Supplements Stuck at Thai Customs? FDA Rules and What to Do Next

A few bottles for yourself can still need FDA paperwork. Paying import tax does not replace product approval.

Why are my supplements held?

Thai Customs treats food supplements as restricted goods. The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees their import requirements.

Ask the carrier which part is missing:

• FDA approval or an exemption reference.
• Customs registration or broker authorization.
• A clear invoice, ingredient list or label photo.
• Payment of charges.

Get the request in writing. A tracking message rarely tells you enough.

How much can I import for personal use?

The FDA announcement dated 10 September 2024 covers both bringing and ordering food into Thailand. These conditions apply together:

Count servings as well as bottles. One large bottle may exceed a three-month supply.

Ordering whey protein? The FDA lists it under dairy products, with a separate 2.5 kg/liter limit.

Do personal-use parcels need FDA approval?

Personal use does not mean paperwork-free. The FDA parcel procedure uses an online application. Once approved, it produces an LPI reference for customs.

DHL requires FDA exemption approval and a personal-use affidavit. Its clearance route also requires customs registration and appointment of DHL as broker.

Using FedEx, UPS or Thailand Post? Ask that carrier for its document list and clearance process.

Is it actually a supplement?

A foreign shop may call it a supplement. Thailand may classify it as medicine based on its dose or claims.

Medicines follow separate rules. FDA guidance distinguishes medicines carried by travelers from medicines ordered by post. Check the category before applying food-supplement limits.

What documents should I prepare?

The FDA food procedure asks for:

• An invoice showing the products and quantities.
• Labels, photos or other product details.
• A personal-use statement covering quality, safety and no sale or distribution.
• Authorization documents if someone handles the checkpoint formalities for you.

Also keep the tracking number and carrier email together. Photograph the ingredients, strength, serving size and directions clearly.

Five steps to handle a held parcel

1. Get the hold reason. Ask which item and document are affected.
2. Check the product category, quantity and previous imports.
3. Confirm who handles the FDA application and customs paperwork.
4. Send the requested documents together. Keep the application reference.
5. Ask what remains: FDA review, customs filing, payment or delivery.

If the personal-use route is unsuitable, ask for the available options. Confirm whether return is possible and what it costs.

How long will it take? What will it cost?

Ask what is pending before requesting a release date. There is no single timeline for every parcel.

• Has the FDA application been submitted?
• Has the reviewer asked for more information?
• When does storage start, and what is the daily rate?
• What are the separate tax, broker, permit and delivery charges?

Check deadlines promptly. DHL warns that missing approval or a prolonged customs-bond hold can put goods at risk of destruction.

Before your next order

• Check the full ingredients and label.
• Confirm the Thai product category.
• Calculate pieces, servings and total food weight.
• Check previous import dates.
• Ask your carrier about FDA paperwork before dispatch.

Need help with your parcel?

Send us the carrier email, product labels, quantities and invoice. Clearpost can review the hold and explain your next steps.

Sources

Reviewed on 1 October 2026. Sources [1–3, 5–6] are Thai authority guidance. Source [4] describes DHL’s own process.