Getting your products into the Thai market requires more than a registered company and a shipping arrangement. Before your goods can be imported, manufactured locally, or sold in Thailand, you need to obtain a TISI certification.
TISI (or the Thai Industrial Standards Institute) is the government body that sets and enforces product standards across Thailand. Certification is mandatory for products in 136 categories. This includes electrical appliances, construction materials, automotive parts, consumer goods, etc. Without it, your goods can be held at customs, pulled from shelves, or land your business with fines of up to THB 500,000.
This guide covers what you need to know about TSI certification as a local or foreign investor. We will talk about what is a TSI certification, who needs to apply, and the application process.
What is a TISI Certification in Thailand?
TISI is Thailand's national standards body, operating under the Ministry of Industry. Established in 1969, TISI is responsible for developing, publishing, and enforcing product standards across industries in Thailand.
TISI certification is the process by which products are tested and verified to meet Thai Industrial Standards (TIS). For certain regulated product categories, this certification is mandatory. This means your product cannot legally be manufactured locally, imported, or sold in Thailand without it. For other products outside those regulated categories, certification is voluntary, though still strategically valuable.
TISI is a member of major international standards bodies, such as the following:
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
- International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
- ASEAN Consultative Committee for Standards and Quality (ACCSQ).
Thailand also participates in Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) with other ASEAN nations. This means eligible products meeting IEC or equivalent standards may benefit from streamlined recognition across the region.
Mandatory vs. Voluntary TISI Certification
Before you apply, you need to understand the difference between mandatory and voluntary TISI certification. To put it simply, mandatory certification is legally required to distribute your products in Thailand. On the other hand, voluntary certification is optional but recommended to build trust.
Here’s how they are different:
- Mandatory certification: If your products fall under a regulated category, you are legally required to obtain a TISI mark before you can import or sell them in Thailand. Products under mandatory certification are regularly inspected and monitored, and the consequences of non-compliance are serious.
- Voluntary certification: Available for products not listed under mandatory standards. Although not legally required, voluntary certification signals quality and builds trust with Thai distributors, retailers, and consumers. The TISI mark under voluntary certification carries a reputation comparable to ISO certification in the Thai market. It can also ease customs procedures and position your product ahead of potential future regulatory changes.
Who Needs TISI Certification?
Any manufacturer, importer, or distributor selling products in Thailand that fall under TISI's mandatory standards must obtain certification. This applies to both Thai-based companies and foreign businesses.
If you are a foreign manufacturer looking to export products into Thailand, you will need to either:
- Establish a Thai company
- Work with a locally registered company (like Emerhub) as the
As of 2025, the Thai government requires compulsory certification for approximately 136 mandatory product categories across 18 sectors. These include:
- Electrical and electronic equipment: Air conditioners, refrigerators, electric fans, lamps, wires and cables, plugs and sockets, lithium batteries and charging equipment
- Construction materials: Cement, structural steel, construction glass, PVC pipes
- Consumer safety goods: motorcycle helmets, gas stoves, personal protective equipment
- Automotive parts: Tires, safety glass, vehicle components
- Children's products: Toys and related household goods
- Food contact materials: Items that come into direct contact with food
- Medical equipment: Select categories of medical devices
- Other regulated products: Plastic products, ceramics, rubber, petroleum products, and surface coatings
If you are unsure whether your specific product falls under a mandatory category, you can check with our local experts with a free first-time consultation.
2025 Standard Updates
Several new product categories were added, and existing standards were revised. These include:
- Hot and cold water dispensers and distribution boards became mandatory from October 1, 2025.
- Microwave ovens (including combination types) became mandatory from December 30, 2025.
- Room air conditioners are also subject to an updated energy efficiency standard, TIS 2134-2565 (2022), which took effect on April 4, 2026.
Additional updates for electric irons, washing machines, skin and hair care appliances, and instantaneous water heaters are also in progress.
If you are entering Thailand with products in these categories, Emerhub can verify that your testing and documentation align with the latest version of the relevant TIS standard before starting the application process.
What Happens If You Skip TISI Certification?
If you attempt to import or sell mandatory-category products in Thailand without TISI certification, the consequences are significant.
