Thailand Proposes Stricter Controls on Electronic Waste and Metal Scrap Imports
Thai government officials met to discuss tightening import regulations for electronic waste and metal scrap to prevent the illegal entry of hazardous materials.
On October 30, 2026, Thailand's Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Suchart Chomklin, participated in a committee meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Supachai Sutumpun to address the management of electronic waste and metal scrap. The discussion focused on enhancing import controls to prevent the illegal smuggling of hazardous waste into the country.
Minister Suchart emphasized that the Ministry, through the Pollution Control Department, is collaborating with the Customs Department and the Department of Industrial Works to inspect high-risk shipping containers and investigate factories that have received public complaints, particularly in the Eastern region. The proposed strategy involves a comprehensive approach from the source to the final destination. Rather than a total ban, the government is proposing stricter requirements for metal scrap importers, who must now clearly declare the contents of their shipments, the intended purpose of the import, and the specific destination factory.
For residents and travelers, these measures aim to reduce environmental pollution and health risks associated with improper waste disposal. While the government is moving toward tighter oversight, the specific implementation timeline and the exact thresholds for permissible impurities in metal scrap imports remain to be finalized. Authorities continue to monitor industrial zones to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
