TISI After Certification: Continuous Surveillance, Factory Audits, and Market Controls (What Manufacturers Must Plan For)

Nov 24
3 min read

Achieving your TISI (Thai Industrial Standards Institute) certificate is only half the journey. Thailand’s mandatory scheme follows ISO/IEC 17067 Type 5, which requires ongoing conformity surveillance, including type testing, factory quality management system (QMS) evaluation, and market monitoring. Most certification bodies and authorized labs are in Thailand, meaning local audits and Thai lab retesting are routine for regulated product families. This is especially relevant for electrical and electronic products as well as safety-critical items.

Eye-level view of a laboratory with testing equipment — Laboratory view for type testing of products

What Does “Type 5” Mean in Practice?

Under TISI’s mandatory program, your product's approval rests on three essential pillars:

Type Testing: This entails testing representative samples according to Thai standards.
Factory Audit/QMS Evaluation: Conducted by TISI-recognized inspectors, this ensures that your production processes meet regulatory standards.
Surveillance of Production and Market: Continuous oversight confirms ongoing compliance, which may trigger re-tests or corrective actions if any deviations are detected.

This type of continuous surveillance persists throughout the life of the certification. Any detected deviations can lead to immediate re-tests, additional corrective measures, or may result in penalties. To maintain compliance, manufacturers need to be thoroughly prepared for periodic checks and audits.

Close-up view of certification documents on a desk — Certification paperwork essential for compliance with TISI

Common Mandatory Scopes & Typical Triggers

Thailand currently enforces over 100 mandatory TIS standards, particularly focusing on electrical and electronic goods as well as household appliances. This includes products such as lithium batteries, power banks, lamps, kettles, washing machines, and refrigerators.

Surveillance is often triggered by various activities and events:

Design Changes: Any modification in product design triggers a review.
Safety Incident Reports: Reports of accidents or defects can initiate an unscheduled audit.
Retailer Complaints: Feedback from retailers about product malfunctions may lead to scrutiny.
Market Sampling: Regular sampling by the certification body can result in the need for additional testing.

Penalties for selling non-compliant goods can include fines, recalls, or outright bans. These penalties not only have operational implications but can significantly affect a brand's reputation. It is crucial for manufacturers to align their product family grouping and change control processes so that engineering modifications do not inadvertently invalidates their certification coverage.

A Surveillance-Ready Operating Model

To successfully navigate the complexities of compliance and maintain a good standing with TISI, manufacturers should adopt a surveillance-ready operating model. Here are 12 essential controls that can help ensure ongoing compliance:

Product Family Matrix: Create a matrix outlining model variants and their corresponding TIS scope to help manage changes.
Pre-Compliance Testing: Conduct tests for component changes, especially for critical items like batteries and power supply units (PSUs).
Authorized Thai Lab Roster: Maintain a roster of labs authorized by TISI and manage slot bookings to avoid bottlenecks in retesting.
Factory Audit Readiness: Perform internal QMS checks that mirror the TISI audit process.
Market Monitoring: Analyze retailer returns and safety incident data to feed into your corrective action process (CAPA).
Label/Mark Controls: Implement strict controls to prevent the mislabeling of certified versus non-certified product lines.
Recall Protocol: Develop and maintain a recall protocol aligned with local authorities and retailers.
Supplier Change Gate: Ensure that any change in suppliers requires design and quality control sign-off before the procurement switch.
Document Spine: Organize all necessary documentation, including test reports, audit notes, change logs, and your CAPA repository.

10. Retailer Onboarding Kit: Provide guidelines for retailers on the voluntary usage of TIS marks for non-mandatory stock-keeping units (SKUs).

11. Internal Training: Train your internal staff on the differences between mandatory and voluntary TIS implications.

12. Annual Certification Health-Check: Schedule an annual health check with your Thai lab or certification body to ensure compliance.

Staying Ahead of Regulatory Changes

The regulatory landscape is dynamic, which means staying updated on new standards and changes is critical. Regular engagement with industry associations, participation in relevant trade shows, and subscription to industry news can help manufacturers stay ahead of potential changes affecting their compliance status.

Conclusion for Manufacturers

Planning for continuous surveillance and factory audits post-certification can seem daunting, but it is essential for maintaining compliance and avoiding penalties. Integrating the above controls into your operational processes will not only help you remain compliant but also improve your product quality and brand reputation in the marketplace.

If you're looking for expert support in preparing your TISI surveillance plan, we're here to help! Send us your SKU list along with your change history, and we will produce a TISI surveillance plan—including labs, audit calendars, and CAPA triggers—within just 5 business days.