Your goods can be detained at customs without the option to clear them. Fines for selling non-certified products can reach up to THB 500,000 (~USD 13,900). Under the Industrial Products Standards Act, violations can also result in criminal liability, including imprisonment of up to two years and fines of up to THB 2, 000,000 (~USD 60,000). Products found non-compliant are subject to recall and confiscation.
Thai customs authorities have significantly stepped up enforcement in recent years. TISI conducts joint inspections with customs and e-commerce platforms, and non-compliant products are removed from both physical and online retail channels.
For businesses selling through digital marketplaces in Thailand, the proposed updates to the Industrial Products Standards Act also impose new compliance obligations on platform operators. In short, there is no easy way to operate under the radar when it comes to mandatory TISI standards.
Requirements for TISI Certification
1. A Thai-Registered Company as Certificate Holder
Foreign manufacturers cannot hold a TISI certificate directly. You will need to appoint a Thai-registered company to act as the local representative and certificate holder for your product.
If you do not already have a local entity, you will need to either register a company in Thailand or partner with a qualified local importer who can hold the certificate on your behalf.
Emerhub can help you establish your own legal entity with our end-to-end incorporation services.
2. Product Documentation
You will need to prepare a comprehensive technical file for your product. The exact documents required vary by product type, but generally include:
- A completed TISI application form (in English or Thai)
- Detailed product technical files including specifications, circuit diagrams, and user manuals
- Manufacturing process descriptions and factory details
- Existing test reports, if available (CB Reports from IEC-aligned testing can reduce testing time, though Thai national difference tests are still required)
- Product labels and user manuals in Thai language
<b>Language requirements:</b> All technical documentation must be submitted in English or Thai.
3. Product Testing at a TISI-Accredited Laboratory
Your product must be tested at a laboratory accredited by TISI or recognized under Thailand's Laboratory Accreditation System (TLAS). TISI will not accept test reports from non-accredited labs. Depending on the product category, testing can involve mechanical analysis, chemical testing, electrical safety checks, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) assessments, and energy efficiency evaluations.
TISI evaluates products through one of three approaches:
- Taking samples for testing at a designated lab
- Testing samples at the factory under TISI supervision, or
- Reviewing an existing test report from an accredited lab.
The third option is the most time-efficient if you already have qualifying reports.
4. Factory Inspection
For mandatory certifications, a physical inspection of your manufacturing facility is required. TISI or an authorized inspection body will assess your production processes, quality control systems, and equipment to verify that your products are being manufactured consistently to the required standard.
There is a limited exception to the factory inspection requirement. For lower-risk products where the manufacturing facility already holds ISO 9001 certification, TISI may accept that certification as evidence of a compliant quality management system.
For foreign manufacturers, factory inspection takes place at your production facility, regardless of where it is located. If your factory is outside Thailand, you will need to coordinate an international inspection visit by a TISI-authorized inspection body.
5. Product Labeling Requirements
Once certified, your product must display the TISI mark correctly. The mark must meet specific requirements:
- The relevant TIS standard number must be visible
- The unique TISI certification number must be shown
- The mark height must be at least 5mm
- Voltage, country of origin (e.g., "Made in China"), and brand information must be included on the product label
Any product that does not carry the correct TISI mark cannot legally be sold in Thailand, even if it has undergone testing and passed.
The TISI Certification Process: Step-by-Step
The TISI certification process involves multiple stages, each with its own documentation requirements, technical standards, and coordination with Thai government bodies. For foreign manufacturers and investors, navigating this without local expertise can be a slow and costly exercise. This is the reason why most businesses choose to work with a local partner like Emerhub, who can manage the process on their behalf.
Here is an overview of how the certification process works:
- Confirm Your Product's Standard: The first step is identifying the applicable TIS standard for your product and determining whether it falls under mandatory or voluntary certification. This requires checking the current TISI catalog, since standards are updated regularly.
- Appoint a Thai-Registered Certificate Holder: Foreign manufacturers cannot hold a TISI certificate directly. A Thai-registered company must be appointed as the local representative and official certificate holder before any application can be filed. You can opt to start your own Thai legal entity, but that can take weeks to complete with mandatory capital investment. This makes
- Prepare and Submit the Application: The full application package is compiled and submitted to TISI. This includes technical files, product specifications, factory details, existing test reports, and Thai-language labels and manuals. Complete and accurate documentation at this stage is what keeps the process moving.
