Thailand (TH)
Fish products for human consumption
1.1 Establishment registration
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the Department) is the Australian government authority responsible for export registration, inspection and certification of Australian food and agricultural exports.
All premises involved in the production of fish and fish products for export, including fishing vessels where fish is prepared for export must be registered with the Department. For more information or assistance with the export registration process contact the Department's Dairy, Eggs and Fish program at dairyeggsfish@aff.gov.au.
Exceptions to establishment registration
Preparation of goods at an export registered establishment and an export permit is not required if you are exporting the following as these goods are not prescribed under the Export Control (Fish & Fish products) Rules 2021;
- liquid fish and liquid fish products exported in a consignment of not more than 10 litres;
- dried fish and dried fish products (other than dried abalone) exported in a consignment of not more than 2 kilograms;
- fish products where fish or fish products are not the major component;
- fish or fish products that are animal food or pharmaceutical material;
- fish or fish products not covered by paragraphs (a) to (d) (other than dried abalone) exported in a consignment of not more than 10 kilograms;
- fish or fish products in the form of a tablet or capsule;
- Note
- However, if the importing country requires a government certificate for the entry of the above goods, a certificate can be issued by the Department – provided that the goods have been prepared in an export registered establishment.
1.2 Overseas listing
| Initial listing procedure for fish products for human consumption | Required? |
|---|---|
| Establishment listing for Thailand | No |
1.3 Prohibited products
The department has no knowledge of fish or fish products that are prohibited from export to Thailand.
1.4 Access for fish products for human consumption
| Product | Access? |
|---|---|
| *Thailand maintains a list of species eligible for live import. The Department recommends exporters to confirm with importers regarding the eligibility of the species prior to export. For new species to be added to the list of species eligible for live import, the importer in Thailand investigates the process by submitting a request to Thailand’s Department of Fisheries. | |
| Finfish | Yes* |
| Bivalves (for example, oysters, scallops, mussels, oysters, clams, cockles) | Yes* |
| Crustaceans (for example, crab, prawn, lobster, scampi, crayfish) | Yes* |
| Echinoderms (for example, sea urchins, sea cucumber) | Yes* |
| Gastropods (for example, abalone, periwinkles) | Yes* |
| Cephalopods (for example, squid, cuttlefish, octopus) | Yes* |
| Tunicates (for example, sea squirts) | Yes* |
| Crocodile | No |
2.1 Harvest
Sourcing of fish and fish products
Thailand has no known specific requirements for sourcing of fish and fish products that differ from those required by the Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021.
Sourcing, slaughter and post-mortem inspection of crocodiles
Thailand has no known specific requirements for sourcing, slaughter and post-mortem inspection of crocodiles that differ from the Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021.
2.2 Microbial and residue sampling
Thailand has no known additional requirements for microbial sampling of fish and fish products that differ from those required in the Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021.
Thailand residue standards
Maximum residue limits (MRLs) or import tolerances for residues of specific agricultural and veterinary chemicals approved for use in Australia may not exist in Thailand or may be established at levels lower than those established in Australia. Maximum Limits (MLs) for contaminants may also vary between Thailand and Australia.
Food business operators should note that:
- These differences can be interrogated case-by-case by considering the Thailand standards and the Australian standards.
- Any detection of a residue above the Thailand MRLs/MLs (as applicable) at the border may result in rejection of the consignment.
- Note
- Importing country residue standards can usually be found via the official webpages of their competent authority. Links to a limited number of export markets and Australia are provided on the DAFF website.
2.3 Operational requirements additional to Australia's export legislation
Thailand has no known specific requirements for operational hygiene that differ from those required in the Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021.
2.4 Premises and equipment
Thailand has no known specific requirements for premises and equipment that differ from those required in the Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021.
3.1 Live fish
Thailand has no known specific requirements for the preparation of live fish that differ from the Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021.
3.2 Non-viable fish
Thailand has no known specific requirement for the preparation of non-viable fish that differ from those required by the Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021.
3.3 Crocodile
Thailand has no known specific requirements for the preparation of crocodiles that differ from those required by the Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021.
3.4 Packaging
Thailand has no known specific requirements for packaging that differ from those required by the Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021.
3.5 Labelling
Thailand has no known specific requirements for labelling that differ from those required by the Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021.
3.6 Shelf life
Thailand has no known specific requirements for Shelf life that differ from the Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021.
4.1 Shipping marks
Section 59 of Thailand’s Custom Act B.E.2560 (2017) specifies that packages or containers of goods imported into or exported out of Thailand must display external shipping marks or numbers [indicating the number of packages].
