Nation tightens maize imports

Thailand will ban imported maize sourced from fields where crop remnants are set ablaze, aiming to mitigate cross-border PM2.5 pollution and set up anew standard for environmentally responsible trade.

- PHUSADEE ARUNMAS

Each year, Thailand produces 4-5 million tonnes of maize domestically, while demand is about 9 million tonnes for feed production. It has to import about 2 million tonnes of maize annually, of which about 90% comes from Myanmar, with the remainder arriving from Laos and Cambodia.

Duangarthit Nidhi-u-tai, deputy director-general of the Department of Foreign Trade, said as of Jan 1, 2026, importers must register annually with the department and provide proof that their maize is from sources where crop remnants are not set ablaze.

During a transitional period from January 2026 until the Clean Air Bill and its organic laws are enacted, importers will be permitted to self-certify their products or present certification from a government agency in the exporting country or from internationally recognised organisations.