Key Takeaways
- Premises License (Form Orr. 7): Requires an inspected domestic storage warehouse approved by the Thai FDA.
- Product Registration (13-Digit FDA Number): Formula ingredients, amino acids, vitamins, and sweeteners must comply with Ministry of Public Health notifications.
- Common HS Codes: Typically classified under HS 2106.10 (Protein concentrates), HS 2106.90 (Food preparations / dietary supplements), or HS 3502.20 (Milk albumins/whey protein isolates) depending on protein composition.
1. Three-Step Thai FDA Registration Process
Importing protein powders and dietary supplements into Thailand follows three statutory steps:
- Step 1 — Food Import Establishment License (Orr. 7): Inspection and approval of the importer's storage facility.
- Step 2 — 13-Digit Product Registration: Submission of the 100% ingredient breakdown, manufacturing flow chart, product specification, and Certificate of Analysis (COA).
- Step 3 — NSW License Per Invoice (LPI): Per-shipment electronic declaration linking the 13-digit FDA number to the Thai Customs import declaration.
2. HS Code Classification for Protein Powders
Tariff classification depends on whether the product is an unflavored raw ingredient or a flavored retail dietary supplement, as well as dry-weight protein concentration—typically falling under HS 0404.10 (Whey), HS 3502.20 (Milk albumins exceeding 80% whey protein on dry matter), or HS 2106.10 / 2106.90 (Protein concentrates and food preparations).
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All retail containers must bear compliant Thai-language labels displaying the 13-digit FDA number, importer name and address, active ingredient percentages, manufacturing/expiry dates, mandatory health warnings, and Thai nutrition labeling.
Official Sources: Food Control Division, Thai Food and Drug Administration (food.fda.moph.go.th).
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View Thai FDA & Import Clearance ServicesTo import high-protein powder (whey or plant protein) and dietary supplements into Thailand for commercial sale, importers must hold a Thai FDA Food Import License (Form Orr. 7), obtain a 13-digit FDA food serial number for each product formula, comply with Thai-language nutrition labeling laws, and submit an NSW License Per Invoice (LPI) for every shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Do I need a Thai FDA license before importing whey protein powder?
A:Yes. Commercial shipments require an approved Food Import License (Orr. 7), a 13-digit FDA food serial number, and a per-shipment NSW LPI before customs clearance.
Q:What HS Code applies to high-protein powder in Thailand?
A:Depending on formulation and dry-matter protein percentage, it typically falls under HS 2106.10 (protein concentrates), HS 2106.90 (dietary supplement preparations), or HS 3502.20 (whey protein isolates >80%).
Q:Can foreign companies hold a Thai FDA food registration directly?
A:No. Only a Thai-registered juristic person with an approved domestic storage facility can hold a Thai FDA Food Import License (Orr. 7).
