Key Takeaways

• TIS stands for Thai Industrial Standards, which establish technical requirements for different types of products.
• It is important to distinguish between general standards and mandatory standards, as they have different implications for importers and manufacturers.
• If an imported product falls within the scope of a mandatory standard, the relevant procedures and licenses must be checked before the product is brought into the country.
• Similar products may fall under different standards. Therefore, classification should not be based solely on the product name, images, or HS Code.
• Thailand’s TIS mark cannot be used as a substitute for the standards or licenses required by the destination country when exporting products.

For businesses importing goods, one of the most important questions to ask a Supplier before placing an order is:

“Is this product subject to a mandatory TISI standard?”

If the goods being imported fall under a mandatory standard, ordering them before checking the requirements may cause problems ranging from the permit application process to Customs Clearance and the sale of the goods in Thailand.

On the other hand, not every product for which a TISI standard exists is subject to mandatory certification.

Businesses should therefore understand the difference between “a standard has been established” and “the law requires compliance with that standard” before beginning the import process.

What Is TISI?

TISI stands for Thai Industrial Standards. These standards establish technical requirements for products and serve as criteria for quality, safety, performance, or other characteristics depending on the product category.

The relevant authority is the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI).

Industrial standards may be identified by numbers such as:

TIS XXXX-25XX

These numbers identify the standard applicable to a particular product category.

Does Having a TISI Standard Mean Every Product Must Carry the TISI Mark?

No.

This distinction is especially important for Importers.

Industrial standards may include standards for which businesses can apply for voluntary certification, as well as standards designated as mandatory standards.

Therefore, before importing, do not ask only:

“Does this product have a TISI standard?”

Also ask:

“Is this product covered by a mandatory standard?”

The legal implications are different.

What Is the Difference Between a General Standard and a Mandatory Standard?

The distinction can be understood as follows.

General Standard

A standard establishes product requirements, but this does not mean that every product on the market must automatically obtain a license to use the standard mark.

Manufacturers may apply for certification under the relevant system to demonstrate that their products comply with the standard.

Mandatory Standard

A mandatory standard is one that the law requires products within its scope to comply with before manufacture, import, or sale, subject to the applicable conditions.

Importers should pay particular attention to this category.

If your goods fall under a mandatory standard, check the requirements before asking the Supplier to ship them from the country of origin.

Why Is TISI Important for Import Businesses?

Imported goods must be checked for more than just:

• Freight
• Import Duty
• VAT
• HS Code

Businesses must also determine which laws and regulatory authorities apply to the product.

Certain products may fall under TISI oversight. If a product is subject to a mandatory standard, the business must follow the applicable procedures before importing and selling it.

If this is not checked before the Purchase Order, problems may include:

• The goods are ready to ship, but the documents are not ready.
• The Supplier does not have an acceptable Test Report.
• The Specification does not comply with Thai standards.
• The ordered Model is not covered by the relevant authorization.
• The Shipment arrives in Thailand before the standards-related process is complete.
• Additional storage or other charges are incurred.
• The product must be changed or the Shipment must be rescheduled.

Therefore, conduct a Regulatory Check before Booking.

Which Products May Be Subject to TISI Requirements?

Industrial standards cover many product groups.

Examples of products that businesses should check include:

• Electrical appliances
• Electrical wires and cables
• Plugs and electrical accessories
• Construction materials
• Certain types of steel and metal products
• Toys
• Certain consumer equipment or products
• Other industrial products designated as subject to mandatory standards

However, this list should not be treated as confirmation that every product in these categories is subject to the same standard.

Check the Product Specification and the scope of the current standard.

Must Every Imported Electrical Appliance Have TISI Certification?

Do not assume that every type of electrical appliance is subject to the same TISI requirements.

Each product type and Model should be checked individually, including:

• What the product is
• Its operating voltage
• Its power rating
• Whether it is intended for household or industrial use
• Its Function
• Whether it includes an Adapter or Power Supply
• Which standard’s scope covers its Specification

Two products both described as “electrical appliances” may be regulated under different standards, or one may not fall within the same scope at all.

