Thailand Implements New Regulations on Maize Imports to Combat Environmental Issues

Effective January, Thailand has introduced new measures aimed at reducing cross-border air pollution and addressing concerns related to PM2.5 haze, as stated by the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT).

Impact on Agricultural Supply Chains

These regulations aim to align Thailand’s agricultural supply chains with global sustainability standards, particularly by focusing on the import of maize.

New Regulations for Maize Imports

Under these new regulations, importers must source maize exclusively from farms or production systems that do not engage in slash-and-burn agriculture. This significant change necessitates that animal feed manufacturers and importers revamp their procurement processes and enhance verification methods to ensure compliance.

Documentation and Compliance Requirements

Importers will be required to provide documentation that identifies production sources and demonstrates adherence to the burn-free criteria. The DFT director-general, Arada Fuengthong, emphasized that this new requirement presents a substantial compliance obligation for maize importers, marking a shift in Thailand’s agricultural import regulations.

Easing the Transition

To facilitate the transition, the authorities will initially allow self-certification forms from importers. These forms must detail cultivation practices, plot locations, and import volumes to enable traceability. Alternatively, importers can submit certificates issued by competent authorities in exporting countries, accredited institutions, or recognized international certification bodies. All necessary documentation must be retained for a period of five years for audit and verification purposes.

Role of the Ministry of Agriculture

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives will designate a competent authority in Thailand responsible for publishing a list of approved certification bodies in exporting countries.

Regulation Updates

In addition to the new environmental regulations, Thailand has maintained existing frameworks for maize imports, adhering to both World Trade Organization (WTO) and ASEAN agreements. Under ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA/ATIGA) rules, maize from ASEAN member states will still be allowed tariff-free entry into Thailand, with no restrictions on volume.

However, the general import window for other importers has been restricted to five months—from February 1 to June 30, 2026—during the crucial domestic maize harvest season. Meanwhile, the Public Warehouse Organisation will retain its right to import throughout the year.

Expansion of Tariff-Rate Quotas

Thailand has significantly expanded its tariff-rate quota for maize imports from 54,700 tonnes—previously allocated solely to the Public Warehouse Organisation—to an annual quota of 1 million tonnes, now available to both state and private importers. The Ministry of Finance will announce the applicable tariff rates accordingly.

Wheat Imports Remain Unchanged

Conversely, wheat imports for animal feed will continue under existing regulations without any significant new policy changes. The DFT has indicated that the focus remains on ensuring a stable and sufficient supply of raw materials for the feed industry.