Key Takeaways

• Importing food from overseas for sale in Thailand requires the appropriate import and product-related approvals from the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA), depending on the food category.
• Before placing a commercial order, clearly classify the food product because different food categories have different procedures and documentation requirements.
• Some food products require a food serial number, while certain general foods may use a virtual number under the applicable criteria.
• For each shipment, prepare the License per Invoice (LPI) and ensure that the information matches the Invoice and Customs Declaration.
• Do not wait until the goods arrive in Thailand to start checking the requirements, as this may delay Customs Clearance and incur additional costs.

Imported food products offer business opportunities in Thailand, including snacks, beverages, processed foods, sauces, ingredients, dietary supplements, and specialty products from various countries.

However, importing products for sale is different from purchasing goods for personal use. Food is regulated by the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is also subject to Customs procedures.

Business operators should therefore ask more than just, “How much is the freight?” Before placing an order, they should check what category the product falls under, which permits are required, whether product registration is necessary, how the label must be prepared, and whether the documents are ready for importation.

Do Imported Food Products Require Thai FDA Approval?

Food imported into Thailand for sale must comply with the relevant food laws and Thai FDA requirements.

The phrase “getting FDA approval,” commonly used by business operators, does not refer to obtaining just one number. It may involve several elements, such as:

• A license to import or bring food into the Kingdom
• Food import premises
• Food category classification
• Application for a food serial number or virtual number, as applicable
• Overseas manufacturing facility standards, where applicable
• Labeling
• License per Invoice (LPI)
• Inspection at the Food and Drug Administration checkpoint

The process should therefore be viewed as a complete food import process, rather than simply checking whether an FDA number appears on the packaging.

What Is the Difference Between Importing Food for Sale and Importing It for Personal Use?

The difference lies in the purpose of the import and the procedures that apply.

This article focuses on commercial food imports for sale, such as:

• Selling products on marketplaces
• Selling through retail stores
• Wholesale distribution
• Distribution through a distributor
• Using products in a food business
• Importing products for sale under a brand

Imports for personal use or other purposes are subject to separate criteria.

Requirements for personal use should therefore not be applied to commercial shipments intended for resale.

Before Starting the 4 Steps, Check Which Food Category the Product Belongs To

This is a crucial step because the term “food” covers many different types of products.

Examples include:

• Snacks
• Beverages
• Canned food
• Frozen food
• Dietary supplements
• Sauces
• Seasonings
• Food ingredients
• Tea
• Coffee
• Dairy products
• Foods for special dietary purposes
• General foods

Even if two products look similar, their ingredients, manufacturing methods, or claims may place them in different categories, each with different requirements.

Before placing an order, prepare at least the following information:

• Product Name
• Product Images
• Ingredient List
• Product Specification
• Nutrition Information
• Manufacturer
• Country of Origin
• Images of all sides of the label
• Package Size
• Intended Use

The more complete the information, the more accurately the requirements can be checked before importation.

4 Steps to Import Food and Obtain Thai FDA Approval for Business Operators

The overall process can be divided into four main steps.

Step 1: Obtain a License to Import or Bring Food into the Kingdom

Before importing food for sale, business operators must prepare to operate as food importers, including meeting the requirements for the relevant import premises.

The Thai FDA process includes submitting an application for premises used to import or bring food into the Kingdom. Once approved, the applicant receives a License to Import or Bring Food into the Kingdom, Form A.7 (อ.7).

It is important to distinguish between the following:

Importer’s license ≠ Product authorization

Having an import license does not mean that every type of food can immediately be imported and sold. The product requirements must still be checked in the next step.

Why Are Food Import Premises Important?

The licensing process does not consider only the company name. It also concerns the premises used for the food import business, in accordance with the applicable criteria.

Business operators should prepare information about:

• Business premises
• Food import premises
• Product storage arrangements
• Supporting business documents
• Responsible persons
• Systems and access rights for submitting applications under the Thai FDA process

Do not assume that all food products require cold storage. Storage conditions must be determined based on the actual characteristics of the food.

Dry food and frozen food naturally have different storage requirements.

Step 2: Classify the Food and Apply for a Food Serial Number or Virtual Number

Once the importer is ready, the next step is to determine which category the food to be imported belongs to.

This step should not be skipped because it determines the type of product authorization that may be required.

Some food categories require a food serial number.

Certain general foods may use a virtual number, subject to the applicable criteria.

It is therefore incorrect to assume that every imported food product must obtain the same type of FDA number.

Why Must Each Product Be Classified Separately?

Suppose an importer wants to import four SKUs from Japan:

• Green tea
• Vitamin beverage
• Snacks
• Dietary supplements

Although all four products come from the same supplier, their regulatory requirements may differ.

