E-commerce leaders push for tighter import restrictions

E-commerce entrepreneurs have proposed Thailand adopt Indonesia’s model of prohibiting the sales of imported products priced less than US$100 on online platforms, aiming to safeguard local producers and raise imported product standards.

- SUCHIT LEESA-NGUANSUK

The industry leaders also called for the Customs Department to operate with greater transparency, as well as the creation of a unified digital customs system linked directly with e-commerce platforms.

The linkage would allow delivery duty paid (DDP) collection at checkout, ensuring transparency and preventing unexpected fees for buyers.

Local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), brands, retailers and manufacturers would benefit from relief against predatory pricing and subsidised Chinese imports, ensuring a fairer competitive landscape, said the entrepreneurs.

Their proposals follow the Customs Department's plan to impose import duties on goods valued less than 1,500 baht starting Jan 1.

"The new import duty rule is a positive. I hope the Customs Department operates transparently at every stage — from import to export — to reduce corruption," Pawoot Pongvitayapanu, honorary president of the Thai E-commerce Association, told the Bangkok Post.

Technology should be used to help manage the flow of goods, said Mr Pawoot.

Moreover, to strengthen the competitiveness of local SMEs, policymakers should strictly enforce rules on product quality and safety, he said. Stricter enforcement would level the playing field for local entrepreneurs and ensure consumers receive reliable goods.

"There is growing concern over the unchecked influx of cheap imports, which often bypass quality checks and undercut local sellers," said Mr Pawoot.

He said it would be great if Thailand adopts the Indonesian model that bans the sale of foreign products priced lower than $100 on online platforms.