Will Thai Customs confiscate/fine me for transporting personal e-cigs/e-juice?

[BohemianDaddyo]

I can't the answer to my question anywhere here at thaivisa or from google. I do find some outdated info at e-cig forums regarding Thailand, but still not much directly related to bringing in e-cigs for personal use through customs..

I know it's illegal to sell and import e-cigs and e-juice in Thailand at a business level, but what about visitors bringing in e-cigs and e-juice for personal use? There is still nothing scientifically proven in e-cig use or the vapor to be harmful - and there is no doubt their use is effective in kicking the tobacco habit. My question is if anyone knows what customs will do at Chiang Mai airport when/if I enter into Thailand with 6 e-cigs, a few dozen cartridges and a 60 to 120 ml bottle of e-juice?

Anyone? Thanks..

Edited March 10, 2014 by BohemianDaddyo

[darrendsd]

If a item is illegal in a country it stands to reason that it will be confiscated if found at a arrival airport

You could always try giving the Customs Dept a call but I suspect they will tell you exactly the same

[55Jay]

Friend of mine told me up to 100ml of liquid can be brought in (by post). I don't remember where he came by that info, but he's told me that a few times as we discussed getting supplies from China. He's just done a larger than normal order by post, but less than 100ml, and no problems.

Sorry, no experience yet with airport entries.

[smileplur]

When I tried to go the vaping/e-cig route, I had no problems bringing my 'gear' in and out of the country. I also had no problems buying more of the juice. In addition to my own experience, I know several people who order much larger quantities of the stuff than you are talking about which never has a problem making it through by post. It is unlikely they will check your bags, but I don't think you would have the slightest problem if they did give your bag a search and you explained the contents. You would likely be given back the 'goods' and sent on your way. Worst case: They take them away and you order more on the internet!

[rwdrwdrwd]

I've flown in and out a lot with them, I put my more expensive day-to-day vaporiser, bottles of juice and other consumables in checked in luggage, and have a cheaper device and a couple of pre-filled clearomisers filed neatly into my hand luggage for the journey - passed through the scanner many times without issue. I am prepared to sacrifice them though, both mentally and literally.

I think the main flag would be the liquid, bringing even a small a bottle of liquid in hand luggage is tempting a flag at the scanner and an inspection.

In terms of general import, I regularly order more than 100ml by mail and have never had an issue.

In terms of the law, my understanding was that it was illegal to sell in Thailand, not specifically illegal to possess - I could be wrong.

Edited March 10, 2014 by rwdrwdrwd

[surangw]

maybe it would depend on if the agent searching your baggage knows what is and if they want one for them selves.

[kimbathewhitelion]

No. You can even smoke them while in the terminal.

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[BohemianDaddyo]

If a item is illegal in a country it stands to reason that it will be confiscated if found at a arrival airport

You could always try giving the Customs Dept a call but I suspect they will tell you exactly the same

Reasonable or reasoned laws could be considered an oxymoron for many laws in most any country.. When it comes to standing by reason, I'm sure most any citizen of most any given country will not find reasoning, rational, logic and/or realism behind a plethora of their laws. Although this constitutional monarchy under a parliamentary democracy in Thailand is graciously taking a 2nd look at the safety and efficacy of e-cigs and its vapor over tobacco smoke now, I'll ask the question in terms of risk management..

Has anyone out there had their e-cigs, their cartridges, chargers, and/or e-juice for personal use confiscated by customs in Thailand at entry into any giving Thai airport, and was their a fine involved? Has anyone come through customs in Thailand allowing them to enter with their own stash of personal e-cigs and associated paraphernalia? What might be the Vegas odds of getting through customs with e-cig supplies for personal use only without declaring them? What might happen if personal e-cig supplies were declared to customs in Thailand?

Thanks...

[BohemianDaddyo]

Friend of mine told me up to 100ml of liquid can be brought in (by post). I don't remember where he came by that info, but he's told me that a few times as we discussed getting supplies from China. He's just done a larger than normal order by post, but less than 100ml, and no problems.

Sorry, no experience yet with airport entries.

