Commerce Ministry Halts Cassava Chip Imports From Nine Firms

Pictures courtesy of MGR

The Department of Foreign Trade has ordered the immediate suspension of cassava chip imports from nine companies after inspections found the products failed to meet national standards. The action is intended to prevent low-quality, low-priced cassava chips from entering the country and undermining confidence in Thai standards. Authorities said the move will help protect domestic prices and the reputation of Thai cassava products.

Between 1 December 2025 and 14 January 2026, inspection teams were deployed along the Thai–Lao border, a key entry route for cassava chip imports. The checks were carried out at major customs checkpoints to assess quality compliance. Officials reported that nine importers were found to be bringing in cassava chips that did not meet the standards set by the Ministry of Commerce.

Arada Fuangthong, Director-General of the Department of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Commerce, said the sanctions were imposed immediately upon detection. She stated that allowing substandard imports would damage the credibility of Thai cassava chips, reduce buyer confidence and have a knock-on effect on domestic price stability. The department therefore acted to stop further imports by the offending firms.

The nine cases were identified at three border checkpoints. Two importers were detected at Chong Mek Customs in Ubon Ratchathani, two at Mukdahan Customs in Mukdahan and five at Bueng Kan Customs in Bueng Kan. In all cases, the cassava chips were found to have moisture levels exceeding limits prescribed by the Ministry of Commerce.

The department said inspections will continue intensively in line with the policy of the National Cassava Policy and Management Committee. Enforcement will focus particularly on Ubon Ratchathani, Mukdahan, Bueng Kan and Loei. The measures will run for four months, from December 2025 to March 2026, which coincides with the main cassava trading and harvest season in Thailand and neighbouring countries.

In addition to import controls, the department will also inspect the quality of cassava chips destined for export. The aim is to reassure trading partners that Thailand prioritises product quality as a foundation of sustainable trade. Officials said maintaining recognised standards would support efforts to expand into new markets and reduce reliance on China as the main export destination.

Manager online reported that potential growth markets cited include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Turkey and New Zealand. The department said consistent quality would make market diversification more achievable. Thailand positions itself as a regional leader in the cassava chip industry and intends to safeguard that status through strict oversight.

Key Takeaways

• Nine cassava chip importers were suspended after inspections found moisture levels above legal limits.

• Checks were conducted from 1 December 2025 to 14 January 2026 at Thai–Lao border customs points.

• Authorities will continue strict inspections through March 2026 and expand quality checks to exports.

Adapted by ASEAN Now from MGRonline 2026-01-21