Export Controls

Like most nations, Thailand has few restrictions on exports except when dealing with national security, environmental protection, cultural issues or concerning trade agreements (such as international commodity agreements, agreements governing the textiles and apparel trade, agreements on subsidies and dumping etc.) Thailand has a quota program for the export of textiles and apparel administered by the Ministry of Commerce, which varies depending on the importing country. Laws to ensure that domestic needs are met before exports can be permitted reserves certain items, principally food staples. Therefore, certain kinds of goods require an export license according to the Export Standard Act (No.2) of 1979, administered by the Commodity Standards Office of the Ministry of Commerce. Thailand places tariffs on wood products, animals hides and raw silk when exported.