Thanks! I think I'll google the customs branch of the Thai government to see if I can find something on that.. It would make sense because it is not illegal per se to use e-cig products in Thailand, only to sell and import them from what I've read.. Is this correct? And even though illegal to sell and import, there's a huge black market for e-cigs like there is for anything declared illegal, regardless if it is dangerous or not to one's health..

[BohemianDaddyo]

maybe it would depend on if the agent searching your baggage knows what is and if they want one for them selves.

Ha! Sounds like what I've read about Thailand, which I don't consider good or bad - it just is.. I use V2 from Miami, FL costing $22 for each e-cig device leaving me not wanting to lose any of the 6 I've got.. I'd bet they'd know what it is though..

[BohemianDaddyo]

No. You can even smoke them while in the terminal.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Great! I've both heard and read I can get away with taking a few puffs on an e-cig even in the seat if doing it discreetly, or in the restroom. And if people are allowed to use e-cigs in a Thai airport terminal, it would 'appear reasonable' to assume customs isn't going to slap a huge fine, or confiscate personal e-cig supplies up to a certain amount on someone going through customs on entry into Thailand.. Then again, one can't assume there is any reason, rational, logic or realism behind many of the laws of any given country..

[BohemianDaddyo]

I've flown in and out a lot with them, I put my more expensive day-to-day vaporiser, bottles of juice and other consumables in checked in luggage, and have a cheaper device and a couple of pre-filled clearomisers filed neatly into my hand luggage for the journey - passed through the scanner many times without issue. I am prepared to sacrifice them though, both mentally and literally.

I think the main flag would be the liquid, bringing even a small a bottle of liquid in hand luggage is tempting a flag at the scanner and an inspection.

In terms of general import, I regularly order more than 100ml by mail and have never had an issue.

In terms of the law, my understanding was that it was illegal to sell in Thailand, not specifically illegal to possess - I could be wrong.

On last statement on e-cig legality, I've read the same thing. What you say about e-juice makes sense as well. By pre-filled clearomisers, I'm guessing you must mean the e-cig cartridges? Each one doesn't last very long w/the V2 e-cigs I use - I'd have to bring in dozens of pre-filled ones if not bringing in e-juice. Thanks for relaying your experience on coming through customs with them..

I just checked here at Thai Customs finding nothing specific about e-cigs and supplies. However I did find this: "The import of drugs, foods, and supplementary products requires prior licensing from the Food and Drug Administration, the Ministry of Health." But why would the Thai gov't give a hoot about what the Fed FDA does or doesn't do? Are they even referring to the FDA of the country a citizen is coming from?

Given I'm coming from the US that has it's share of totally irrational and unreasonable laws, the FDA here refuses to approve e-cigs with no scientific evidence proving they are any more harmful than than over the counter ashma inhalers... I'm not a risk taker when it comes to laws in any given country, including the US.. But dam_n it, I need my e-cigs!

Edited March 10, 2014 by BohemianDaddyo

[kimbathewhitelion]

Christ OP you're way to anal. They sell e-cigs in the country & the airlines here recognize them. I carried about 30 bottles of refill juice along with about 10 e-cigs in my Checked luggage. Carried my e-Go refillable electronic cig in my carry on (with 3 bottles of different flavored nicotine liquid) which I smoked on the plane. Also smoked on the plane & in a variety of terminals including Taiwan & Thailand, disposable e-cigs.

Of all OPs this is one of the most no-brainers....I'm done!

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[BohemianDaddyo]

Christ OP you're way to anal. They sell e-cigs in the country & the airlines here recognize them. I carried about 30 bottles of refill juice along with about 10 e-cigs in my Checked luggage. Carried my e-Go refillable electronic cig in my carry on (with 3 bottles of different flavored nicotine liquid) which I smoked on the plane. Also smoked on the plane & in a variety of terminals including Taiwan & Thailand, disposable e-cigs.

Of all OPs this is one of the most no-brainers....I'm done!

