang Airport. You will likely have to go there in person to open the package in front of an officer, or hire a customs broker to do it for you.
**3. How is the tax calculated?**
Thai Customs uses the CIF system:
- C (Cost): The price of the goods.
- I (Insurance): Usually 1% of the cost if not specified.
- F (Freight): The shipping cost.
The Formula: > (CIF Value x Duty Rate %) + 7% VAT = Total Amount Due.
Note: Duty rates vary. Books are usually 0%, clothes are 30%, and supplements are 10-30%.
**4. What to bring with you**
Do not go to the Customs office empty-handed. You will need:
- The Original Green Form: You must surrender this to the officer.
- Your Passport: (Or a high-quality color copy).
- Proof of Purchase: A printed copy of your Amazon/eBay order, PayPal receipt, or Credit Card statement. Tip: If the officer thinks your invoice is "too low," they have the right to look up the market price online and tax you on that instead.
- Cash: Most postal customs counters prefer cash for duty payments.
**5. Can I avoid going there in person?**
Yes. If you live in a different province or simply don't have time to deal with the "Red Tape" at Laksi, you have two options:
- The "Pink Slip" Authorization: You can sign the back of the Green Form to authorize someone else to go on your behalf.
- Professional Clearance: For high-value items or restricted goods (supplements, drones, electronics), it is safer to use a Customs Specialist. At Clearpost, we handle the "Green Form Rescue" service. We go to Laksi, negotiate the valuation with the officers, handle the permits, and have the package delivered to your door.
**Common FAQ for Foreigners:**
Q: Can I just ignore the form?
A: If you don't claim the package within 15–30 days, it will be marked as "Unclaimed" and either sent back to the sender or auctioned off by Thai Customs.
Q: Why is my tax so high?
A: Thai Customs often includes the shipping cost in the tax calculation. If you paid $100 for shipping, that $100 is taxed as if it were part of the product's value.
Q: I’m importing used personal items. Do I still pay?
A: Usually, yes. Unless you have a specific "Work Permit" exemption for relocating to Thailand, used items are often taxed based on their current "Assessed Value."
**Need Help with a Stuck Shipment?**
Don't let your package sit in a warehouse racking up storage fees. Contact Clearpost today. We speak "Thai Customs" so you don't have to.