Thailand tightens corn import rules to tackle air pollution

Starting in January, importers must verify the origin of feed corn, as a new measure aimed at reducing PM2.5 air pollution caused by crop burning in neighboring countries.

From January 1, corn importers are required to submit documentation to the Thai Customs Department confirming that the feed corn comes from sources where crop-residue burning is not practiced. The new requirement is outlined in a draft notification by the Ministry of Commerce and is intended to reduce haze and PM2.5 smog resulting from the burning of corn plantations in neighboring countries.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, Thailand imported 1.46 million tonnes of corn between January and November 2025, representing a 27.59% decrease compared to the same period last year.

The main suppliers were Myanmar, with 1.2 million tonnes, Laos with 206.2 thousand tonnes, and Cambodia with 11,375 tonnes.

Tags: Thailand, imports, restrictions, corn