Thailand has introduced stricter environmental conditions on animal feed imports, mandating that all imported feed maize must be sourced from burn-free production systems. The regulation, which came into effect in January, is part of the country’s broader effort to combat transboundary air pollution and persistent PM2.5 haze, while aligning agricultural supply chains with global sustainability standards.
The measures were notified by the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) and approved by the Cabinet in line with resolutions of the National Corn Policy and Management Committee.
Linking Market Access to Environmental Compliance
Under the new rules, maize imports for animal feed must originate from farms that do not practise slash-and-burn agriculture. Importers and feed manufacturers are now required to demonstrate compliance through detailed documentation identifying production sources and cultivation practices.
The DFT has advised importers to overhaul procurement and verification systems to ensure traceability across supply chains. The regulation applies to feed maize imports from all exporting countries, marking a significant shift from traditional trade-focused controls towards environment-linked market access.
DFT Director-General Arada Fuengthong described the burn-free requirement as a substantial new compliance obligation, stressing that it introduces enhanced documentation and inspection standards beyond existing import frameworks.
Transitional Flexibility, But Higher Accountability
To ease implementation, Thai authorities will initially allow importers to submit self-certification forms outlining cultivation methods, plot locations and import volumes. Alternatively, certificates issued by competent authorities in exporting countries, accredited institutions, or internationally recognised certification bodies will also be accepted.
However, documentation must be retained for five years to facilitate audits and verification, underscoring the seriousness of enforcement. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is expected to designate a Thai competent authority to publish an approved list of certification bodies in exporting countries.
The DFT has emphasised that these burn-free maize rules represent new legislation, rather than an extension of existing procedures, and has urged importers to prioritise compliance to avoid trade disruptions.
Trade Frameworks Remain, But With Adjustments
Alongside the environmental conditions, Thailand has retained its existing import regimes under both ASEAN and World Trade Organisation (WTO) commitments, albeit with notable adjustments.
Under the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA/ATIGA), feed maize originating from ASEAN member states can continue to enter Thailand at a zero per cent tariff with no volume restrictions. However, the import window for general importers has been shortened to five months, from 1 February to 30 June 2026, to protect domestic maize producers during the peak harvest season. The state-owned Public Warehouse Organisation will retain the right to import year-round.
Under WTO commitments, Thailand has significantly expanded its tariff-rate quota. The annual quota has been increased from 54,700 tonnes previously reserved for the Public Warehouse Organisation to 1 million tonnes, now accessible to both public and private importers. The Ministry of Finance will separately notify applicable tariff rates.
Implications for Feed and Dairy Supply Chains
For Thailand’s animal feed sector, including dairy, poultry and livestock producers, the new regulation introduces both cost and operational implications. While sustainable sourcing aligns with international expectations and may enhance long-term supply chain resilience, short-term compliance costs and sourcing constraints could affect feed prices.
At a regional level, the policy reinforces a growing trend among agricultural importers to integrate environmental and climate considerations into trade rules. For exporting countries, particularly in Southeast Asia, the regulation signals that access to Thailand’s feed market will increasingly depend on verifiable sustainability practices rather than price competitiveness alone.
Wheat Imports Unchanged
In contrast, wheat imports for animal feed will continue under existing regulatory arrangements. The DFT confirmed that no major new policy conditions have been introduced for wheat, with the priority remaining on ensuring stable and adequate raw material supply for the feed industry.
Outlook
Thailand’s ban on burning maize highlights the convergence of environmental policy and agricultural trade. While framed around air quality and public health, the measure effectively reshapes feed import dynamics and raises the bar for traceability and sustainability across regional supply chains.
For dairy and livestock sectors, the message is clear: future feed security will be increasingly tied to how raw materials are produced, not just where they come from or how cheaply they can be sourced.
