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Thailand will significantly simplify and speed up its custom inspections on food and pharmaceutical products for quality importers and promote the electronification of import formalities, according to the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). The Thai Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) made the announcement on Tuesday at an event in Bangkok.
At the event, entitled "Change for the Better," the TFDA gave briefings on in-house business improvements to staff members from embassies and other governmental organizations of foreign countries, while the secretary-general of the TFDA and other executives gave relevant presentations.
As a major feature of the event, the TFDA unveiled the Good Importing Practices (GIP). Under the new system, specifically, importers will be graded and separated into three classes based on the violations they have made and other factors. Quality importers will enjoy preferential treatments, such as simplified and faster custom inspections, as described above. On the other hand, more strict inspections will be conducted for risky operators.
It is necessary to file an application with the TDFA to be certified as a quality importer. As of Aug. 29, 17 importers are certified, the TFDA said, adding that it will increase the number in the future.