Prepare the Datasheet before checking the requirements.

What Should You Do When Importing Products Subject to a Mandatory Standard?

The exact process depends on the product and the relevant standard, but a general approach is to begin with the following steps.

1. Identify the Product Clearly

Prepare information such as:

• Product Name
• Brand
• Model
• Product Photo
• Specification
• Datasheet
• Material
• Function
• Electrical Rating, where applicable
• Manufacturer
• Country of Origin

2. Identify the Applicable Standard

Determine which Industrial Product Standard covers the product and whether that standard is mandatory.

3. Check the Importer’s Requirements

Check which requirements apply to the following:

• License
• Product certification
• Manufacturer
• Test Report
• Sample
• Model
• Label or Marking
• Supporting documents

Confirm the required format and process.

4. Complete the Necessary Steps Before the Commercial Shipment

Do not Book a large lot until you know that the product and its documents can meet the applicable requirements.

5. Check the Final Shipment

Confirm that the Model, quantity, and product details to be imported match the relevant authorization or supporting documents.

Why Must You Check the Model Carefully?

Many products, especially Electronics and Electrical Products, have multiple Models under the same Brand.

For example, a Supplier may offer:

• Model A100
• Model A110
• Model A120

The products may look similar, but their:

• Power Rating
• Components
• Circuit
• Specification

may differ.

Do not assume:

“This Brand already has TISI certification, so every Model can be imported.”

Check the Model and the scope of the relevant license or certification.

Does a Foreign Supplier’s CE or UL Certification Mean TISI Is Not Required?

You must still check.

Foreign standards or marks, such as:

• CE
• UL
• FCC
• CCC
• KC
• PSE

do not automatically replace Thailand’s TISI requirements.

Foreign Test Reports may be useful during the relevant assessment process, but you must verify whether the tested standard, Laboratory, and other conditions meet the requirements applicable in Thailand.

Therefore, do not allow the Supplier to ship the goods based only on the claim:

“The product is CE-certified, so it can definitely be imported into Thailand.”

Can You Use the HS Code Alone to Check TISI Requirements?

The HS Code is important, but it should not be the only basis for determining whether a product is subject to a mandatory standard.

Checking the Product Scope may also require consideration of:

• Product type
• Function
• Material
• Specification
• Model
• Technical Characteristics

The HS Code helps with Customs Classification, but Product Regulation must also be checked against the requirements of the relevant regulatory authority.

Suggested Internal Link: Why Is the HS Code Important?

Does the Product Name on the Invoice Matter?

Yes.

The Commercial Invoice should describe the goods clearly enough to link them to the actual products and relevant documents.

Avoid using only broad descriptions such as:

Electrical Goods

or

Accessories

when the products can be described more precisely.

Useful information may include:

• Product Name
• Brand
• Model
• Quantity
• Unit Price
• Country of Origin, as appropriate

A clear Product Description helps reduce confusion during Customs checks and regulatory reviews.

Are a TISI License and a Customs Declaration the Same Document?

No.

A Customs Declaration contains information used to complete Customs formalities.

Product-standard authorization is a separate Product Regulation matter.

A Shipment may therefore require both:

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
• Import Customs Declaration
• TISI documents or licenses, where applicable

A correct Customs Declaration does not replace a Product Permit.

Likewise, a Product Permit does not replace a Customs Declaration.

Suggested Internal Link: What Are Import and Export Customs Declarations? Procedures and Documents Importers and Exporters Should Know

Can Goods Be Imported If They Do Not Have the TISI Mark?

Do not make that assumption without checking.

First, distinguish between the following situations.

The Product Is Outside the Scope of Mandatory Standards

It may not need to follow the same procedures as products subject to mandatory standards.

The Product Is Within the Scope of a Mandatory Standard

Check the applicable authorization process and requirements before importing and selling it.

Therefore, the right question is not simply:

“Does the product have the TISI logo?”

It is:

“Which standard applies to this product, and is that standard mandatory?”

Can You Import a Sample for Testing Before Placing a Commercial Order?

