The Foreign Trade Department is taking steps to tighten inspections of tapioca chip imports across the border following the discovery of numerous importers bringing in low-quality chips.
Ronnarong Phoolpipat, the department’s director-general, mentioned that from November to the present, which coincides with the main sales period for tapioca chips in this region, the department has increased the frequency of inspection teams conducting checks at border areas nationwide. This action was prompted by information indicating ongoing smuggling of low-quality tapioca chips.
Mr. Ronnarong emphasized that failing to address this issue could have repercussions on domestic tapioca prices. He highlighted that tapioca is an essential agricultural commodity, sustaining the livelihoods of over 500,000 households. Allowing low-quality tapioca chips to enter the country could significantly affect domestic tapioca prices and cause distress to numerous farmers.
The department’s inspection teams began operations in mid-January and identified importers of substandard tapioca chips at Chong Mek checkpoint in Ubon Ratchathani province and Bueng Kan checkpoint. Since last November, the department has taken action against 15 importers of low-quality tapioca chips by temporarily suspending their imports.
Mr. Ronnarong underscored that the department gives high priority to maintaining quality standards. If any checkpoint is found to be allowing low-quality tapioca chip imports, or if importers do not cooperate with inspection teams, increased inspections will be ordered at that checkpoint.
Both the Foreign Trade Department and Internal Trade Department have been monitoring tapioca products due to concerns that substandard items could impact domestic prices, tarnish the crop’s reputation, and hinder export opportunities.
Regarding smuggling or unauthorized transport of agricultural products, penalties may include imprisonment for up to five years, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both. For buyers involved in undercutting market prices, the penalties may include imprisonment for up to seven years, a fine of up to 140,000 baht, or both.
Thailand’s export of tapioca products last year amounted to 8.65 million tonnes with a total value of 127 billion baht, reflecting decreases of 23.0% and 16.6%, respectively. This decline was attributable to reduced production caused by the cassava mosaic virus and the impact of drought.
For the 2023/24 crop year, the Agricultural Economics Office estimated Thailand’s tapioca production at 27.9 million tonnes, down by 9.08% from the previous season. The Foreign Trade Department and farmers estimated that exports may dip by 12% to 7.6 million tonnes.
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