General Standards
Thailand’s economy is struggling to regain its growth momentum more than a year after the military seized power. Ongoing political uncertainty undermines the investment climate and keeps the country’s economic dynamism below potential levels. Capital controls have been eased, but authoritarianism coupled with populist economic policies continues to deter flows of investment.
In order to protect the local market, the government established a number of international trade standards witch have to be followed by every importer or exporter.
The main standards developing organization is the Thailand Industrial Standards Institute (TISI). TISI is a member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and participates in the FAO/WHO Food Standards Program (CODEX), the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), the International Auditor and Training Certification Association (IATCA), and the International Laboratory Conference (ILAC). In Southeast Asia, TISI is a member of the ASEAN Consultative Committee for Standards and Quality (ACCSQ). TISI is also a member of the Standards and Conformance Subcommittee (SCSC) under the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and represents Thailand in the Pacific Area Standards Congress (PASC).
Tariffs
Thailand has a two-column tariff based on the Harmonised System. Tariff duties on goods are levied on numerous import items and on an ad valorem or a specific rate basis, whichever is higher. Suppliers’ or manufacturers’ invoices generally determine cost values and quantities. The customs authority, however, has the right to reassess the value of goods if found to be valued significantly lower than the market.
The majority of imported articles are subject to two different taxes: tariff duty and Value Added Tax (VAT). Tariff duty is applied by multiplying the CIF value of the goods by the duty rate. This is added to the value of the goods to determine a final tax. VAT is then levied on the total sum of the CIF value, duty and excise tax, if any. Goods imported for re-export are generally exempt from import duty and VAT.
Special Certificates
Certain types of seeds, plants and animals require phytosanitary certificates issued by the approved authority in the country of origin.
Meat imports must be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate signed by the official authority in the country of origin certifying that:
- the country of origin has been free from endemic diseases for the specified period;
- the animal has been processed in an approved establishment in sanitary conditions under constant veterinary supervision;
- the products are fit for human consumption and do not contain preservatives, additives or other substances in quantities harmful to human health;
- they have not been stored for more than three months (the date of processing or packing must be stated).
Exporters of pharmaceutical and medicinal products may be requested to provide a certificate of free sale before shipment will be allowed. One copy of the supplier's certificate is required. This certificate may be obtained upon application to the Therapeutic Goods Administration, Australian Department of Health.
Labelling
There are strict requirements governing the labelling of dairy foods, baby foods, canned foods, vinegar, beverages, edible oil and fats and gourmet powder (defined as an article containing monosodium glutamate (MSG) and used for food seasoning) that must be met.
Food products must be approved and registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). When seeking registration importers must supply two samples of each product, details of the exact composition by percentage of each ingredient, and six labels. Foodstuffs in sealed containers are also subject to specific regulations.
Food products imported into Thailand must be labelled in Thai and display the following information for consumers:
- name and brand of the product (both generic and trade);
- registration number;
- name and address of the manufacturer;
- name and address of the importer;
- date of manufacturing and expiry;
- net weight and volume;
- any additives used;
- health and nutritional claims (if any).
Labels for alcoholic beverages must display the percentage of alcohol content. There must also be a health warning, printed in Thai, on the label or on a sticker, with specific government-approved wording.
Regulations also govern the labelling on cosmetic products. Generally a local agent or importer can help to register a product and ensure labelling requirements are met.
Packaging
Packaging should be secure and able to withstand extreme heat and humidity. Consideration should also be given for the possibility of goods being stored in the open. Waterproof packing should be used where necessary and the use of hay and straw should be avoided.
Commercial Invoice
There is no prescribed form but precise details are obligatory. A minimum of five copies is needed.
Required details include:
- country of origin
- country or countries from which the product was purchased and consigned
- date of purchase and sale - whether goods are sold, contracted to be sold, sent on consignment or supplied to branch firm
- type of packaging (crates, drums, bundles etc.)
- marks, numbers, gross and net weight of each package and total gross weight of consignment
- total number of packages and number containing identical goods
- complete description of goods, i.e. name, kind, quality, weight, size and/or grade of each item (for composite articles, show ratio of constituents), trademarks and other symbols
- selling price or value per unit (in currency of transaction)
- any other charges, including export bonus or subsidy, discounts, packing, insurance, freight, commission etc.
CONTACTS
Thai Industrial Standards Institute, Ministry of Industry
Rama 6 Street, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Tel: (662) 202-3494
E-mail: thaistan@tisi.go.th
Website: www.tisi.go.th
Commercial Section, U.S. Embassy Bangkok
Ms. Suttharud Liangwonnaporn – Commercial Assistant
E-mail: Suttharud.Liangwonnaporn@trade.gov
Website: http://www.export.gov/thailand
