Restricted & Prohibited Goods: How Thailand Enforces Controls (and What Changed in 2025)

Thailand’s customs regulations are crucial for anyone engaged in international trade. Understanding the distinction between restricted and prohibited goods, as well as recent shifts in policy, is imperative for businesses aiming to operate successfully in this Southeast Asian market. As of January 1, 2025, a significant change regarding the import of plastic waste has taken effect, impacting various stakeholders.

The Baseline: Prohibited vs. Restricted Goods

The Thai Customs Department defines two primary categories of goods: prohibited and restricted. Prohibited goods are never allowed entry into the country, while restricted goods require special permits to enter. Examples of prohibited goods include narcotics, counterfeit items, and obscene materials.

Restricted goods, on the other hand, include a broader range of items. These often require permits issued by specific licensing agencies before they can enter Thailand. For example, food, medicines, and certain hazardous substances are regulated by the FDA. Plants and wildlife fall under the purview of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of National Parks (DNP). Additionally, items such as antiques and Buddha images must be cleared by the Fine Arts Department. Each category is tied to strict control measures that importers must navigate to avoid complications.

Inspection of imported goods at a customs facility

2025 Environmental Shift: Plastic Waste Imports Banned

A pivotal change occurred in Thailand’s import policies on January 1, 2025, when the country enacted a ban on imported plastic waste. This new regulation was formally published in the Royal Gazette and represents a substantial shift in Thailand's environmental policy. Civil society organizations were actively involved in tracking and supporting this change, culminating in a comprehensive ban aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting domestic recycling.

The ban on plastic waste imports aligns with Thailand’s efforts to foster sustainable practices under the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy initiative. Those businesses reliant on imported plastic scrap as feedstock are now compelled to pivot toward domestic recycling solutions. By implementing this prohibition, Thailand aims to mitigate the negative effects of plastic pollution and encourage local industries to adapt to a greener economy.

Recycling facility dedicated to processing domestic waste materials

Quick Reference: Who Licenses What

Navigating the complexities of importing goods into Thailand requires a clear understanding of which agencies oversee specific product categories. Here is a concise breakdown of licensing responsibilities:

• FDA: Responsible for regulating food, medicines, cosmetics, medical devices, and certain hazardous substances. To ensure compliance, importers must obtain e-Certificates and licenses prior to shipment.

• Department of Agriculture / DNP / Fisheries: Oversees the import of plants, wildlife, and flora/fauna. This includes CITES-regulated derivatives, which require particular attention to compliance standards.

• National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC): Responsible for issuing permits for radio and telecom equipment, key for any business operating in the telecommunications sector.

• Fine Arts Department: Regulates the import of antiques and religious artifacts, such as Buddha images, which require special consideration to ensure they do not violate cultural preservation laws.

  
  

Understanding who licenses what is essential for avoiding delays and ensuring smooth customs clearance.

Customs officer reviewing paperwork for cleared goods

Practical Controls You’ll Feel at the Border

With advancements in technology, Thailand has streamlined some aspects of importing goods through digital licensing and integration of databases. For instance, the Thai National Single Window (NSW) allows for paperless verification of import/export permits connected directly to Customs. This digital approach not only speeds up the process but minimizes potential errors.

As of 2025, there is also an integration between the FDA and Customs’ databases. If your products fall under the Controlled Goods Database, it’s crucial that your declarations match the FDA’s digital credentials. Failure to do so may lead to delays or holds on shipments at customs. Thus, ensuring the accuracy of your documents is crucial for timely clearance.

Risk Scenarios & Fixes

Navigating customs in Thailand can present various risks for importers. Here are some common scenarios and how to address them:

• Scenario: You import vitamins without an FDA license.

What happens: Your shipment will be flagged as restricted, resulting in Customs halting clearance.

Fix: Before departing your shipment, ensure to file the correct FDA e-Certificate or License via Thai NSW to avoid any delays.

• Scenario: You rely on imported plastic scrap for production.

What happens: From January 1, 2025, your entry will be rejected due to the new plastic waste import ban.

Fix: It's essential to shift towards domestic recycled materials and to update your supplier contracts and harmonized system (HS) mapping accordingly.

Navigating these scenarios effectively helps uphold your business operations, avoiding costly delays and ensuring seamless transit of goods.

Moving Forward in Compliance

Understanding Thailand's customs regulations, including the distinction between restricted and prohibited goods, is critical for successful importing. The introduction of the plastic waste ban in 2025 necessitates immediate adaptation for those relying on imported materials. To continue thriving, businesses must stay informed and agile, ready to adjust to regulatory changes and comply with licensing requirements.

If you need assistance in navigating the complexities of import regulations, we offer a permit matrix for your tariff lines. We will return an agency-by-agency licensing guide mapped to your HS codes within 72 hours.

Stay ahead of the curve and make compliance easier to handle by understanding how the enforcement of controls in Thailand affects your operations.

Call to Action

If navigating the complexities of restricted and prohibited goods in Thailand feels overwhelming, don't hesitate to reach out. Our team can provide you with a permit matrix customized for your tariff lines, ensuring you are ahead of the game in license compliance.

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