Cabinet Relaxes Import Regulations for Foreign Alcohol, Piloting Wine and Sparkling Wine Imports

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas revealed that the Cabinet approved a draft ministerial regulation for alcohol import permits proposed by the Ministry of Finance, as a measure to support the country's tourism sector. The government news report indicates approval of the draft regulation, which amends previous alcohol import permit regulations from 2017. Initially, the pilot program will focus only on wine and sparkling wine imports. The Excise Department has implemented an import alcohol data verification system to assess values and control excise tax collection. The draft regulation also eliminates requirements for exclusive distributors (Sole Agents), removes label approval processes, and adds electronic application channels to facilitate alcohol imports and support tourism sector value creation.