Thailand Halts Chinese Poultry Import Bid, Cites Safety Review
Thailand's livestock department is reviewing China's request to import frozen and cooked poultry products, beginning a multi-stage safety assessment that includes evaluations for avian flu and compliance with international standards.
The Department of Livestock clarified on July 27 that China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) formally requested to export frozen and cooked poultry meat, as well as byproducts such as chicken and duck liver, to Thailand starting January 27. The request follows standard international trade procedures under WTO rules based on equal treatment principles. The department has begun its review using the same standards applied to requests from other trading partners worldwide. Currently in the early documentary phase, the department is seeking detailed scientific information from GACC to assess risks across the entire poultry industry supply chain in compliance with Thai regulations and international quality and animal health standards. Multiple steps remain before any import decision, including thorough safety evaluations regarding avian flu and other harmful residues that could affect animals and consumers. Thailand's poultry industry produced approximately 3.82 million tons in 2024 and exported 1.34 million tons of chilled, frozen, and processed poultry products worth over 168 billion baht. Any import request must clear scientific review, risk assessment across the entire production chain, and consultation with farmer representatives, cooperatives, associations, and relevant government agencies. The Department of Livestock and Ministry of Agriculture assured the public that any decision will prioritize farmers' interests and national welfare.
