The Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) in Thailand is streamlining and updating trade regulations to eliminate redundancy and increase efficiency. The focus is on removing eight regulations related to the import and export of goods by the end of 2023. This will enhance convenience for Thai businesses and enhance their competitiveness on the global stage.
DFT Director-General, Ronnarong Phoolpipat, has highlighted the department’s efforts to amend import-export regulations to align with the changing landscape of international trade. The removal of ten unnecessary regulations was completed in 2021 and 2022, and the elimination of eight more is planned for this year.
In addition, the DFT is reviewing a regulation on coffee exports. Recently endorsed by the Cabinet, the revised regulation allows the export of roasted coffee beans made from imported or mixed imported and locally produced beans, as opposed to only domestically produced beans. This change is expected to increase the value of Thai coffee exports by 50-100 million baht annually.
Mr. Ronnarong has also noted a review of the Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Act, which permits anti-dumping duties on imports to prevent undercutting of prices in Thailand. Public opinion was sought on proposed revisions to the act from January 1-31, with most feedback supporting the changes and suggesting further amendments. One of the proposed amendments pertained to the definition of products that may be considered as replacement products to prevent circumvention of anti-dumping duties. The DFT’s report on the act has already been submitted to the Office of the Council of State for further action.
