One of the worst nightmares for entrepreneurs and online sellers ordering products from China is having their "goods held at customs." Even worse is having goods seized and facing massive fines simply because they didn't know the imported products were "controlled goods" requiring a permit prior to importation. To save your business both time and money, here is a summary of popular controlled items and their governing agencies to check off before hitting "buy."
1. Electronics and Electrical Appliances (TISI & NBTC)
This category includes top-selling items, but it is also subject to the strictest inspections.- Requires TISI Standards (Thai Industrial Standards Institute - TISI):
o Household electrical appliances: e.g., plug-in electric fans, hair dryers, air fryers, power banks, LED light bulbs. - Requires NBTC Permits (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission):
o Devices with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or radio signal technology: e.g., smartwatches, wireless headphones, drones, aerial photography drones, IP cameras, Bluetooth speakers.
2. Foods, Drugs, Cosmetics, and Dietary Supplements (FDA)
Any product that is "consumed, applied, or makes direct contact with the body" must receive approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prior to importation.- Cosmetics and Skincare: Skin creams, lipsticks, facial sheet masks, nail polish (must be registered/notified with the FDA).
- Food and Beverages: Imported snacks, tea/coffee, Chinese seasonings (requires a food import license and chemical residue analysis).
- Medical Devices and Health Supplies: Medical masks, thermometers, ATK test kits, contact lenses.
3. Mother & Baby Products and Toys (TISI)
Children's toys are heavily regulated by the government for safety regarding chemical exposure and small hazard-prone parts.- All Types of Children's Toys: Dolls, building blocks, RC cars, children's slides (must meet TISI safety standards for toys).
- Baby Bottles and Containers: Must pass BPA-Free safety testing and satisfy TISI standards.
4. Automotive Parts and Tuning Accessories (TISI & Department of Land Transport)
For those importing spare parts or decorative accessories for cars and motorcycles from China.- Safety-Related Components: Tires, helmets, window tint films, automotive glass, headlights (TISI certification required).
- Exhaust Pipes: Must pass sound level and pollution emission testing.
5. Other Commonly Overlooked Categories
- Publications and Media: Books, posters (Fine Arts Department / Ministry of Culture).
- Plants and Plant Products: Fresh fruit, seeds (requires a Phytosanitary Certificate from China and clearance from the Department of Agriculture).
- Wood and Processed Wood Products: Certain types of wooden furniture (subject to Forest Act regulations).
3 Preparation Steps Before Ordering from China to Avoid Customs Delays
- 1. Check the HS Code: Request the HS Code from the Chinese factory to verify with Thai Customs whether the item requires specific agency permits.
- 2. Obtain Permits Before Shipment: Certain permits, such as TISI or FDA, can take 1–3 months to process. Wait for approval before authorizing the factory to ship.
- 3. Consult a Professional Shipping Agent: If you are unsure about documentation, work with a freight forwarder that has an experienced customs clearance team to verify paperwork structures and red-line inspection risks from the outset.