Sample imports may be subject to specific procedures depending on their purpose, such as:

• Testing
• Research
• Certification applications
• Samples
• Other specific purposes

However, do not assume that writing “Sample” on the Invoice automatically exempts the shipment from all applicable requirements.

If you need to import samples for standards-related procedures, check the appropriate process before asking the Supplier to ship them.

Do Products Imported for Use in Your Own Factory Need TISI Certification?

The requirements must be checked based on the product and its intended use.

Importing goods for use in your own Factory does not automatically exempt them from mandatory standards in every case.

Certain purposes may have specific rules or procedures, but you must verify whether the Shipment actually qualifies.

Clearly specify:

• What the product is
• Where it will be used
• Whether it will be sold
• Whether it is a Component or a Final Product
• The quantity
• The purpose of importation

before assessing the requirements.

Are the Rules the Same for Imported Components and Finished Products?

Not necessarily.

For example, the following products may be subject to different standards or regulations:

• Motor
• Power Supply
• Cable
• Switch
• Finished Appliance

The fact that a Finished Product is covered by one standard does not mean every component is regulated under the same standard.

Conversely, certain Components may have their own mandatory standards.

Check each Product individually.

Must Second-Hand Goods Be Checked for TISI Requirements?

Check before importing them.

The fact that goods are used rather than new does not automatically remove them from Product Regulation requirements.

Some categories of second-hand goods may also be subject to restrictions or additional requirements from other regulatory authorities.

Before purchasing, clearly provide:

• Product
• Brand
• Model
• Year
• Condition
• Intended Use
• Quantity

Does TISI Matter When Exporting from Thailand?

Exporters need to understand how their products are regulated in Thailand. However, when goods enter the destination country, that country’s standards must be checked separately.

TISI is not an international certification that replaces every country’s standards.

Destination countries may have their own requirements concerning:

• Product Safety
• Electrical Standards
• EMC
• Energy Efficiency
• Chemical Restrictions
• Labels
• Product Registration

Therefore, having TISI certification in Thailand does not automatically mean a product can be sold in the EU, USA, Japan, or another country.

Which Standards Should You Check When Exporting Thai Products?

The requirements depend on the Destination and Product.

Before exporting, ask the Buyer or Importer to check the destination country’s:

• Product Standard
• Certification
• Testing
• Registration
• Label
• Import Permit
• Energy Requirement
• Safety Requirement

For example, the requirements for the same product may differ when shipping to:

• EU
• USA
• Japan
• Korea
• Australia

Manufacturers should therefore plan Product Compliance for their target market before Production begins.

How Can TISI Standards Benefit a Business?

Standards provide common criteria for defining product characteristics, such as:

• Quality
• Safety
• Performance
• Testing methods
• Labels or Marking required by the standard

For businesses, standards can support:

• Product Development
• Quality Control
• Supplier Selection
• Procurement Specification
• Compliance
• Consumer Confidence

However, marketing benefits should never be treated as a substitute for checking legal requirements, especially for products subject to mandatory standards.

How Can You Find Out Whether an Imported Product Needs TISI Certification?

Start with the product information, not just the Supplier’s name.

Prepare:

• Product Name
• Product Photo
• Brand
• Model
• Datasheet
• Specification
• Material
• Function
• Electrical Rating, where applicable
• HS Code, if available
• Manufacturer
• Country of Origin

Then check whether the product falls within the scope of a mandatory TISI standard.

If the Specification is unclear, do not rush to order a Commercial Lot. A single product detail can change the applicable regulatory requirements.

When Should You Check TISI Requirements Before Ordering from China?

If possible, check before paying the Deposit or confirming Production.

A suitable sequence is:

Select Product → Request Specification → Check Regulations → Check TISI → Check HS Code → Estimate Duty/Tax → Confirm Order → Booking

Avoid this sequence:

Place Order → Finish Production → Arrive in Thailand → Check TISI

Once the goods have left the Factory, changing the Specification or Model can be difficult and expensive.

If a Supplier Says It Has a TISI Certificate, Can You Use It Immediately?

Further verification is still necessary.