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Excuse me for being mildly OCD - I can't help my meticulous, sometimes obsessive nature despite your complaining about it. OCD is common in musicians. But your experience w/e-cigs in coming thru Thai customs does help me and I thank you for that.. It's a no brainer for you because you have the experience of going thru Thai airport with e-cig supplies - that's all I'm trying to find out - no need for you to get indignant about it. And when it comes to laws, there's little that is a no brainer, unless you don't have one..

Edited March 10, 2014 by BohemianDaddyo

[user82374298374]

>I'm not a risk taker when it comes to laws in any given country, including the US.

I fly in and out of Thailand all the time; my traveling kit is a ditty-bag of 400mAh eGo-C 'shorties' and a Mega Dual Coil XL or Kanger T2, plus extra juice in an unlabeled plastic squeeze-bottle tucked in with my other liquids in the plastic bag allowed for carry-on of liquids.

On occasion, a security screener recognizes the eGo-C batteries on the X-Ray machine, asks me to confirm that what she's seeing is e-cig batteries, and then sends me along on my merry way.

I order juice on a regular basis from major vendors in the US and Europe with no problems. I get it shipped in via international post. My most recent order consisted of two 240ml bottles of juice from the USA - had to pay some import duty at the local EMS office, but that was it.

I smoke my e-cigs on the street, in clubs, etc. I adhere to the prevailing notions of where one is allowed to smoke cigarettes and where one is not. Policemen have seen me puffing away, knowing that they won't be able to collect a 2,00ThB on-the-spot 'fine' from me for throwing away cigarette stubs on the sidewalk, and they're fine with it.

Keep in mind that law and rules aren't the same in Asian societies as in the West. It's all relative, and selective enforcement of the law is used as an instrument of societal control. Make a policeman or an important/wealthy Thai angry, and you'll be charged with every questionable thing you've done and many things you haven't.

I even vape in Singapore, although they've banned e-cigs to protect their governmental tobacco monopoly revenue, too. Singapore are much stricter than other Asian countries; I wouldn't vape in Singapore in front of a policeman, and when I go to Singapore, I carry two Joyetech eRolls in their charger cases with the branding taped over, which can plausibly be explained away as 'USB batteries' - which is technically true, heh.

So, don't sweat it. I wouldn't recommend strolling down the street with your Provari or whatever (I use a VTR at home), but exercise reasonable discretion, and you'll be fine.

[lucifer666]

I brought mine in 2 years ago (even used it on the plane), no questions asked and no problems.

[Xonax]

e-cigs and juice is sold openly from street stalls in lower Sukhumvit (BKK).

Edited March 11, 2014 by Xonax

[thhMan]

Did you ever consider asking Thai Customs?

Unless you prefer to get advice from here by professionals in this field who have a friend that...................

[Eric Behm]

Sorry. but why bring them in ? You still can buy the stuff here in the streets... Forbidden or not.

[Eric Behm]

I brought mine in 2 years ago (even used it on the plane), no questions asked and no problems.

Do NOT try to use the e-cigs on a plane or in an Airport. It will/can cost you a fortune and is prohibited by IATA, thai law, Swedish law and many other followers.

[user82374298374]

Concur, don't use it on a plane.

You may, however, use it in the designated smoking area of airports which still have them (most Asian airports do).

[razer]

YES ... no fine ... they just confiscate it ... you can check the street vendors because that is where your e cigs will end up.

[fleeing]

Please just remember when flying anywhere with e-cig batteries that they are lithium-ion batteries, like the Boeing ones, so they must be kept in your hand luggage. If they are batteries with unsealed positive and negative connectors, not Ego-type, use battery boxes so they can't short. Although accidents with lithium-ion batteries are rare they can happen, so obviously it is better to have such things in the cabin where any incident can be dealt with, than in the hold.

More generally, Thai customs are not actively looking for e-cigs or nicotine fluid at the moment. Pack devices without batteries and very well sealed nicotine fluid in your checked-in baggage and you will have no problems at all.

Edited March 11, 2014 by fleeing

[slipperylobster]

Bring large quantities of liquid on an airplane? I do not wish to elaborate, but if it was that simple, then what would stop a maniac to bring liquid explosives in similar containers?

[thailandbeachisland]

Of course they won't catch you, bring what you want.

