Bangkok: The Department of International Trade (DIT) has intensified its efforts to tackle the issue of substandard cassava chips being imported into Thailand, with authorities ordering a suspension of imports from multiple importers. Since December 2015, the DIT has identified 21 importers violating quality standards, leading to a crackdown along the Thai-Lao border.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Arada Fuangthong, the Director-General of the Department of International Trade, stated that the department was tasked by the Cassava Policy and Management Committee (CPMC) to enforce stringent monitoring of cassava chips entering Thailand. The aim is to ensure compliance with the Ministry of Commerce's standards. The DIT has deployed four dedicated inspection teams to focus on key provinces: Ubon Ratchathani, Mukdahan, Bueng Kan, and Loei. These inspections are scheduled to last for four months, from December 2025 to March 2026, aligning with the peak cassava harvest season in Thailand and its neighboring regions.
Ms. Arada highlighted that since December 2015, inspections have uncovered 21 incidents of substandard imports, resulting in immediate suspension actions against the involved importers. Specifically, 5 instances were discovered at the Ubon Ratchathani border, 9 at Mukdahan, 5 at Bueng Kan, and 2 at Loei. The primary issue identified was an excessively high moisture content in the cassava chips, which failed to meet the standards set by the Ministry of Commerce.
To uphold transparency and fairness in the inspection process, DIT has involved representatives from various sectors, including the Thai Tapioca Trade Association, the Thai Tapioca Product Manufacturers Association, the Northeastern Tapioca Manufacturers Association, and the Thai Tapioca Starch Association. Additionally, farmer representatives from the National Farmers Council and the Thai Tapioca Growers Association were invited to observe the inspections. The DIT has also encouraged the public to report any instances of illegal importation of substandard cassava chips via their hotline at 1385.