- Product Testing: Product samples are sent to a TISI-accredited laboratory for testing against the applicable TIS standard. If you have existing CB Reports aligned with IEC standards, these may reduce the scope of required testing. Thai national difference tests are always required regardless.
- Factory Inspection: A TISI-authorized inspection body conducts a physical audit of your manufacturing facility. For foreign manufacturers, this means coordinating an international inspection visit. This step typically takes one to three days on-site and must be completed before certification can be issued.
- Technical Review and Certificate Issuance: TISI reviews all submitted documentation, test results, and factory inspection reports. Upon approval, a Certificate of Conformity is issued and your product is authorized to carry the TISI mark in Thailand.
Each step involves coordination between your factory, accredited labs, inspection bodies, and TISI itself. Emerhub’s local partners can help you manage that coordination and can serve as your certificate holder to keep you on track.
How Long Does TISI Certification Take?
The overall certification timeline depends on the complexity of your product and how well-prepared your documentation is. As a general guide:
- Document review and testing: 30 to 60 days
- Factory inspection: 1 to 3 days on-site
- TISI technical review: Several additional weeks
In total, most businesses should plan for the entire process to take between 8 and 12 weeks for straightforward applications. More complex products or incomplete documentation can push that closer to three to six months.
If your product falls under a newly mandated standard with an upcoming effective date, starting your certification at least three to six months in advance is strongly advised to avoid import delays.
Post-Certification Compliance
Obtaining the certificate is not the end of the process. TISI requires ongoing compliance through a post-certification surveillance program.
TISI conducts annual surveillance audits that include unannounced factory re-inspections and random market sampling and testing. If a product fails a surveillance check, TISI may suspend or withdraw the certificate. Any significant changes to your product design, materials, or manufacturing process will also require re-evaluation and may cost 30 to 70 percent of the original certification fee.
TISI certificates are typically valid for up to three years. Before the validity period expires, you must apply for renewal, which involves resubmitting updated documents and potentially undergoing additional testing and factory inspection.
Emerhub can support your application and ongoing compliance with your TISI certification in Thailand. Get in touch with our local experts for a free consultation via the form below.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreign company apply for TISI certification directly?
Foreign manufacturers cannot hold a TISI certificate in their own name. You must work through a Thai-registered company, which will serve as the official certificate holder for your product. This means you need either a local subsidiary, a registered branch, or a qualified Thai importer as your local representative before starting the application process.
How much does TISI certification cost?
Costs vary depending on your product category, the scope of testing required, and whether factory inspection needs to be conducted internationally. There is no single flat fee. You should expect costs to cover application fees, laboratory testing, factory inspection, and any certification body service fees.
Does TISI accept test reports from foreign laboratories?
TISI accepts test reports only from laboratories that are accredited by TISI or recognized under Thailand's Laboratory Accreditation System (TLAS). Some CB Reports from IEC-aligned laboratories may be partially accepted to reduce the scope of testing, but Thai national difference tests are still required.
What is the difference between the mandatory and voluntary TISI mark?
The mandatory TISI mark is a legal requirement for regulated product categories. Products without it cannot be legally imported or sold in Thailand. The voluntary TISI mark is available to products outside mandatory categories and serves as a quality signal in the market. The visual marks differ, and only certified products are authorized to display them.
What happens if my product design changes after I receive TISI certification?
Any significant change to your product, including hardware modifications, component substitutions, or software adjustments, requires notification to TISI and a re-evaluation of the certification. Depending on the scope of changes, this can cost between 30 and 70%of the original certification fee. It is important to document all changes and consult your certification body before making modifications to a certified product.
Is TISI certification recognized across other ASEAN countries?
Thailand participates in ASEAN Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) for certain electrical product categories. Under these MRAs, products that meet IEC or equivalent standards and are certified in one participating country (including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) may benefit from recognition in other member countries. However, MRA applicability depends on the specific product and agreement terms, so you should confirm recognition on a product-by-product basis before assuming cross-border validity.