[Mudcrab]

Bring large quantities of liquid on an airplane? I do not wish to elaborate, but if it was that simple, then what would stop a maniac to bring liquid explosives in similar containers?

Nothing that's why they had a crack down on any liquid over 100ml coming in carry on baggage. They filled many garbage cans with confiscated liquids. The ban has been lifted so I guess they know what they are looking for now.

[slipperylobster]

This might help... although if it is for personal consumption, that was most likely be a judgement call. I see nothing about that.

http://www.customs.go.th/wps/wcm/connect/custen/traders+and+business/prohibited+and+restricted+items/general+prohibitions+and+restrictions/generalprohibitionsandrestrictions

[BohemianDaddyo]

re. disambiguated in I fly in and out of Thailand all the time; my traveling kit is a ditty-bag of 400mAh eGo-C 'shorties' and a Mega Dual Coil XL or Kanger T2, plus extra juice in an unlabeled plastic squeeze-bottle tucked in with my other liquids

Nice to know, thx! All my e-juice bottles are unlabeled as well.

re. disambiguated in On occasion, a security screener recognizes the eGo-C batteries on the X-Ray machine, asks me to confirm that what she's seeing is e-cig batteries, and then sends me along on my merry way.

Even nicer to know! I just don't want fines even if confiscated.

re. disambiguated in My most recent order consisted of two 240ml bottles of juice from the USA - had to pay some import duty at the local EMS office, but that was it.

Interesting.. Tells me Thai gov't is relaxing even more on e-cigs from what I've read on their seizing of e-juice ordered from outside the country in the past - perhaps because they are taking a 2nd look now at the safety and efficacy of e-cigs compared to tobacco use.

re. disambiguated in I adhere to the prevailing notions of where one is allowed to smoke cigarettes and where one is not.

As do I here in the states, despite the fact a pesky anti-tobacco group convinced local county gov't here in FL to ban e-cig use anywhere tobacco smoking is banned, and continues to lobby for this across this nation - despite having absolutely no proven scientific evidence that 2nd hand e-cig vapor is harmful, much less 1st hand use being harmful.

re. disambiguated in Policemen have seen me puffing away, knowing that they won't be able to collect a 2,00ThB on-the-spot 'fine' from me for throwing away cigarette stubs on the sidewalk, and they're fine with it.

That's something I never heard before - the on the spot fine for tossing a cig stub on the street. Reminiscent of Malaysia and spitting on the sidewalk. I certainly don't object to such a fine given how clean the streets look in Chiang Mai in photos at least. A far cry from Vegas looking quite trashy these days, especially once you get off the strip or away from casino row downtown.

re. disambiguated in Keep in mind that law and rules aren't the same in Asian societies as in the West. It's all relative, and selective enforcement of the law is used as an instrument of societal control. Make a policeman or an important/wealthy Thai angry, and you'll be charged with every questionable thing you've done and many things you haven't.

Well said common sense - respect everyone and the cultural/societal laws until someone individually disrespects you, and even then, don't take it personally as it may be a result of some unknown cultural infraction or insult. Adhere to that 'no worries' Thai attitude I've read about

re. disambiguated in I wouldn't recommend strolling down the street with your Provari or whatever (I use a VTR at home), but exercise reasonable discretion, and you'll be fine.

Really? Don't stroll down any given street puffing on an e-cig in Thailand? That would seem to disagree w/your previous statement and if can't puff away on a street, where can I puff away at besides privately in my room?

re. lucifer666 in I brought mine in 2 years ago (even used it on the plane), no questions asked and no problems.

Nice to know, but then again, you're the devil and can get away with everything

re. Xonax in e-cigs and juice is sold openly from street stalls in lower Sukhumvit (BKK).

Thx for info Xonax, and I read this is true through much in Thailand in street stalls..

re. Eric Behm in Do NOT try to use the e-cigs on a plane or in an Airport. It will/can cost you a fortune and is prohibited by IATA, thai law, Swedish law and many other followers. re. disambiguated in Concur, don't use it on a plane. You may, however, use it in the designated smoking area of airports which still have them (most Asian airports do).

