Bangkok:Customs officials have arrested two Thai women for smuggling matcha powder worth over 850,000 baht. The arrest occurred at Suvarnabhumi Airport, where the women were found with 1,200 pieces of matcha powder imported from Japan.
According to Thai News Agency, the arrest took place on November 6, 2026, as the women arrived on a flight from Tokyo, Japan. A search of their luggage revealed the matcha powder packed in seven suitcases, with a total value exceeding 853,400 baht.
The Customs Department has indicated that importing green tea requires specific permits and verifications from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Plant Quarantine Division of the Department of Agriculture. Additionally, under the WTO agreement, tea leaves and tea powder are subject to an in-quota duty rate of 30% and an out-of-quota duty rate of 90%. A certificate from the Department of International Trade is necessary to benefit from the in-quota rate. Legal action will be pursued against the suspects as authorities continue to enforce customs regulations.