China restricts Thai inhaler imports due to safety standards

MGR Online•Economy•6d ago

Reader Briefing

Thai herbal inhalers face import restrictions in China due to stricter safety and consumer protection standards rather than direct trade barriers.

•Chinese authorities have prohibited Thai inhalers from participating in some trade fairs due to regulatory and legal requirements.
•The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) is collaborating with the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) to address these export obstacles.
•China requires scientific data and safety certifications for products containing ingredients like menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus.
•Thai silver jewelry exporters are facing similar regulatory constraints in the Indian market.

•Some trade fair organizers in China received orders prohibiting the exhibition of Thai inhalers due to Chinese laws and product regulations.
•The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) discussed export issues with the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) after meeting with the Small and Medium Industry Manufacturing Institute (SMI) committee for the 2026-2028 term.
•Restrictions on Thai inhalers stem from China's continuous upgrading of safety standards and consumer protection rather than direct discrimination against Thai goods.
•Chinese regulators may classify inhalers as health products or active substance products requiring safety assessments for ingredients such as menthol and camphor.
•Exporters must increase investment in research, testing, and international certification to enter markets like China, the European Union, and the United States.
•A trade source stated that modern trade competition depends on standards and technical regulations more than import tariffs.
•The Chinese market remains highly attractive for Thai entrepreneurs due to its population of over 1.4 billion people and growing interest in herbal products.
•The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) will continue supporting Thai SMEs through the SMEs Pro-active project and by providing international trade knowledge.

Full article content is available on the original source.

Department of International Trade Promotion(กรมส่งเสริมการค้าระหว่างประเทศ)

A government agency (DITP) providing support and trade knowledge to Thai SMEs and addressing trade obstacles.

Federation of Thai Industries(สภาอุตสาหกรรมแห่งประเทศไทย)ℹ️

An organization (FTI) that discussed Thai export problems with the Department of International Trade Promotion.

Small and Medium Industry Manufacturing Institute(สถาบันวิสาหกิจขนาดกลางและขนาดย่อมอุตสาหกรรมการผลิต)

An institute (SMI) whose committee for the 2026-2028 term exchanged information on export issues with the DITP.

China(จีน)ℹ️

A major market with over 1.4 billion people that has implemented strict safety and health product standards.

India(อินเดีย)ℹ️

A market where Thai silver jewelry exporters are facing trade restrictions.

European Union(สหภาพยุโรป)ℹ️

A region using product standards, safety, and consumer protection as tools for domestic market regulation.

United States(สหรัฐอเมริกา)ℹ️

A country utilizing product standards and consumer protection measures to regulate its internal market.