Thx both for clarifying that. An airline ticket agent on the phone told me could even puff away at my seat when a flight attendant isn't looking. However I may take a chance on a few puffs in plane restroom given a total of 21 hours flying time inside 27 hours total flight time each way..

re. razer in YES ... no fine ... they just confiscate it ... you can check the street vendors because that is where your e cigs will end up.

Good to know there's no fine razer - thanks. Meaning as someone else put it, only take the e-cig supplies you're willing to lose. So I'll take maybe 3 of the V2 e-cig batteries, a dozen or so cartridges, a charger, and a 60 ml bottle of my fav Casablanca e-juice

re. fleeing in Please just remember when flying anywhere with e-cig batteries that they are lithium-ion batteries, like the Boeing ones, so they must be kept in your hand luggage.

Thanks for heads up, but even though a month long trip in Thailand, I'm packing light with just 2 carry on bags w/day pack folded in one, so no worries there. Also good to know Thai customs is not specifically looking to bust people in fines for a harmless technology to halt or in lieu of tobacco use.

re. slipperylobster in This might help... although if it is for personal consumption, that was most likely be a judgement call. I see nothing about that.

Thx for the effort looking it up slippery, but I'd found that earlier commenting on it w/questions feeling even more confused copy/pasted here : I just checked here at Thai Customs finding nothing specific about e-cigs and supplies. However I did find this: "The import of drugs, foods, and supplementary products requires prior licensing from the Food and Drug Administration, the Ministry of Health." But why would the Thai gov't give a hoot about what the Fed FDA does or doesn't do? Are they even referring to the FDA of the country a citizen is coming from?

Thanks much to you all - you've given me enough info to decide how I'll proceed taking only the e-cig supplies I'm prepared to risk loosing on this trip through customs and once in Thailand.. Members are very responsive on this forum willing and eager to offer their experienced Thailand travel advice - much more than I've found in other forums, and that's greatly appreciated

Bohemian Daddy-o

[rwdrwdrwd]

OP ProVari are bigger, chunkier metal devices, not as subtle as an Ego or a cigarette style device which is what (I think) the poster is alluding to. As it happens I use one all the time when walking the streets, in bars etc, though it is the mini version.

In terms of prefilled carts, I get a few clearomisers when I place orders as backups and travel items - these are refillable wick based consumables designed to work with non cigarette style vaporisers - google them if you are unfamiliar. For me a couple of those prefilled last around 24 hours.

I do use them in planes, very subtly and holding in the vapour, unless they are expressly mentioned as banned on the plane.

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[Konini]

I have a big Nova with a 1100 battery, always carry it with a couple of spare batteries in hand luggage. I used to bury it in the bottom of my laptop bag with all the cables and USB sticks and other assorted junk. Forgot once, it was picked up on the security scan. I took it out and showed it to the officer and he was very interested in how it worked and how much it cost. He called a supervisor over who was equally interested in it. When I'd answered all of their questions (their personal questions, not security related) they smiled and waved me through. This was a couple of years ago when the big ones were still fairly new. Since then I haven't bothered hiding it, it's in my handbag and nobody has ever asked, which begs the question of why nobody is noticing it and not asking questions. I also carry 2 50ml bottles of juice (in case I lose one in the airport or on the plane, can't go without a 'smoke' for too long). Same thing, forgot once and nobody noticed (I also had a roll on deodorant in there, all 3 things in the clear plastic bag ready to scan separately, I simply forgot to take it out of my hand luggage at the scan). Since then, I don't even bother putting anything in separate bag for liquids and gels, usually only juice and deodorant, but occasionally small bottle of perfume or something. If they ever do notice, a pleasant smile and genuine (sounding) apology goes most if not all the way to smoothing things out.

I puff away quite happily at the airport, and am noticing more and more people doing the same whilst sat with bored expressions on their faces. I am more discreet onboard, Bangkok Airways non smoking announcement includes electronic cigarettes, one airline we flew with in England also banned the use of them onboard, but if you're discreet and blow the vapour down your tshirt or shirt, I can't see it being a problem. If it is, apologise profusely, smile a lot and all will be well.

I'm speaking as one who is a very heavy user.