This is just an example of the more recurring actions of Thai Authorities against Illegal Importation of Chinese Goods. Almost every day, Thai FDA and Police seize huge number of products smuggled illegally and representing a risk for public health and unfair competition with the Thai Companies, that are acting legally paying tax and investing money in products registration. Read here the full Press release from Thai FDA
Illegal Importation of Chinese Goods Flooding Bangkok: Thai FDA Cracks Down
The Thai FDA, in collaboration with local health authorities and law enforcement agencies, is intensifying efforts to combat the illegal importation of consumer goods from China. On September 11, 2024, the FDA launched a large-scale operation targeting Chinese supermarkets across Bangkok, uncovering a vast array of products that violate Thai food and labeling regulations.
The operation led to the seizure of 2,436 items from eight Chinese supermarkets, including ready-to-eat foods, semi-processed products, and beverages that lacked proper labeling in Thai. These products, often smuggled into Thailand, pose potential health risks to consumers as they do not meet legal standards for food safety and transparency.
Seizure Details
Among the supermarkets inspected, violations were consistent, with a wide range of illegally imported food products found in multiple branches of the YAMi Selected Store chain. Examples of seized items include:
- YAMi Selected Store (Suan Plern Market, Klong Toey District): 611 items seized, including ready-to-eat and semi-processed foods without Thai labels.
- YAMi Selected Store (Ramkhamhaeng 2, Prawet District): 487 items seized with similar violations.
- YAMi Selected Store (S.A.B. Intersection, Yaowarat District): 377 items seized.
- YAMi Selected Store (Victory Monument, Ratchathewi District): 343 items seized.
- Heng Heng Supermarket (Wang Thonglang District): 117 items seized.
- Panda Supermarket (Huai Khwang District): 324 items seized, including instant foods and beverages.
- Unnamed Chinese Supermarket (Huai Khwang District): 152 items seized with improper labeling.
- Forty-Two Supermarket (Thonburi Fresh Market): 25 items seized, including jelly, tea, and canned goods.
All of these products were missing essential Thai language labels, which are required by law to ensure consumer safety. They were either entirely unlabeled or incorrectly labeled, violating Section 6(10) of the Food Act, B.E. 2522. Offenders face fines of up to 30,000 baht.
Health and Safety Concerns
The lack of Thai labels on these products makes it difficult for consumers to know key details such as the ingredients, expiration dates, and production sources. This is especially concerning for food safety, as improper labeling might hide the presence of harmful substances or poor manufacturing conditions. The FDA has emphasized that products without Thai labels or FDA registration numbers could pose significant health risks.
The Thai FDA is also urging consumers to avoid purchasing products that do not display correct Thai labeling. Proper labels should include the food’s name, the producer’s or importer’s details, the date of manufacture or expiration, ingredients, net weight, and an FDA registration number. Products lacking these details may be dangerous and should be avoided.
Enforcement and Future Measures
To prevent further illegal importation of these products, the Thai FDA plans to work with customs officials and other relevant authorities to curb smuggling activities. Many of these goods are reportedly transported into Thailand via the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge and stored in warehouses in the provinces surrounding Bangkok before being distributed to local supermarkets.
Additionally, the FDA will continue its rigorous inspections of food retailers across Thailand, focusing on ensuring that all imported goods comply with the country’s food safety regulations. The agency has instructed provincial public health offices to monitor suspicious activities and increase inspections in their jurisdictions.
Retailers are also being warned to sell only legal, properly labeled products, or they will face prosecution. Consumers are encouraged to report suspicious products or activities by contacting the FDA hotline at 1556, or through their official Line, Facebook, or email channels.
This operation highlights the Thai FDA’s commitment to protecting consumers from potentially harmful products. By working closely with law enforcement and customs, the FDA aims to ensure that all imported goods meet the country’s stringent safety standards. Retailers and consumers alike must be vigilant in ensuring that the products they sell and consume are safe and legally compliant.