The shipping marks or numbers are required to be accurately depicted on all documents relating to the goods; and are a requirement for all commodities.
It is recommended that exporters work with their importers to check the relevant sub-regulations and guidelines regarding shipping mark requirements.
For further information please refer to Market Access Advice 2017-09.
4.2 Refrigeration, transfer and loadout
Thailand has no known specific requirements for refrigeration, transfer and loadout, that differ from of the relevant Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021.
5.1 Import permit
Exporters should confirm with their importer if an import permit is required for their product.
5.2 Port of entry inspection and testing
6.1 Live fish
Finfish
For finfish, use a FX46 Certificate as to Condition with endorsement 510.
Endorsement 510 – Thai radioactivity statement
The goods described in this certificate have not been contaminated by radioactive elements from nuclear fallout. Analysis of representative samples of similar products has shown that the radioactivity level does not exceed the levels established by the Thai Ministry of Public Health.
Bivalves
For bivalves, use a FX46 Certificate as to Condition with endorsement 510.
Endorsement 510 – Thai radioactivity statement
The goods described in this certificate have not been contaminated by radioactive elements from nuclear fallout. Analysis of representative samples of similar products has shown that the radioactivity level does not exceed the levels established by the Thai Ministry of Public Health.
GMP-HACCP
Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Ministry of Public Health, may request, via the importer, a declaration from the Department stating that establishments processing certain foods for sale in Thailand comply with Thai government requirements for HACCP, good manufacturing practices and for general hygiene, which cover the following items:
- Premises and production buildings
- Tools, machinery and equipment used in the production process
- Processing control
- Sanitation
- Maintenance and cleaning
- Personnel and personnel hygiene.
Should you require this declaration, please contact your local Department office.
Crustaceans
For live rock lobsters, use a FX46 Certificate as to Condition with endorsement 5240.
As mentioned in Section 1.2, Thailand maintains a list of eligible species for live imports. The Department recommends exporters to confirm with importers regarding the eligibility of the species prior to export.
Endorsement 5240 – Animal health attestations
The goods:
- Have been inspected prior to packing, and showed no clinical signs of disease;
- Are not subject to any prohibitions due to unresolved increased mortality;
- Are not intended for destruction or slaughter for eradication of disease;
- Originate from areas that are all under the supervision of the competent authority and no un-explained mass mortality during the past 6 months;
- Are originated from a country, zone, compartment, or farm establishment which is free of infection with white spot syndrome virus under the official surveillance program in accordance with the OIE Aquatic code. The appropriate test methods for the purpose of demonstrating freedom of the disease are those capable of detecting subclinical carriers of the pathogen, as described in the OIE Aquatic Manual. Basic biosecurity conditions as defined in the OIE Aquatic Code have been applied continuously during the last two years surveillance;
- Are placed under conditions that do not alter their health status;
- Are transported in container that is clean and disinfected or previously unused; and
- Are identified by a label on the exterior of the container with information outlining its country of origin, name, address, approval number of processing establishment.
For all other crustaceans, use a FX46 Certificate as to Condition with endorsement 510.
Endorsement 510 – Thai radioactivity statement
The goods described in this certificate have not been contaminated by radioactive elements from nuclear fallout. Analysis of representative samples of similar products has shown that the radioactivity level does not exceed the levels established by the Thai Ministry of Public Health.
GMP-HACCP
Please refer to Bivalve GMP-HACCP for more information. Should you require this declaration, please contact your local Department office.
Echinoderms
For echinoderms, use a FX46 Certificate as to Condition with endorsement 510.
Endorsement 510 – Thai radioactivity statement
The goods described in this certificate have not been contaminated by radioactive elements from nuclear fallout. Analysis of representative samples of similar products has shown that the radioactivity level does not exceed the levels established by the Thai Ministry of Public Health.
GMP-HACCP
Please refer to Bivalve GMP-HACCP for more information. Should you require this declaration, please contact your local Department office.
Gastropods
For gastropods, use a FX46 Certificate as to Condition with endorsement 510.
The FX46 Certificate as to Condition contains the following attestations:
I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the conditions or restrictions applicable under the particular inspection system prescribed under the Export Control Act have been complied with in respect of the prescribed goods described above, being goods that are;
- In sound condition
- Fit for human consumption
- Of Australian origin
Endorsement 510 – Thai radioactivity statement
The goods described in this certificate have not been contaminated by radioactive elements from nuclear fallout. Analysis of representative samples of similar products has shown that the radioactivity level does not exceed the levels established by the Thai Ministry of Public Health.
