Importing Electrical Appliances & Industrial Goods into Thailand: Do You Need a TISI License

Mandatory vs Voluntary TIS Marks: What's the Difference

The TIS (มอก.) mark comes in two forms.

• Voluntary standard — manufacturers or importers apply for it at their own discretion to build product credibility. It isn't required by law.
• Mandatory standard — applies to products tied to life and property safety, such as electrical appliances, construction materials, tires, toys, and helmets. Importers of these categories must obtain a TISI license before every import.

The Import License Process for Mandatory-Standard Products

Start by submitting an import license application to TISI. Next, send product samples for TISI to inspect and test against the relevant standard. Once the product passes, TISI issues an import license for that specific TIS standard.

Unlike Thai FDA drug permits, a TISI import license doesn't need to be renewed for every shipment — it stays valid continuously until the standard itself is withdrawn or your company stops producing or importing that product line.

The Most Common Mistake: Applying After the Goods Reach Port

TISI checks the import date on your customs import declaration against the date you filed your license application. Apply before the shipment arrives and there's no issue. Apply after it has already reached port, though, and TISI may refuse the import — the shipment gets held until it can be reconciled against the declaration.

What Happens If You Import Without a TISI License

Importing a mandatory-standard product without a license is an offense under Thailand's Industrial Product Standards Act, carrying both fines and criminal penalties. The shipment will also be held at the checkpoint until the importer sorts out the correct licensing.

Tip: Check TISI's list of mandatory standards before you place any order. Start your license application as soon as you have an estimated shipping or arrival date — don't wait until the goods reach Thailand, since a late filing counts as retroactive and carries a high risk of rejection.

Frequently Asked Questions About TISI Import Licenses

My product already has a certification from another country — do I still need a TIS mark?

Yes. TIS is a Thailand-specific standard, and foreign certifications can't substitute for it. Samples must always be tested against Thai criteria by TISI.

Do I need to reapply for a TISI license every time I import?

No. A TISI import license stays valid on an ongoing basis until the standard is withdrawn or you stop importing that product — unlike Thai FDA drug permits, which require a new application for every shipment.

How do I know if my product falls under a mandatory standard?

Check TISI's list of mandatory standards at tisi.go.th, or have the Transpo team verify it for you before you order, so you can plan your license timeline with enough lead time.

Let Transpo Logistics check whether your product falls under a mandatory TIS standard and handle the TISI license application before your shipment reaches port. Message us for a free consultation.