4. Customs Clearance
CEA have leveraged off previous experience and have also conducted detailed enquiries for Customs
clearance operations at the Friendship Bridge III check points both in Laos and Thailand. During the
investigation, CEA contacted both Thai and Laos customs as well as existing partners who consistently work
this route.
There are 2 methods of clearance that can be used for transiting cargoes through Thailand as follos:
1. Goods declared as transit cargo
2. Utilization of Free Trade Zone
Please see the attached accompanying documents for further explanation and detail.
In the case of using barges and abnormal crossing points at the Thai/Laos border, both customs
departments advised that inspections can be arranged to take place at the points of crossing. It should be
noted however that this is not common and could possibly be expensive. This is also subject to approval of
both customs authorities.
For customs clearances under Master List. (if required), the following documents will be required.
1. Master OBL (mentioning goods in transit to Laos – see addendum sample obl)
2. Forwarders house OBL (if applicable)
3. Invoice and packing list
4. E/N (exchange note)
5. Contract agreement
6. Cargo list with the invoice value per container or sub
7. Copy of original duty and exemption letter
8. Application form for import customs declaration (IM)
Note: Should there be not duty exemption letter at the time of import, the application of import
customs clearance should be done based on IM8 with the supporting letter.
5. Conclusion
Based on the survey we have done on the routing to jobsite from Laem Chabang port. We would strongly
suggest to have the routing split into two distinct parts being, general cargoes (ingauge) travelling to
jobsite on the shorter transit route and oversized cargoes transported to jobsite opting for the slightly
longer and safer route. In view of the poor waterway infrastructures and the possible high costs in
upgrading the existing barge landings, we would suggest for TTCL to try and make use of the road option
as much as possible and to have the inbound cargo enveloped reduced for road freight usage. We would
however be happy to assist TTCL further in defining the optimal barge landing spot and to assist where
required in the upgrade works through our excellent connection in the Laotian territory.