GMP-HACCP
Please refer to Bivalve GMP-HACCP for more information. Should you require this declaration, please contact your local Department office.
Cephalopods
For cephalopods, use a FX46 Certificate as to Condition with endorsement 510.
Endorsement 510 – Thai radioactivity statement
The goods described in this certificate have not been contaminated by radioactive elements from nuclear fallout. Analysis of representative samples of similar products has shown that the radioactivity level does not exceed the levels established by the Thai Ministry of Public Health.
GMP-HACCP
Please refer to Bivalve GMP-HACCP for more information. Should you require this declaration, please contact your local Department office.
Tunicates
For tunicates, use a FX46 Certificate as to Condition with endorsement 510.
Endorsement 510 – Thai radioactivity statement
The goods described in this certificate have not been contaminated by radioactive elements from nuclear fallout. Analysis of representative samples of similar products has shown that the radioactivity level does not exceed the levels established by the Thai Ministry of Public Health.
GMP-HACCP
Please refer to Bivalve GMP-HACCP for more information. Should you require this declaration, please contact your local Department office.
6.2 Non-viable fish
Finfish
For finfish, use a FX46 Certificate as to Condition with endorsement 510.
Endorsement 510 – Thai radioactivity statement
The goods described in this certificate have not been contaminated by radioactive elements from nuclear fallout. Analysis of representative samples of similar products has shown that the radioactivity level does not exceed the levels established by the Thai Ministry of Public Health.
Bivalves
For bivalves, use a FX46 Certificate as to Condition with endorsement 510.
Endorsement 510 – Thai radioactivity statement
The goods described in this certificate have not been contaminated by radioactive elements from nuclear fallout. Analysis of representative samples of similar products has shown that the radioactivity level does not exceed the levels established by the Thai Ministry of Public Health.
GMP-HACCP
Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Ministry of Public Health, may request, via the importer, a declaration from the Department stating that establishments processing certain foods for sale in Thailand comply with Thai government requirements for HACCP, good manufacturing practices and for general hygiene, which cover the following items:
- Premises and production buildings
- Tools, machinery and equipment used in the production process
- Processing control
- Sanitation
- Maintenance and cleaning
- Personnel and personnel hygiene.
Should you require this declaration, please contact your local Department office.
Crustaceans
For live rock lobsters, use a FX46 Certificate as to Condition with endorsement 5240.
As mentioned in Section 1.2, Thailand maintains a list of eligible species for live imports. The Department recommends exporters to confirm with importers regarding the eligibility of the species prior to export.
Endorsement 5240 – Animal health attestations
The goods:
- Have been inspected prior to packing, and showed no clinical signs of disease;
- Are not subject to any prohibitions due to unresolved increased mortality;
- Are not intended for destruction or slaughter for eradication of disease;
- Originate from areas that are all under the supervision of the competent authority and no un-explained mass mortality during the past 6 months;
- Are originated from a country, zone, compartment, or farm establishment which is free of infection with white spot syndrome virus under the official surveillance program in accordance with the OIE Aquatic code. The appropriate test methods for the purpose of demonstrating freedom of the disease are those capable of detecting subclinical carriers of the pathogen, as described in the OIE Aquatic Manual. Basic biosecurity conditions as defined in the OIE Aquatic Code have been applied continuously during the last two years surveillance;
- Are placed under conditions that do not alter their health status;
- Are transported in container that is clean and disinfected or previously unused; and
- Are identified by a label on the exterior of the container with information outlining its country of origin, name, address, approval number of processing establishment.
For all other crustaceans, use a FX46 Certificate as to Condition with endorsement 510.
Endorsement 510 – Thai radioactivity statement
The goods described in this certificate have not been contaminated by radioactive elements from nuclear fallout. Analysis of representative samples of similar products has shown that the radioactivity level does not exceed the levels established by the Thai Ministry of Public Health.
GMP-HACCP
Please refer to Bivalve GMP-HACCP for more information. Should you require this declaration, please contact your local Department office.
Echinoderms
For echinoderms, use a FX46 Certificate as to Condition with endorsement 510.
Endorsement 510 – Thai radioactivity statement
The goods described in this certificate have not been contaminated by radioactive elements from nuclear fallout. Analysis of representative samples of similar products has shown that the radioactivity level does not exceed the levels established by the Thai Ministry of Public Health.
