Bangkok: Controlling import standards for animal feed corn, emphasizing no burning, has already begun.

According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Commerce, through the Department of International Trade, has issued four regulations controlling the import of animal feed raw materials. Corn must be produced without burning. These regulations have been in effect since January 1, 2026, aiming to reduce transboundary PM2.5 air pollution.

Ms. Arada Fuangthong, Director-General of the Department of International Trade, revealed that the Ministry has issued these regulations to oversee the import of animal feed corn and wheat for use as animal feed raw materials in 2026. The aim is to reduce pollution, protect public health, and upgrade the standards of the Thai agricultural supply chain to align with global trade trends. These regulations have been approved by the Cabinet, with a key aspect being the addition of environmental conditions. Imported corn must be produced from farms that do not use burning at any stage of cultivation.

The Director-General stated that the Ministry has issued a notice designating animal feed corn as a commodity requiring certification and subject to import regulations, adding an environmental dimension to the trade system. Importers must provide information on the origin of production, evidence of cultivation, and traceable documents as required by law.

To avoid impacting trade initially, importers may use two types of import documents: a self-certification letter specifying the planting site, location, and import quantity, or a certification document from an authorized agency in the exporting country or an internationally recognized organization.

Importers are required to retain documents for at least 5 years for traceability. A designated agency under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives will act as the Competent Authority of Thailand, and the list of issuing agencies in the exporting country will be announced.

The Department has also issued two more regulations for the import of animal feed corn under WTO and ASEAN frameworks to manage import volumes in line with domestic production conditions. For preferential tariffs under the ASEAN Free Trade Area Agreement in 2026, unlimited imports from ASEAN member countries will remain at a 0% tariff rate, but the import period will be shortened to avoid impacting Thai farmers.

Regarding WTO obligations, the import quota has been expanded from 54,700 tons to 1 million tons per year, with tariffs announced by the Ministry of Finance.

For wheat imports, the Department maintains the existing framework for raw material stability without significant new policy conditions.

The Department recommends that importers prioritize the "burn-free animal feed corn" requirement as it significantly increases documentation and inspection compared to the previous system, to avoid legal risks and delays.

Businesses can find detailed regulations and guidelines on the Department's website or contact the Trade Agreements and Measures Division for more information.