Import Plywood from China to Thailand: The 2025 Zero-Duty Guide (Form E)

📅 9 12 月, 2025 ✍️ By The Plywood Hub 📂 How-To Guides

[Introduction: Importing is Easier Than You Think]

Many Thai furniture factories and contractors get their plywood from the local building material shop down the street. It’s convenient, yes. But do you know you are paying a 20-30% markup for that convenience?

The biggest barrier preventing Thai businesses from buying directly from China is fear.

“I don’t know how to clear customs.” “What if I get taxed heavily?” “Will the ship be delayed?”

As The Plywood Hub (China), our mission is to make cross-border sourcing as easy as buying locally. Today, we demystify the import process and show you how to legally bypass import taxes to land factory-direct prices.

1. The “Zero Duty” Secret: Form E & ACFTA

This is the most important concept for any Thai importer.

Under the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) agreement, plywood products (HS Code 4412 series) made in China are eligible for 0% Import Duty when entering Thailand.

🔑 How to claim it?

You need a specific document called Form E (Certificate of Origin).

Without Form E: You might pay standard import duties (which can be high).
With Form E: Import Duty = 0 Baht. You only pay the standard 7% VAT in Thailand.

💼 Platform Value

When you connect with factories through The Plywood Hub, we ensure every shipment comes with a valid, verified Form E issued by Chinese Customs, guaranteeing your tax exemption.

2. Shipping Logistics: FOB vs. CIF

For first-time importers, trade terms can be confusing. Which one should you choose?

🚢 FOB (Free On Board)

The factory only sends goods to the Chinese port. You have to find a shipping agent, book the vessel, and buy insurance yourself. Recommended only if you have your own logistics team.

✅ CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) —— Recommended for Beginners

The factory price includes the shipping cost and insurance to your Thai port (Laem Chabang or Bangkok PAT).

Why choose CIF?

Because we (the platform) ship thousands of containers. Our negotiated sea freight rates are often much cheaper than what an individual buyer can get. You just wait for the ship to arrive.

3. The Timeline: From Order to Warehouse

Planning is key. To avoid project delays, here is a realistic timeline for sourcing from Linyi to Thailand:

Production: 7-15 days (depending on quantity and specs).
1
Inland Transport to Qingdao Port: 2 days.
2
Sea Shipping:
- Qingdao to Laem Chabang: approx. 10-12 days.
- Qingdao to Bangkok (PAT): approx. 12-15 days.
3
Customs Clearance: 2-3 days.
4

📅 Total Lead Time

We advise clients to place orders 30 days before they need the material on site.

4. Documentation Checklist

Don’t let paperwork scare you. Once the ship leaves China, we send you a “Document Packet”. You simply hand this packet to your Thai Customs Broker, and they handle the rest.

📋 The Packet Includes:

📄 Bill of Lading (B/L): Your proof of ownership to pick up the cargo.
💰 Commercial Invoice: Shows the value of goods for VAT calculation.
📊 Packing List: Details the quantity and sizes.
🔑 Form E: The key to 0% Duty.

Note: If you don’t have a Customs Broker, The Plywood Hub can refer trusted local Thai agents who specialize in wood products.

5. Why Import via The Plywood Hub?

You could find a random factory online, but sourcing alone carries risks:

💸 Price

Are you really getting the factory price, or a trader’s price?

🔒 Safety

Will the factory disappear after receiving the deposit?

✅ Compliance

Does the factory know how to issue a correct Form E that Thai Customs will accept?

🛡️ The Plywood Hub (China) is your safety net

🔗

Direct Access

We connect you to verified source factories, ensuring you get the true “Factory Direct Price” without middleman markups.

👀

Risk Control

We act as your eyes in China, verifying the factory’s legitimacy and ensuring document accuracy before the ship sails.

[Conclusion: Think Like a Big Distributor]

The big distributors in Bangkok are profitable because they import directly. Now, small and medium-sized businesses can do the same.

Don’t let the fear of logistics eat your profits.

Reject Middlemen, Connect Direct to Factory.

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