Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormPuree/Paste (Shelf-stable packaged)
Industry PositionProcessed Vegetable Product
Market
Tomato puree/paste in Thailand is a packaged processed-vegetable ingredient market supplied by both imports and domestically packed products. UN Comtrade data via WITS shows Thailand as a net importer for HS 200290 in 2023, with imports far exceeding exports and China as the dominant import origin. Products are commonly distributed through modern trade and wholesale/cash-and-carry channels (e.g., Lotus’s, Big C, Makro) as well as online grocery platforms. Market entry and on-shelf sale are sensitive to Thai FDA import licensing and Thailand’s prepackaged food labeling rules under Ministry of Public Health notifications.
Market RoleNet importer with limited exports
Domestic RoleCooking and food-manufacturing ingredient sold in retail and wholesale channels; also used for repacking/foodservice formats
Market GrowthGrowing (2019–2023 trade proxy)Import value for HS 200290 increased between 2019 and 2023 in WITS (UN Comtrade) reporting, indicating rising import-supplied demand or sourcing reliance.
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighMarket entry can be blocked if the importer lacks the required Thai FDA import license and/or the product’s prepackaged labeling does not comply with Ministry of Public Health Notification (No. 450) B.E. 2567 (2024) for on-shelf sale in Thailand.Use a Thailand-established, Thai FDA-licensed importer; complete Thai FDA e-submission steps for importation for sale; perform a label compliance review against MOPH Notification No. 450 and retain supporting documentation before shipment.
Trade Dependence MediumThailand’s HS 200290 supply is import-reliant and origin-concentrated (China is the dominant import source in 2023 UN Comtrade/WITS data), creating exposure to origin-specific supply shocks or policy/friction.Qualify alternative origins/suppliers (e.g., EU/US/Chile/Portugal/Italy observed in 2023 imports) and maintain safety stock for key SKUs.
Regulatory Change MediumThailand has notified draft revisions for “food in a hermetically sealed container” through WTO SPS/TBT channels, potentially affecting definitions, process/quality criteria, and labeling elements relevant to canned/retorted tomato puree products.Monitor WTO notifications and Thai FDA updates; validate thermal process and product specifications against any amended criteria before scaling shipments.
Logistics MediumTomato paste/puree is commonly moved as bulky shelf-stable freight (often by sea), so freight-rate volatility and container disruptions can materially affect landed cost and availability in Thailand’s import-supplied market.Lock freight contracts where possible, diversify forwarders/routes, and plan buffer inventory around peak logistics disruption periods.
Food Safety MediumFor hermetically sealed container formats, inadequate process control (e.g., insufficient thermal processing) can create serious safety risks and trigger enforcement actions under Thailand’s sealed-container food rules.Use validated thermal processes, maintain batch records, and ensure facilities operate under GMP-equivalent controls (e.g., GMP 420 expectations) with appropriate verification testing.
FAQ
Is Thailand mainly an importer or an exporter of tomato puree/paste (HS 200290)?Thailand is mainly an importer. In 2023, UN Comtrade data displayed via World Bank WITS shows Thailand’s HS 200290 imports were much larger than its exports, indicating a net-import market position.
What is the key labeling rule to check for packaged tomato puree sold in Thailand?The key reference is Ministry of Public Health Notification (No. 450) B.E. 2567 (2024) on labeling of prepackaged foods, published in the Government Gazette and referenced by Thailand’s Food Division (Thai FDA).
Does a company need a Thai FDA license to import tomato puree for sale in Thailand?Yes. Thai FDA’s food importation guidance states that a food importer must obtain an FDA import license under section 15 of the Food Act B.E. 2522 (1979), and may need additional product permission steps depending on the product’s regulatory category.