Thailand Tightens Checks on Transshipment and False Origin Claims

Thailand's Department of Foreign Trade has confirmed strong and continuous measures to prevent goods transshipment through third countries and false origin declarations to evade trade measures, in coordination with constructive information sharing with the United States. Director-General Arada Fuengtong revealed U.S. concerns about transshipment and misrepresentation of product origin used to circumvent trade sanctions, stating that Thailand recognizes the importance of these issues and is committed to preventing the country from being used as a loophole for trade evasion.

Arada said: "Thailand is acutely aware of transshipment risks and takes the matter seriously. If we find false origin claims or unlawful conduct, we are ready to enforce the law and will continuously escalate inspections and cooperation with U.S. agencies. The Department of Foreign Trade is closely monitoring U.S. positions and reports."

The Department of Foreign Trade and Customs Department have continuously reported progress and briefed U.S. Customs and Border Protection on measures being taken, intensifying inspections across multiple fronts including linking production data with businesses in coordination with Customs, the Department of Industrial Works, and provincial commerce offices, conducting field inspections of facilities, tracing product origins, and taking action against businesses found in violation.

The Department of Foreign Trade has also expanded the list of monitored goods with U.S. Customs and Border Protection from 49 product categories covering 194 tariff lines to 67 categories covering 274 tariff lines, effective June 1, 2025. The department is preparing to develop the ROVERs Plus system using artificial intelligence to assist in inspections and assess origin risks, and has already trained over 2,000 businesses on origin rules and local content requirements.

Thailand is not starting this work now but has continuously upgraded its inspection systems. Between August 28-31, 2025, the Department of Foreign Trade and Customs Department will meet with U.S. Trade Representative officials to demonstrate Thailand's commitment to preventing transshipment and upgrading solutions in concrete ways.

Arada stated: "Rising trade volumes may be a signal warranting inspection but are not evidence of trade measure evasion, as supply chain changes may result from new investment, production relocation, or increased capacity—genuine economic activities. The key is distinguishing such cases from false origin claims or trade evasion. Assessing the situation and scale of the problem requires real data and information exchange with the U.S. to identify risks, verify facts, and solve problems accurately."

Arada added that Thailand is prepared to work constructively with the United States based on verifiable data, facts, and evidence to hold violators accountable while avoiding unnecessary burdens on honest businesses, and will promote the use of domestic raw materials to build confidence that Thailand is a transparent and reliable part of the global supply chain.