Create a product list by SKU and check for each item:

• Which food category it belongs to
• Whether a food serial number is required
• Whether a virtual number can be used
• Whether any ingredients are subject to specific conditions
• Whether additional manufacturer documents are required
• Whether specific labeling requirements apply

This approach reduces the risk of ordering multiple products together only to discover later that some SKUs are not yet ready for import.

What Is a Food Serial Number?

A food serial number is a number associated with a food product under the applicable category and authorization process.

Consumers often refer to it generally as an FDA number.

Business operators, however, should identify the product category because the procedures are not the same for every product.

Do not automatically use the food serial number of one SKU for another product, even if they have the same:

• Brand
• Manufacturer
• Similar packaging

If the formula or product details differ, the product authorization requirements for each item must be checked.

What Is a Virtual Number?

Certain categories of general food may use a virtual number to link product information to the import process, in accordance with the applicable criteria.

Therefore, if a business operator finds that a product does not have a food serial number, they should not immediately conclude that:

“The product does not need to go through the Thai FDA.”

First check which category the product belongs to and what type of number or information is required for importation.

Do Overseas Factory Standards Also Need to Be Checked?

They should be checked according to the food category.

Certain product groups may require evidence of manufacturing-system standards or documents from the factory under the relevant notifications.

Request information from the supplier before issuing the Purchase Order, such as:

• Manufacturer Name
• Manufacturer Address
• Manufacturing License, where applicable
• Manufacturing-system Certificate
• Product Specification
• Production Process
• Ingredients

Do not wait until the goods are ready to be loaded onto an aircraft or vessel before requesting factory documents. Some suppliers may need time to prepare them.

Step 3: Prepare Labels and Product Documents, and Apply for a License per Invoice (LPI)

Once the product requirements are in place, information for the actual importation must still be prepared for each shipment.

One important step is the License per Invoice (LPI).

The LPI is information used for importing health products in each shipment and must be linked to the details of the products being imported.

Therefore, having an import license and product numbers ready does not mean that goods can be shipped into Thailand without further procedures.

What Is a License per Invoice (LPI)?

Simply put, an LPI is authorization information linked to a particular import transaction.

The information must correspond to the shipment, including:

• Importer
• Product
• Quantity
• Invoice
• Product Authorization
• Import details

When the goods arrive in the country, this information is used alongside documents in the import process and Customs procedures.

The LPI should therefore be prepared before the shipment enters the Clearance process. Do not wait until the goods arrive to start checking the information.

How Should Thai Labels Be Prepared?

Food imported for sale in Thailand must comply with the labeling requirements for its specific food category.

Information that may be required includes:

• Food Name
• Food Serial Number, where applicable
• Manufacturer Name and Address
• Importer Name and Address
• Ingredients
• Net Quantity
• Allergen Information
• Manufacturing Date / Expiry Date, as applicable
• Storage Instructions
• Directions for Use
• Nutrition Information
• Warnings
• Other information required for the food category

This does not mean that every food product must display every item listed above. Check the specific requirements for the relevant Product Category.

Can the Original Overseas Label Be Used to Sell the Product in Thailand Without Changes?

Do not assume that it can.

Labels for products sold in the country of origin are prepared under that country’s regulations, which may differ from Thailand’s requirements.

For example, products from Korea, Japan, China, or Europe may use local-language text and formats that do not comply with Thai requirements.

Before selling the products in Thailand, check the following:

• Language
• Product Name
• Ingredients
• Allergens
• Nutrition
• Importer
• Warnings
• Date Marking
• Product Claims

Ensure that the label complies with the requirements applicable to the product in Thailand.

Do Food Claims Need to Be Checked?

Yes.

Directly translating wording from overseas packaging or advertising for use in Thailand may create compliance risks, especially when the claims relate to health.

Examples include claims about:

• Treating diseases
• Preventing diseases
• Reducing symptoms
• Weight loss
• Fat burning
• Detox
• Boosting immunity in ways that exceed permitted requirements
• Nutrition or health claims

Compliance checks should therefore cover the product itself + the label + marketing claims.

Suggested Internal Link: How to Import DHC Vitamins from Japan Correctly and Reduce the Risk of Customs Delays

Step 4: File the Import Customs Declaration and Pass Inspection at the Food and Drug Administration Checkpoint

When the shipment arrives in the country, it enters the import Customs procedure.

Key information and documents may include:

• Import Customs Declaration
• Commercial Invoice
• Transport Document
• LPI
• Product Information
• Manufacturing-standard documents, where applicable
• Documents specific to the food category

Officers at the Food and Drug Administration checkpoint may inspect the documents and goods to determine whether the imported products comply with the requirements.

