Thailand Industry Ministry has intensified its scrutiny of imported products by ordering the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) to work closely with the Customs Department. The initiative aims to protect both Thai industries and consumers from potentially harmful and low-quality products that have been slipping through regulatory cracks, particularly via certain import channels. This move follows a recent government decision to close the EXEMPT 5 import channel, a previously exploited loophole for bringing in substandard goods.
Industry Minister Akanat Promphan emphasized the importance of safeguarding domestic industries and consumers against the risks posed by low-quality imports. “The Ministry is implementing a multi-faceted approach to intercept substandard goods entering the Thai market, ensuring that local manufacturers can compete fairly while protecting consumers from potentially dangerous products,” he said during a recent press conference.
In collaboration with various government bodies, the ministry has issued clear instructions to the TISI to team up with the Customs Department to enhance their inspection processes. On October 1, the Ministry officially closed the EXEMPT 5 import channel, marking a significant step in their plan to intensify the monitoring and control of imported goods.
EXEMPT 5 was initially designed as a specialized import pathway for TISI-controlled goods, allowing businesses to import small quantities of non-commercial goods without the need for permits or certifications. However, this system became a loophole for some unscrupulous businesses, allowing them to import inferior-quality products that did not meet Thai safety standards.
The decision to shut down EXEMPT 5 has already led to the establishment of a “special import notification center” to replace the now-closed channel, according to TISI Secretary-General Wanchai Phanomchai. The new system ensures that all controlled goods—144 categories in total—must go through the National Single Window (NSW), regardless of quantity. These categories include everyday items like detergents, plastic utensils, electrical plugs, and synthetic dyes, all of which are subject to stringent safety checks under Thai law.
This move reflects a broader attempt to shore up Thailand’s regulatory frameworks surrounding imports. By compelling importers to use the NSW system, authorities can now scrutinize the quality of goods in real-time, cutting down on the possibility of substandard items entering the Thai market unnoticed.
“Now that these products can no longer be imported through EXEMPT 5, importers must adhere to stricter regulations,” Wanchai explained. “Violators who attempt to smuggle or sell substandard goods will face severe legal consequences. Penalties can range from up to two years in prison to fines as high as 2 million baht, or both,” he warned.
The Industry Ministry’s strategy goes beyond merely closing loopholes. In his address, Minister Akanat stressed the importance of broadening collaboration between the TISI and other law enforcement bodies, such as the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) and the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB). By working closely with these agencies, the Ministry seeks to strengthen legal enforcement across the entire chain, from the point of importation to the eventual sale of goods.
This initiative highlights the government’s commitment to comprehensive oversight of imported products, ensuring that Thai consumers are only purchasing goods that meet national safety and quality standards. The collaboration with the CCIB is particularly significant given the increasing volume of online shopping in Thailand, where counterfeit and substandard products are more easily sold.
By involving agencies like the OCPB, the government hopes to target not only the importers of substandard goods but also those who distribute or market them domestically. This effort will enable authorities to take a more holistic approach, ensuring that products are scrutinized at every stage—from their arrival in Thailand to their sale on store shelves and online marketplaces.
As part of this renewed effort, TISI is also launching public awareness campaigns to educate consumers about the importance of verifying product quality. Wanchai Phanomchai emphasized the role consumers play in the fight against substandard goods, urging people to only purchase items that bear the TISI logo and a QR code for easy verification.
“Consumers must remain vigilant. Products with the TISI logo and QR codes have passed the rigorous checks necessary to meet our safety standards. Cheaper products may seem attractive, but they often come at the cost of quality and safety,” Wanchai noted.
By scanning the QR code, consumers can immediately verify whether the product meets the Thai Industrial Standards Institute’s stringent guidelines. This feature gives consumers an extra layer of security, allowing them to make informed purchasing decisions while helping authorities keep substandard products off the market.
The Ministry’s crackdown on substandard imports will have a positive effect on Thailand’s domestic industries, particularly those involved in manufacturing regulated goods. Many local companies have long complained about unfair competition from imported products that do not meet safety standards but are sold at significantly lower prices due to lower production costs.
By closing loopholes like EXEMPT 5 and instituting stricter controls, the government is leveling the playing field for local manufacturers, allowing them to compete fairly in the market. The TISI’s enhanced import regulations are expected to improve the quality of goods available to Thai consumers while encouraging domestic businesses to innovate and adhere to international standards.
Additionally, the push for better enforcement will likely attract more foreign investors, who may now have more confidence in Thailand’s regulatory oversight and consumer protections. This could lead to further growth in sectors such as electronics, manufacturing, and consumer goods, all of which play a crucial role in the country’s economy.
Despite the government’s commitment to tightening import controls, there are challenges ahead. The sheer volume of imports entering Thailand poses logistical hurdles for customs officials, who must now manage increased scrutiny without causing significant delays in trade. The Customs Department and TISI will need to employ advanced technologies and data systems to efficiently process the influx of goods, particularly with the use of the National Single Window system.
Moreover, enforcement agencies like the CCIB and OCPB will have to work tirelessly to combat the sale of substandard goods, particularly online, where identifying and penalizing violators can be more difficult. Collaborative efforts across government bodies will be essential for sustaining the impact of these regulations in the long term.
Thailand could benefit from further harmonizing its standards with international guidelines, particularly as the country continues to expand its role in global trade. Aligning Thai standards with those of international bodies such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) could facilitate smoother trade relationships and bolster the credibility of Thai industries in the global market.
