Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormFresh (Chilled)
Industry PositionProcessed Dairy Product
Market
Plain curd cheese (fresh, unripened cheese/curd; HS 040610) in Thailand is primarily supplied through imports and distributed via modern retail and foodservice-oriented channels. UN Comtrade data (via World Bank WITS) shows Thailand imported about USD 26,601,080 of HS 040610 in 2024, with Australia and New Zealand as leading origins by value. USDA FAS reports that Thailand’s overall cheese consumption is rising, led by foodservice use (e.g., pizzas/burgers) and increasing availability of diverse cheese types in supermarkets, alongside a growing artisan segment. Market access depends on Thai FDA food-import licensing workflows and documentation (including evidence of GMP-equivalent manufacturing controls), plus customs clearance through e-Customs/Thai National Single Window and, where applicable for animal-origin foods, Department of Livestock Development (DLD) procedures.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (net importer)
Domestic RoleDemand is driven by foodservice and urban retail; local artisanal producers exist but the fresh cheese/curd segment remains import-led.
Market GrowthGrowing (recent trend (USDA FAS report published 2025))rising consumption supported by foodservice usage and broader supermarket availability of diverse cheese types
SeasonalityYear-round availability is primarily determined by import flows and cold-chain distribution rather than domestic harvest seasonality.
Specification
Primary VarietyUnripened cheese/curd (HS 040610 category includes cottage/curd-style fresh cheeses)
Physical Attributes- High-moisture, fresh/unripened cheese requiring chilled handling
- Mild flavor profile suitable for foodservice applications and bakery fillings (depending on style)
Compositional Metrics- Formulation commonly based on milk, starter cultures, coagulating enzymes (rennet or equivalents), and salt, consistent with Codex group standard for unripened cheese
Packaging- Retail tubs/cups for fresh/spreadable formats
- Foodservice bulk packs for ingredient use (e.g., pizza/bakery channels)
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas dairy processor → refrigerated transport → Thai importer (Thai FDA-licensed) → customs clearance via e-Customs/Thai National Single Window → Thai FDA import inspection workflows (incl. LPI where applicable) → cold storage/distributor → retail and foodservice
Temperature- Chilled cold-chain control is critical for fresh, high-moisture cheese/curd products throughout storage and distribution in Thailand.
Shelf Life- Shelf-life is sensitive to cold-chain breaks; importers typically rely on strict stock rotation and documentation to manage expiry and quality compliance.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighThailand market access for cheese/curd can be blocked by missing or inconsistent Thai FDA import licensing/quality-system evidence (GMP-equivalent) and/or animal-origin import procedure requirements (where applicable via DLD). Documentation gaps or labeling non-compliance can trigger holds, seizure, or refusal at the border.Work through a Thai FDA-licensed importer; align HS classification, product description, and labels across all documents; pre-validate required certificates (GMP-equivalent evidence) and any DLD-related requirements with the importer before shipment.
Food Safety MediumFresh, high-moisture cheeses carry elevated microbiological risk if processing hygiene or cold-chain controls fail; Thai FDA post-marketing surveillance and sampling/testing can lead to enforcement actions if products do not comply with standards.Maintain HACCP-based controls, keep batch/lot traceability for rapid recall, and use accredited lab COAs aligned to Thai importer requirements for routine microbiological verification.
Logistics MediumChilled dairy products are sensitive to delays and temperature deviations; reefer freight and port dwell time volatility can raise landed cost and spoilage/quality risk for fresh cheese/curd shipments into Thailand.Use validated reefer logistics with temperature monitoring; build contingency lead-time buffers; prioritize reliable cold storage at destination and coordinate release timing with customs/FDA workflows to reduce dwell time.
Tariff And Origin MediumTariff exposure varies materially by origin and FTA qualification; suppliers without an applicable FTA may face high MFN tariffs (USDA FAS cites 30% for cheese without an FTA), while preferential schedules (e.g., AANZFTA) can reduce tariffs to 0% if rules of origin are met. Mis-declaration of origin/HS can trigger duty reassessments and penalties.Confirm HS 0406.10 classification and origin qualification with the Thai importer/broker; retain robust origin documentation and seek advance rulings when product characteristics are borderline.
Sustainability- Cold-chain energy intensity and efficiency: Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) highlights Thailand’s dairy cold chain as an energy- and emissions-relevant area with identified efficiency opportunities, which is material for chilled dairy products like fresh cheese/curd.
Standards- GMP (Thai GMP or equivalent evidence accepted by Thai FDA for imported food manufacturing systems)
- HACCP
- ISO 9000 (or equivalent quality-system certification accepted as GMP-equivalent evidence in Thai FDA import documentation context)
FAQ
Is Thailand mainly an importer of fresh (unripened) cheese and curd (HS 040610)?Yes. UN Comtrade data published via World Bank WITS shows Thailand imported about USD 26.6 million of HS 040610 in 2024, with Australia and New Zealand as the top origins by import value.
What approvals or documents are commonly needed to import cheese/curd for sale in Thailand?Thai FDA states that importing food for sale requires a Thai importer to hold an FDA food import license and to prepare product-quality evidence plus a certificate showing a food manufacturing system standard equivalent to Thai GMP. Customs clearance typically uses an electronic import declaration with standard shipping documents (e.g., invoice, packing list, bill of lading), and animal-origin import procedures may also be relevant depending on product/origin conditions (DLD publishes procedures under the Animal Epidemics Act framework).
How can tariffs differ by origin for HS 0406.10 when selling into Thailand?USDA FAS reports that cheese suppliers to Thailand without a free trade agreement may face a 30% import tariff. Thailand’s AANZFTA tariff schedule shows HS 0406.10 has a 30% base rate but is eliminated to 0% from 2020 onward for eligible origin that qualifies under AANZFTA rules of origin.
What is driving cheese demand in Thailand and how is it used?USDA FAS reports Thailand’s cheese consumption is rising due to westernization of diets, widespread foodservice use (such as pizzas and burgers), growing demand for convenient and diverse cheese products, and increased focus on health and wellness. The report also notes mozzarella and spreadable cheeses are highly desired and that many cheese types are available in major supermarkets.