What Requirements Does Thai Have for Full Container Load (FCL) in Ocean Freight?

2025-03-30 15:48

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Waytron has a long-term and stable relationship with many carriers. With our strong strength, professional team, scientific system and sound network, Waytron can provide our customers with one-stop global logistics services, which are now can be involved in many countries such as USA, Canada, Europe, Australia and southeast Asia, and so on. Waytron can handle FCL, LCL, and special shipments, also providing reliable SOC service and competitive rates for TP trades, especially to USA and Canada inland locations, such as Dallas, El Paso, Portland, Houston, Calgary and Winnipeg.   

Waytron Overseas Department is in charge of working with the overseas agents, including D/O, Customs Clearance, Door Delivery and Transshipment to ensure the high-quality services.

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As a key logistics hub in Southeast Asia, Thailand manages full container load (FCL) transportation in accordance with international standards and local regulations to ensure cargo safety, customs efficiency, and port operational norms. Below are the main requirements for FCL containers in Thailand:

1. Container Size and Weight Restrictions

  • Size Requirements: Thai ports primarily accept ISO-standard containers such as 20-foot, 40-foot, and 40-foot high-cube containers.

  • Weight Limits:

    • The gross weight of a single container generally must not exceed 30.48 metric tons (67,200 pounds), with additional axle weight restrictions for road transport (e.g., 18 tons per tandem axle).


2. Documentation and Customs Clearance Requirements

  • Mandatory Documents:

    • Bill of Lading

    • Commercial Invoice

    • Packing List

    • Certificate of Origin (if applicable, for tariff preferences)


  • Special Goods: Some products require import permits (e.g., agricultural goods, electronics, pharmaceuticals) and must comply with Thai certifications (e.g., TISI, FDA).

3. Dangerous Goods and Special Cargo

  • Transportation of dangerous goods must strictly adhere to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) and be declared in advance to Thai customs.

  • Refrigerated containers (reefers) must maintain temperature records during transit and pass inspection of refrigeration equipment at Thai ports.

4. Labeling and Marking

  • Containers must be clearly labeled with:

    • Container number

    • Dangerous goods labels (if applicable)

    • Port of destination and consignee information


  • Labels must be in English and meet Thai customs requirements for clarity and durability.

5. Packaging and Compliance

  • Wooden packaging materials must be ISPM 15 heat-treated to prevent pest introduction.

  • Cargo packaging must comply with Thailand’s Industrial Standards (TIS) to ensure transportation safety.

  • Imported goods must meet Thai product safety regulations, with some requiring compliance certificates (e.g., NTC certification for electrical products).


The following table summarizes the key requirements for FCL in Thailand:

Requirement CategorySpecific ContentNotes
Size and WeightStandard 20-foot and 40-foot containers, gross weight ≤ 30.48 metric tonsRoad transport axle limits apply
DocumentationBill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of OriginSpecial goods need permits and certifications
Dangerous GoodsCompliance with IMDG Code, prior declarationRefrigerated cargo needs temperature logs
Labeling and MarkingContainer number, dangerous goods labels, port of destination, English labelsLabels must be clear and durable
Packaging MaterialsWooden packaging must be ISPM 15 certifiedUnapproved wood may be rejected
Compliance and SafetyPackaging meets TIS standards; some goods require NTC, FDA certificationsEnsures product safety and regulatory compliance


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