After completing the relevant procedures, the shipment can proceed through Customs Clearance and the remaining process for cargo release.

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

What Should a Commercial Invoice for Imported Food Include?

The Invoice should contain sufficiently clear information to link the goods to the import documents, such as:

• Seller
• Buyer / Importer
• Product Name
• Quantity
• Unit
• Unit Price
• Total Value
• Currency
• Invoice Number
• Invoice Date
• Incoterms, according to the transaction
• Country Information, as appropriate

Avoid using only broad descriptions such as:

Food

or

Snack

when a more specific Product Description can be provided.

Clear descriptions make it easier to check the HS Code, regulations, and Customs Declaration.

Why Is a Packing List Important for Imported Food?

A Packing List shows the structure of the shipment, such as:

• Number of Cartons
• Number of Units per Carton
• Gross Weight
• Net Weight
• Dimensions
• Package Number
• Product Lot, according to the system used
• Shipping Marks

If the shipment contains multiple SKUs or lots, organize the information so that each can be traced easily, especially for products with an Expiry Date.

Should the HS Code Be Checked Before Importing Food?

Yes.

The HS Code affects:

• Import Duty
• Customs Declaration
• Import measures
• FTA eligibility
• Certain documents and requirements

Foods that appear similar may have different HS Codes depending on their:

• Ingredients
• Manufacturing method
• Product characteristics
• Packaging
• Intended use

Do not select an HS Code based on the product name alone.

Suggested Internal Link: Why Is the HS Code Important?

What Taxes Apply to Imported Food?

This depends on the HS Code and the type of product.

Import costs may include:

• Product Cost
• Freight
• Insurance
• Import Duty
• VAT
• Other taxes applicable to the product
• Customs Clearance
• FDA / Compliance Cost
• Handling
• Warehouse
• Delivery

If the goods qualify under an FTA, preferential tariff treatment may reduce Import Duty. However, the Country of Origin and Proof of Origin must be checked carefully.

Before placing a commercial order, calculate the full Landed Cost before setting the selling price.

Suggested Internal Link: What Is Customs Value (CIF)? 4 Steps to Calculate Import Taxes

Do Food Products from China, Japan, Korea, and Europe Follow the Same Procedures?

The general framework for importing into Thailand is similar, but Product Requirements and documents from the country of origin may differ.

The main points to check are:

• Product Category
• Ingredients
• Manufacturer
• Manufacturing Standard
• Country of Origin
• Label
• Product Claims
• HS Code
• FTA
• Shipping Route

Do not assume that food from one country is “easier to import” than food from another simply because the route is shorter.

Product regulations must be considered separately from transportation.

Is Dry Food Easier to Import Than Fresh Food?

From a logistics perspective, dry food may have advantages in terms of storage and temperature requirements in many cases. However, that does not mean it is exempt from Thai FDA requirements.

The following still need to be checked:

• Ingredients
• Product Category
• Label
• Manufacturing Standard
• Shelf Life
• Import Requirements

Similarly, fresh food, agricultural products, meat, or animal products may involve additional authorities beyond the Thai FDA.

The product must therefore be checked before selecting the shipping route.

How Important Is Shelf Life for Imported Food?

It is very important because the remaining time before expiry affects how long the product can be sold.

Before issuing a Purchase Order, check:

• Manufacturing Date
• Expiry Date
• Remaining Shelf Life
• Production Lead Time
• Shipping Lead Time
• Customs Clearance Time
• Warehouse Period
• Sales Cycle

For example, a supplier may offer a product at a very low price, but if only a short Shelf Life remains, the time left for selling the product after Shipping + Clearance + Distribution may be too limited, creating a high Inventory Risk.

Consider both the Purchase Price and the Remaining Shelf Life.

Should You Choose Air Freight or Sea Freight for Imported Food?

The choice depends on the product and business requirements.

Air Freight Is Suitable When

• The shipment is urgent
• The volume is small
• Shipping samples
• Launching a product
• Shelf Life is limited
• Stock needs to be replenished quickly

Sea Freight Is Suitable When

• The volume is large
• Lead Time can be planned
• Shipping a commercial lot
• The shipment is not urgent
• Freight cost per unit needs to be managed

For chilled or frozen food, additional Cold Chain requirements must be considered. Do not choose the mode based on Freight alone.

What Should You Check for Temperature-Controlled Food Transportation?

