PUBLISHED: 7 Oct 2024 at 07: 22
The Thai Industrial Standards Institute ( TISI) has been given the directive from the Ministry of Industry to work closely with the Customs Department to increase the screening of imported goods to stop the smuggling of substandard products.
In an effort to defend Thai industries, industry minister Akanat Promphan stated that the ministry is taking steps to stop poor imports.
The department has collaborated with numerous industries, including the Customs Department’s work to shut down the EXEMPT 5 transfer channel on October 1 to stop the movement of subpar goods.
The imported goods were TISI-controlled items that were not for sales and were only brought in small amounts. Due to the low volumes involved, they were excluded from permits or certifications, making the network a doorway for the importation of poor quality goods.
Additionally, Mr. Akanat urged TISI to work with the Office of the Consumer Protection Board ( OCPB) and the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB ) to strengthen legal enforcement against substandard products from import to production and distribution.
Wanchai Phanomchai, TISI’s secretary-general, claimed that EXEMPT 5 has been replaced by a” specific trade warning center” in an effort to close a gap that manufacturers had exploited.
He said 144 types of controlled goods, including detergents, plastic utensils, electrical plugs and synthetic dyes, must now be imported through the National Single Window ( NSW) regardless of quantity.
He also warned against severe legal action if those who contravene the law by smuggling or selling inferior goods are subject to fines of up to$ 2,000,000 or both.
Consumers are advised to buy items with the TISI symbol and a QR code for identification, as well as less expensive items that might be of lower quality, according to Mr. Wanchai.