Market
Buttermilk in Thailand is primarily an imported dairy ingredient category aligned with HS 040390 ("buttermilk, curdled milk and cream, etc."). UN Comtrade data surfaced via the World Bank WITS platform shows Thailand imported HS 040390 at about USD 47.5 million (about 15.1 million kg) in 2023, with New Zealand a leading supplier by value. Importing for sale requires a Thai FDA food importer license under the Food Act B.E. 2522 (1979), and imported foods must meet Thai labeling and any controlled-food permitting requirements. As an animal-origin product, dairy-related imports can also be subject to Department of Livestock Development (DLD) import permit and official health certificate processes depending on product and origin.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent ingredient market for HS 040390 fermented/acidified dairy products including buttermilk)
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighNon-compliance with Thailand’s import licensing and labeling controls for foods (Thai FDA/MOPH), and any applicable animal-origin import permit/health certificate requirements (DLD), can lead to shipment delay, seizure, or refusal of entry for buttermilk-related dairy imports.Use a properly licensed Thai importer; confirm product category (controlled vs general), secure required Thai FDA licenses/serial number approvals via e-Submission where applicable, align labels before shipment, and pre-check whether DLD animal-origin permits/health certificates apply for the specific buttermilk format and origin.
Documentation Gap MediumDocument inconsistencies (e.g., product description/HS code mismatch, missing Thai labeling elements, or health certificate wording not matching permit conditions) can trigger customs holds and rework costs at Thai entry points.Run a pre-shipment document concordance check across invoice, packing list, bill of lading, Thai FDA filings/serial number (if applicable), and any DLD permit and health certificate conditions.
Logistics MediumFor powder-format buttermilk ingredients, humidity exposure and extended port/warehouse dwell time in Thailand can degrade quality (caking/off-flavor risk) and increase claims/rejections by industrial buyers.Specify moisture-barrier packaging, include desiccant where appropriate, use dry/clean warehousing, and set contractual quality specs and sampling/inspection plans at arrival.
Standards- GMP (as evidenced to Thai FDA for import licensing where applicable)
- HACCP
- ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000
FAQ
Which Thai agencies are most relevant for importing buttermilk for sale into Thailand?Thai FDA (Ministry of Public Health) is central for food importer licensing and any product licensing/serial-number processes, while Thai Customs determines tariff treatment and clearance. Depending on the specific dairy product and origin, the Department of Livestock Development (DLD) may also apply animal-origin import permit and official health certificate requirements.
Do imported buttermilk products need Thai-language labeling before entry?Yes, imported processed foods subject to Thai FDA/MOPH labeling rules require Thai labeling, and guidance for Thailand notes that required Thai labels should be applied prior to entry; failure to apply required labeling before entry can lead to seizure.
Is Thailand an import-reliant market for buttermilk-related HS 040390 products?UN Comtrade data accessed via the World Bank WITS platform shows Thailand imported HS 040390 (a category that includes buttermilk/curdled milk and cream/other fermented or acidified milk and cream, excluding yogurt) valued at about USD 47.5 million (about 15.1 million kg) in 2023, indicating meaningful import reliance for this ingredient-category segment.