Request details such as:

• Name of the license holder
• Manufacturer
• Brand
• Model
• Standard number
• Scope
• License status
• Relationship between the certificate and the product being purchased

Do not look only at an image of a Certificate provided by the Supplier and assume the same document covers every Model sold by that company.

Must You Check Compliance Again if the Manufacturing Factory Changes?

Yes, you should check.

Authorization or certification may be linked to information such as:

• Manufacturer
• Factory
• Product
• Model
• Standard

If the Supplier changes the Factory without notifying you, the documentation may be affected even if the product uses the same Brand.

Businesses should therefore control Supplier Changes, especially for products subject to Product Regulation.

How Do TISI Requirements Affect Import Costs?

Compliance is part of the Landed Cost.

In addition to:

• Product Cost
• Freight
• Insurance
• Import Duty
• VAT
• Customs Clearance

businesses may need to budget for costs related to:

• Testing
• Certification
• Samples
• Documentation
• Product Labels
• Inspection
• Compliance Administration

depending on the product.

Therefore, the Supplier offering the lowest price does not necessarily provide the lowest Landed Cost, particularly if the goods lack the documents or specifications required for the Thai market.

Common Mistakes When Importing Products That May Be Subject to TISI

Examples to avoid include:

• Ordering goods before checking mandatory standards
• Assuming CE certification can replace TISI requirements
• Checking only the HS Code without reviewing the Specification
• Using a license for a different Model
• Having the correct Brand but the wrong Manufacturer
• Having document Specifications that do not match the actual goods
• Changing the Factory without checking Compliance
• Using an unclear product description on the Invoice
• Importing multiple Models but checking the documents for only one Model
• Assuming that imported Samples do not need to meet applicable requirements
• Assuming that a mark on the Packaging guarantees that the documents are valid

Checking at the beginning helps reduce the risk of having to resolve problems while the Shipment is in transit.

Checklist Before Importing Products That May Be Subject to TISI

Before confirming an Order, check at least the following:

• Product Name
• Brand
• Model
• Manufacturer
• Country of Origin
• Product images
• Datasheet
• Technical Specification
• HS Code
• Whether the product falls within the scope of a standard
• Whether the standard is mandatory
• Required licenses or documents
• Whether the Test Report is available
• Whether the scope covers the Model
• Whether the Label / Marking is correct
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Whether the Importer is ready to complete the required procedures
• Whether the Final Shipment matches the documents

If you cannot yet confirm the Model, Manufacturer, or Specification, pause before Booking and request more information from the Supplier.

Frequently Asked Questions About the TISI Mark (FAQ)

Must all imported products have TISI certification?

No. Check which standard applies to the product and whether that standard is mandatory.

If a product has CE certification, does it mean TISI is not required?

No. CE and TISI belong to different systems. Check Thailand’s requirements separately.

Can you determine whether a product needs TISI certification from its HS Code alone?

No. Do not rely on the HS Code alone. Also check the Product Specification, Function, Model, and scope of the relevant standard.

Can every Model under the same Brand use the same license?

Not necessarily. Check whether the scope of the authorization covers the Manufacturer, Product, and Model being imported.

Does a TISI logo on the product guarantee that it can be imported?

Do not rely on the logo alone. Verify the authorization details and confirm that they apply to the actual product.

Can a Thai product with TISI certification automatically be exported to other countries?

Not always. The destination country may have its own Product Standards and Certification requirements. Check the laws and requirements of the target market separately.

Import–Export and Customs Clearance Services with CPL INTER

CPL INTER provides international freight services by air, sea, and road, together with Shipping Documents and Customs Clearance services within the scope of each Shipment.

If you are importing products that may be subject to mandatory standards, prepare the product name, Brand, Model, photos, Datasheet, Product Specification, Manufacturer, Country of Origin, and HS Code, if available. This information can help you check the relevant requirements before Booking and reduce the risk of incomplete documentation when the goods arrive in Thailand.

Tel: 02-519-4426 / 091-519-4426
LINE: @cplinter

Written by: CPL Inter Logistics Operations Team, specialists in international freight transportation and customs procedures, with more than 15 years of experience and an internationally recognized ISO 9001:2015 quality management system.