If a product requires Temperature-Controlled Logistics, its requirements must be clearly understood, including:

• Ambient
• Chilled
• Frozen
• Required Temperature Range
• Maximum Transit Time
• Packaging
• Reefer Requirement
• Data Logger, where applicable

The Cold Chain must remain continuous throughout the process, from the Supplier and Warehouse to International Transport and final Delivery.

Using a refrigerated truck only for the final leg is not sufficient if the product must be temperature-controlled throughout the Supply Chain.

Why Might Imported Food Be Held at the Checkpoint or Experience Clearance Delays?

Common causes include:

• The Product Category was not checked before shipping
• The importer’s license is not ready
• Product Authorization is incomplete
• The food serial number or virtual number does not correspond to the product
• The LPI is not ready
• The product description on the Invoice is unclear
• The Quantity does not match
• Manufacturer Information does not match
• Certificates are not ready
• There are labeling issues
• The HS Code requires further review
• The shipment is selected for inspection
• Supplier documents are incomplete

The best way to reduce these risks is to conduct a Pre-Check before the goods leave the country of origin.

Why Should You Not Order Products First and Apply for FDA Approval Later?

Once a Purchase Order has been produced and the goods have been shipped, the importer has fewer options for resolving problems.

If it is discovered that:

• An ingredient is restricted
• The factory does not have a required document
• The product requires additional authorization
• The label needs revision
• The remaining Shelf Life is too short
• The product does not match the Specification

The goods may have to wait at origin or destination, resulting in additional costs.

For new products, follow this sequence:

Check the Product → Check Regulations → Prepare Permits → Confirm Purchase → Book Shipping

Not:

Purchase Goods → Ship to Thailand → Check Regulations Later

Information to Request from the Supplier Before Ordering Food for Sale

Prepare at least the following:

• Product Name
• Product Photo
• Ingredient List
• Product Specification
• Nutrition Information
• Manufacturer Name
• Manufacturer Address
• Country of Origin
• Images of all sides of the Label
• Factory Certificates, where applicable
• Shelf Life
• Manufacturing Date / Expiry Date Format
• Package Size
• Carton Size
• Gross Weight
• MOQ
• Production Lead Time
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List

If the supplier cannot provide the Ingredients, Manufacturer information, or Product Specification, confirm the product’s readiness before ordering a commercial quantity.

4-Step Checklist for Importing Food Before Booking

1. Prepare the Importer

• Check the import premises
• Obtain a license to import or bring food into the Kingdom
• Check the readiness of the business premises

2. Prepare the Product

• Classify the food category
• Check the Ingredients
• Obtain a food serial number or virtual number, as applicable
• Check factory standards and product documents

3. Prepare the Shipment

• Check the Label
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• LPI
• HS Code
• Freight Document

4. Complete Import Procedures

• Prepare the Import Customs Declaration
• Check documents with the Food and Drug Administration checkpoint
• Complete Customs Clearance
• Receive the goods and arrange Delivery

If all four areas are ready before the goods leave the country of origin, the risk of Documentation Delays can be significantly reduced.

Frequently Asked Questions About Food Imports and Thai FDA Approval (FAQ)

Do All Imported Food Products Need an FDA Number?

Do not assume that every food product uses the same type of food serial number. Classify the product first. Some categories require a food serial number, while certain general foods may use a virtual number under the applicable criteria.

If I Have a Food Import License, Can I Import Any Type of Food?

No. The importer’s license is only one part of the process. The requirements for each product must also be checked.

Does the LPI Need to Be Prepared Only Once?

The LPI relates to each import transaction, so it must be prepared to correspond to the Invoice and Shipment being imported.

If the Food Already Has an English Label, Is a Thai Label Also Required?

For products sold in Thailand, check the labeling requirements for the relevant food category, including whether Thai-language information and which details must be displayed. Do not use an overseas label without checking the regulations.

If I Import a Small Quantity of Food for Sale, Is FDA Approval Unnecessary?

A small quantity does not automatically exempt a commercial import intended for sale. Distinguish it from an import for personal use and verify the purpose of the import correctly.

Should I Apply for FDA Approval First or Book Shipping First?

For a new product, check the regulatory requirements and confirm that the necessary approvals are in place before confirming a commercial shipment. This helps prevent goods from arriving while the documents are still incomplete.

Food Import Services from Overseas with CPL INTER

CPL INTER provides international import freight services by air, sea, and road, along with Shipping Documents and Customs procedures within the agreed Service Scope for each shipment.

For food products, business operators should prepare the product name, images, Ingredients, Product Specification, Manufacturer details, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, quantity, dimensions, weight, and relevant approval documents before Booking. This helps ensure that the Route and import process can be planned to suit the product.

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 a commitment to internationally recognized quality management standards under ISO 9001:2015.