Luang prabang: The Department of International Trade is implementing stricter controls on the import of animal feed corn that has not been burned, linking its trade policy with efforts to address transboundary haze issues. Laos has been informed to modify its production and certification systems to align with these new regulations.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Duang-arthit Nithiutai, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Trade, disclosed that Thailand participated in a workshop under the CLEAR Sky Strategy 2024-2030 in Luang Prabang Province, Laos. This meeting was a joint effort between Thailand's Pollution Control Department and Laos' Department of Environment, with support from the Thailand Environment Institute and the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ). The primary goal was to promote agricultural production that adheres to burn-free practices and ensures traceability across the supply chain.
The Deputy Director-General further explained that Thailand has outlined measures for importing animal feed corn that complies with burn-free practices, in line with the Ministry of Commerce's 2025 announcement, effective January 1, 2026. This regulation mandates that the product must be certified and comply with stringent import regulations to bolster confidence among trading partners, particularly Laos, a significant source of Thailand's imports.
The Thai authorities have urged Laos to expedite the appointment of a competent government agency (CA) to officially issue certifications confirming that goods are produced using burn-free methods. This will serve as a crucial mechanism to support future import measures.
With the Clean Air Act and its associated legislation set to be fully enforced, importers will no longer have the option to self-certify. Instead, they will be required to present certification documents from the exporting country's CA or a CA-certified agency. Additionally, Thailand has emphasized the need for Laos to prepare detailed data on cultivation sources and farmer data storage systems to support the traceability system, a vital component in improving product credibility and transparency within the supply chain.
The Deputy Director-General highlighted that this collaboration not only aligns agricultural trade with global trends that emphasize environmental considerations but also represents a significant step towards sustainably addressing transboundary haze issues and fortifying economic relations between Thailand and Laos in the long term.