Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormConcentrated paste (shelf-stable; canned or aseptic bulk)
Industry PositionProcessed food ingredient (industrial and retail)
Market
Tomato paste in Thailand is primarily supplied via imports under HS 200290 (tomatoes prepared/preserved otherwise than by vinegar/acetic acid, excluding whole/in pieces), indicating an import-dependent market for tomato concentrates used by food manufacturers, foodservice, and retail consumers. UN Comtrade data via WITS shows Thailand imported HS 200290 products worth about USD 42.29 million (about 31.25 million kg) in 2023, with China the dominant origin by value and volume. Compliance for market entry is strongly shaped by Thai FDA requirements for licensed food importers and Thai-language prepackaged food labeling rules. Freight and container-handling reliability matter because tomato paste commonly moves in heavy retail packs (cans/jars) or industrial bulk packs (e.g., aseptic formats) on sea routes into Thailand.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent market for tomato paste/tomato concentrate products)
Domestic RoleIngredient input for domestic food manufacturing and foodservice; also sold as a retail pantry staple in packaged form
Market GrowthGrowing (recent trade trend (2021–2023))import value and volume increased from 2021 to 2023 for HS 200290
SeasonalityYear-round availability driven mainly by imports; procurement timing is influenced more by global concentrate supply cycles than by Thailand seasonality.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Homogeneous (evenly divided) texture characteristic of tomato concentrate
- Fairly good red colour with good flavour and odour (quality factors referenced by Codex for processed tomato concentrates)
Compositional Metrics- Total soluble solids / concentrate strength is a key buyer specification, aligned to Codex category thresholds for puree vs paste
- Salt may be present in salted variants; Codex concentration thresholds are measured on product without added salt
Grades- Commercial contracts commonly specify concentrate strength (soluble solids) and defect/foreign matter tolerances; Codex quality criteria are a reference baseline for tomato concentrates
Packaging- Retail: metal cans and jars for shelf-stable sales
- Industrial: bulk packs (commonly large containers for manufacturing use) subject to importer/buyer specifications and integrity requirements
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas tomato concentrate processor → export documentation and booking → sea freight to Thailand → Thai-licensed food importer clearance → industrial distribution to manufacturers/foodservice or retail distribution
Temperature- Shelf-stable product typically handled at ambient conditions; protect from excessive heat exposure and direct sunlight during storage and inland transport in Thailand
Shelf Life- Shelf-life is strongly dependent on packaging integrity (no can dents/leaks; seal integrity for bulk packs) and appropriate dry storage conditions
- Once opened, product handling becomes time/temperature sensitive and typically requires hygienic transfer and cold storage per buyer procedures
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighNon-compliance with Thailand’s Thai FDA import licensing requirements and updated prepackaged food labeling rules (e.g., MOPH Notification No. 450 (2024)) can block clearance, trigger relabeling requirements, or lead to shipment delays/withdrawal from sale.Use a Thai-licensed importer of record; perform pre-shipment label and document review against MOPH labeling rules; keep GMP-equivalent manufacturing system certificates and complete product dossiers ready for Thai FDA review.
Logistics MediumTomato paste is freight-intensive in common pack formats (cans/jars/bulk containers), so ocean freight and inland transport volatility can materially shift landed costs and disrupt supply continuity into Thailand.Contract freight where feasible; diversify origins and packing formats; maintain safety stock for industrial users during peak freight volatility.
Supply Concentration MediumThailand’s HS 200290 import supply is highly concentrated by origin (China is the dominant supplier in 2023), increasing exposure to origin-specific disruptions (price swings, policy shocks, or quality/compliance incidents).Qualify secondary origins and keep approved alternates for concentrate specifications; monitor origin concentration and adjust sourcing mix.
Food Safety MediumAdditive and composition non-compliance (including use-level or category mismatches) can trigger enforcement under Thailand’s food additive rules (e.g., MOPH Notification No. 468 (2025)) and buyer rejection even when product meets Codex definitions.Cross-check formulation against Thailand’s permitted additive lists/conditions and buyer specifications; document any acidulants/salt/spice additions and ensure labeling alignment.
FAQ
Does importing tomato paste for sale in Thailand require a Thai FDA food importer license?Yes. Thailand’s FDA states that a food importer must obtain a license under section 15 of the Food Act B.E. 2522 (1979) to import food for sale, and the importer must be established in Thailand.
What labeling rule is most important for packaged tomato paste sold in Thailand?Packaged tomato paste sold in Thailand must comply with the Ministry of Public Health’s prepackaged food labeling notification, currently MOPH Notification No. 450 B.E. 2567 (2024) on labeling of prepackaged foods.
Which HS code is typically used for tomato paste/tomato concentrate imports into Thailand, and where do imports mainly come from?Tomato paste and related tomato concentrate products are commonly captured under HS 200290 at the HS-6 level. UN Comtrade data via WITS shows Thailand’s 2023 HS 200290 imports were dominated by China, with additional supply from origins including the United States, Portugal, Italy, and Chile.