Concerns Grow Over Safety Standards of Imported Goods
In a decisive move, the Commerce Ministry has pledged to address the surge of Chinese products entering Thailand, as stated by Minister Pichai Naripthaphan. The ministry aims to expedite measures tackling public concerns, particularly the rising costs of essential goods and the influx of inexpensive Chinese imports, many of which reportedly do not meet consumer safety standards.
The minister emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of existing laws, focusing on tax regulations such as value-added tax, corporate income tax, and customs fees. Furthermore, the government plans to rigorously assess the quality of imported products, ensuring they possess necessary certifications from recognized institutions like the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Additionally, the ministry intends to fortify legislation that guarantees fair competition and consumer protection. This includes mandating foreign e-commerce businesses to establish legal entities and register in Thailand, according to Minister Pichai.
The Chinese Embassy in Thailand responded, clarifying that nearly 80% of China’s exports to Thailand comprise capital and intermediate goods crucial for local manufacturing and exports. They noted that the inexpensive goods, which have raised public scrutiny, represent a small fraction—less than 10%—of total exports and are mainly everyday items such as cleaning products, food, health supplements, and clothing accessories.
In light of concerns surrounding products lacking FDA certification or TISI standards, the Chinese government reiterated its commitment to compliance with international laws and regulations by Chinese enterprises engaged in foreign trade.
“We support the Thai government’s initiative to enhance regulatory oversight and address any violations,” the embassy stated.
Regarding the challenges associated with e-commerce, the embassy noted that nations worldwide are facing difficulties in the management of cross-border e-commerce, which complicates economic and trade collaborations.
“While e-commerce minimizes intermediaries and lowers transaction costs, it also creates competitive pressure on traditional businesses and poses regulatory challenges regarding product quality and consumer rights protection,” it added.
The Chinese side expressed a readiness to assist Thailand in leveraging new e-commerce models to explore opportunities in the Chinese market and emphasized the importance of enhancing digital capabilities among enterprises. They underscored a commitment to sharing best practices in e-commerce regulation and capitalizing on emerging prospects in the digital age.
