Important notice. Kratom Thai Exports supplies business buyers only (B2B). You must be 18 or older to use this site. The content on this page is for general market and research information. It is not medical advice and must not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition. These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Research findings are summarised from the cited sources and describe what those studies reported; they are not claims about any product we supply. Laws on kratom and its alkaloids, including 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), differ by country, state and city and change often. Check the laws in your jurisdiction and with your import authority before buying, importing or selling.
Short answer: a commercial kratom export from Thailand needs an ONCB export licence held by the exporter, a pre-shipment notification lodged at least seven business days ahead, and a consistent document set: commercial invoice, packing list, lot COA, certificate of origin, transport document and, where required, a phytosanitary certificate.
For wholesale buyers, a shipment is only as good as its paperwork. A well-specified lot can still be held at customs if a document is missing or inconsistent. This article explains how kratom export from Thailand works in practice, which documents typically accompany a commercial shipment, and how buyers can reduce compliance risk on both ends of the trade.
The regulatory background
Thailand removed kratom from its Category 5 narcotics list effective 24 August 2021 (Bangkok Post). Trade is now governed by the Kratom Plant Act 2022 and a 2025 ministerial regulation. According to Tilleke & Gibbins, exporters need an ONCB export licence (stated fee THB 5,000, valid five years) and must lodge a notification through the ONCB National Single Window at least seven business days before each shipment. The ONCB then issues a notification receipt code that customs uses for clearance.
Because the rules continue to evolve, buyers should treat any checklist, including this one, as a starting point. Always confirm current requirements with your exporter and, where needed, with Thai authorities before committing to a shipment.
Who is responsible for what
Export compliance is shared:
- The Thai exporter is responsible for export permits, product preparation, and origin-side documentation.
- The freight forwarder handles booking, export customs clearance and transport documents.
- The buyer or importer of record is responsible for confirming the product is legal to import and sell in the destination market, and for import customs clearance.
Agreeing these responsibilities in writing, and choosing clear Incoterms, prevents gaps where each party assumes someone else handled a step.
Core documents for a commercial kratom shipment
While exact requirements depend on the shipment and destination, buyers should expect the following:
Commercial invoice
States the seller, buyer, product description, HS code, quantity, unit price, total value, currency and Incoterms. Descriptions must be accurate and consistent with every other document.
Packing list
Lists each package, its contents, net and gross weights, and dimensions. Customs officers use it to verify the physical shipment against the invoice.
Certificate of analysis (COA)
Issued by a laboratory for the specific lot. Buyers commonly request microbiological testing, heavy metals and moisture. Ensure the lot number on the COA matches the lot number on the packaging and invoice.
Certificate of origin
Confirms the goods were produced in Thailand. Some destinations require it for customs purposes or preferential tariff treatment.
ONCB export licence and shipment notification receipt
The exporter’s five-year ONCB licence plus the notification receipt code for this specific shipment. Ask for both and check that quantity and lot numbers match the invoice.
Transport document
A bill of lading for sea freight or an air waybill for air freight, issued by the carrier or forwarder.
Phytosanitary certificate (where required)
Some destinations require phytosanitary certification for dried plant material. Requirements depend on the product format and the importing country.
Consistency is the most common failure point
The single most frequent cause of customs delays is inconsistency between documents. Product names, weights, lot numbers and HS codes must match across the invoice, packing list, COA and transport document. Before shipment, request draft copies of all documents and review them side by side.
Destination market checks
Kratom’s legal status varies significantly around the world. Some countries prohibit it, some regulate it, and in some countries rules differ between states or provinces. In certain markets, the intended use, labeling or product format also affects whether goods can be imported.
Before ordering, buyers should:
1. Confirm the legal status of kratom in the destination country and any sub-national jurisdiction where it will be sold.
2. Check whether an import license, registration or notification is required.
3. Confirm labeling and packaging rules that apply at import.
4. Engage a licensed customs broker familiar with botanical imports.
5. Seek legal advice where the position is unclear.
A responsible exporter will ask where goods are going and may decline shipments to markets where import is not permitted.
Related: kratom legal status in Thailand, how to source bulk kratom from Thailand and our importer FAQ.
Labeling and marketing considerations
Labels on bulk packaging should be factual: product name, botanical name (Mitragyna speciosa), format, net weight, lot number, origin and supplier details. Avoid statements about effects or uses on packaging and in shipping documents, as such claims can trigger regulatory scrutiny in many markets. Keep all commercial communication focused on specification, quality and traceability.
Timelines to plan for
Documentation adds time to every order. A realistic plan includes:
- Sample approval and lot testing.
- Production and packing to the agreed specification.
- Permit processing and document preparation.
- Export clearance and freight booking.
- Transit and import clearance.
First shipments generally take longer while documents are set up. Repeat shipments with the same specification and destination tend to move faster. Our kratom wholesale lead time guide breaks each stage down with published reference points.
How a sourcing partner reduces risk
A Bangkok-based sourcing partner coordinates suppliers, laboratories, forwarders and documentation in one place. At Kratom Thai Exports, we help buyers:
- Translate their requirements into a clear specification.
- Match them with vetted farms and processors.
- Arrange lot testing and collect matching COAs.
- Coordinate export documentation with the exporter and forwarder.
- Review document sets for consistency before shipment.
We work with business buyers only, including distributors, brand owners and manufacturers.
Pre-shipment compliance checklist
- Destination legality confirmed, including state or province rules
- Import license or registration obtained if required
- Export permit confirmed by the Thai exporter
- Lot-specific COA received and matched to lot numbers
- Commercial invoice and packing list consistent
- Certificate of origin and phytosanitary certificate arranged if required
- Labels factual and compliant
- Customs broker engaged at destination
Next steps
If you are planning an export from Thailand and want a structured process, contact Kratom Thai Exports. Share your destination, product format and expected volume, and we will outline the documents and timeline for your shipment.
This article provides general trade information and is not legal advice. Regulations change; confirm current requirements with qualified advisors and the relevant authorities.
Frequently asked questions
Who issues kratom export licences in Thailand?
The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), under the Kratom Plant Act 2022. Licences are valid for five years, and each shipment needs a separate notification (Tilleke & Gibbins).
How far ahead must a kratom shipment be notified?
At least seven business days before the export date, through the ONCB National Single Window, according to Tilleke & Gibbins. The ONCB issues a receipt code within three business days.