GMP-HACCP
Please refer to Bivalve GMP-HACCP for more information. Should you require this declaration, please contact your local Department office.
Gastropods
For gastropods, use a FX46 Certificate as to Condition with endorsement 510.
The FX46 Certificate as to Condition contains the following attestations:
I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the conditions or restrictions applicable under the particular inspection system prescribed under the Export Control Act have been complied with in respect of the prescribed goods described above, being goods that are;
- In sound condition
- Fit for human consumption
- Of Australian origin
Endorsement 510 – Thai radioactivity statement
The goods described in this certificate have not been contaminated by radioactive elements from nuclear fallout. Analysis of representative samples of similar products has shown that the radioactivity level does not exceed the levels established by the Thai Ministry of Public Health.
GMP-HACCP
Please refer to Bivalve GMP-HACCP for more information. Should you require this declaration, please contact your local Department office.
Cephalopods
For cephalopods, use a FX46 Certificate as to Condition with endorsement 510.
Endorsement 510 – Thai radioactivity statement
The goods described in this certificate have not been contaminated by radioactive elements from nuclear fallout. Analysis of representative samples of similar products has shown that the radioactivity level does not exceed the levels established by the Thai Ministry of Public Health.
GMP-HACCP
Please refer to Bivalve GMP-HACCP for more information. Should you require this declaration, please contact your local Department office.
Tunicates
For tunicates, use a FX46 Certificate as to Condition with endorsement 510.
Endorsement 510 – Thai radioactivity statement
The goods described in this certificate have not been contaminated by radioactive elements from nuclear fallout. Analysis of representative samples of similar products has shown that the radioactivity level does not exceed the levels established by the Thai Ministry of Public Health.
GMP-HACCP
Please refer to Bivalve GMP-HACCP for more information. Should you require this declaration, please contact your local Department office.
6.3 Crocodiles
There is no agreed certification for import of crocodile meat into Thailand.
Fish products not for human consumption
1.1 Establishment registration
The Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021 does not regulate fish and fish products not for human consumption. Establishments processing such products are not required to be export registered with the Department unless it is a requirement of the importing country. Exporters are encouraged to confirm the eligibility and import requirements of their product with their importer, or directly with the importing country competent authority prior to export.
Importing countries may require a health certificate be provided for fish and fish products not for human consumption. If a health certificate is required, contact the Department's non-prescribed goods program at NPGExports@aff.gov.au for further information.
1.2 Overseas listing
| Initial listing procedure for fish products not for human consumption | Required? |
|---|---|
| Establishment listing for Thailand | No |
1.3 Prohibited products
The Department is not aware of any prohibited fish products. Additional information relating to fish and fish products not for human consumption may also be found on the corresponding Meat Micor page. Exporters should check with their importers to determine if the products are permitted for import to Thailand.
1.4 Access for fish products not for human consumption
| Product | Access? |
|---|---|
| Aquaculture feed | No agreed certification |
| Animal feed | No agreed certification |
| Crocodile skins and hides | No agreed certification |
| Technical products and pharmaceutical material (for example, fish oil capsule) | No agreed certification |
| Rendered products | No agreed certification |
| Shells | No agreed certification |
The Department is not aware of the requirements for animal feed. Additional information relating to fish and fish products not for human consumption may also be found on the corresponding Meat Micor page. Exporters should check requirements with their importer or the Thailand competent authority prior to shipping any animal feed to Thailand.
The Department is not aware of the requirements for crocodile skins and hides. Additional information relating to fish and fish products not for human consumption may also be found on the corresponding Meat Micor page. Exporters should check requirements with their importer or the Thailand competent authority prior to shipping any Rendered products to Thailand.
The Department is not aware of the production requirements for Rendered products. Additional information relating to fish and fish products not for human consumption may also be found on the corresponding Meat Micor page. Exporters should check production requirements with their importer or the Thailand competent authority prior to shipping any Rendered products to Thailand.
The Department is not aware of the production requirements for technical grade and pharmaceutical products. Additional information relating to fish and fish products not for human consumption may also be found on the corresponding Meat Micor page. Exporters should check production requirements with their importer or the Thailand competent authority prior to shipping any technical products or pharmaceutical material to Thailand.
29/08/2023 - Updated residue statement to refer to importing country standards (section 2.2).
24/05/2023 - Content on this page may have changed location to conform to standard Fish headings.
24/05/2023 - Content on this page may have changed location to conform to standard Fish headings.