📰 Table of Contents

Introduction to the New Used Tire Import Ban
Enforcement Date and Legal Reference
Key Definitions and Affected Products
Exceptions and Permitted Imports
Industry Implications and Compliance Measures
Resources and Government Contact

1. Introduction to the New Used Tire Import Ban

Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce has officially announced a new regulation on used tires, rubber scraps, and unusable tire-related materials. As per the Royal Gazette published on June 23, 2025, used tire imports are now categorized as either prohibited or restricted goods, subject to special permission and strict compliance procedures.

This regulation, titled “Ministerial Notification on Prohibition and Permission Measures Regarding the Import of Used Tires B.E. 2568 (2025)”, is designed to control environmental impact, enhance trade safety, and align with national waste management efforts.

2. Enforcement Date and Legal Reference

The law will take effect 30 days after its publication in the Royal Gazette, marking July 23, 2025, as the enforcement date.

It revokes and replaces the previous regulation issued on August 16, 2013, reflecting updated standards and international environmental considerations.

🔗 Read the Official Announcement (PDF)

3. Key Definitions and Affected Products

The term “used tires” refers not only to previously used tires but also to retreaded tires, rubber scraps, and cut rubber that can no longer be used. These items fall under specific customs tariff categories and are now regulated as follows:

🚫 Prohibited Imports:

Used or retreaded tires for passenger cars, motorcycles, and bicycles
Rubber scraps and unusable cut rubber related to the above categories

⛔ Restricted Imports (Permission Required):

Used tires for buses and trucks (under tariff codes 4012.20.61 and 4012.20.29)
- Only allowed for retreading and re-export purposes
Rubber scraps from truck/bus tires (also prohibited if not for re-export)

Importers must ensure proper segregation of these goods from other tire imports during transit and storage.

4. Exceptions and Permitted Imports

To support specific use cases, some exceptions have been outlined:

✅ Allowed without special permission under these conditions:

Research or sampling: ≤10 units or ≤20 kg of rubber scrap
Tourist use: ≤1 tire
Authorized race events: quantity as required with certification from Sports Authority of Thailand
International freight: ≤3 spare tires per vehicle
Personal vehicle use: ≤1 spare tire per vehicle

These exceptions aim to support tourism, research, and sports industries without compromising the law’s core intent.

5. Industry Implications and Compliance Measures

This used tire import ban is expected to significantly impact the shipping, automotive, and recycling sectors. Importers, shippers, and customs brokers are advised to:

Review their compliance procedures
Obtain the necessary import licenses and certifications
Prepare for customs inspections and separation requirements

Failure to comply could result in import denial, fines, or legal action under the Export and Import of Goods Act B.E. 2522 (1979).

6. Resources and Contact Information

For further information or import permit applications, businesses are encouraged to contact:

📍 Thai Electronic Customs Brokers Association (ECA)

🌐 Website: www.eca.or.th

📎 Source credit: https://ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/documents/73984.pdf

Used Tires Import Ban in Thailand: New Trade Regulation Takes Effect