Whether TISI certification is required for importing machinery into Thailand depends on the specific components: TISI (Thai Industrial Standards Institute) certification operates under a dual system of mandatory and voluntary certification (governed by the *Industrial Product Standards Act*). Mandatory certification in Thailand covers approximately 129 product types across 18 sectors (including electronics/electrical equipment, machinery, and construction materials, according to US ITA data). Regarding machinery: electrified components (such as motors or electrical assemblies like three-phase induction motors under TIS 2783) require TISI certification, whereas purely mechanical structural parts generally do not fall under the mandatory list—therefore, verify whether the components are subject to mandatory TIS standards before shipping.
1.
What is TISI?
Full Name: Thai Industrial Standards Institute (under the Ministry of Industry); System: Features two types of marks—mandatory certification and voluntary certification; Scope: Covers electronics/electrical equipment, medical devices, construction materials, vehicles, agricultural products, machinery, etc.; Consequences: Failure to obtain certification for items on the mandatory list results in an inability to clear customs, removal from the market, and legal penalties (Note by Sheng’an Certification)—TISI represents a core threshold for market access in Thailand.
II. Machinery Requiring Certification
Electric Motors: Three-phase induction motors (TIS 2783, IE2 minimum energy efficiency); Electrical Components: Wires, sockets, switches, light bulbs, motors, etc. (included in the mandatory list); Complete Machines: Machinery containing mandatory components (motors/electrical parts) requires a comprehensive assessment; Exemptions: Purely mechanical structures (without electrical components) generally qualify for voluntary certification; TISI Official Guidance: If a motor within the machinery falls under mandatory standards (e.g., TIS 866), it must be processed according to regulations—machinery equipped with electric motors is a key focus for TISI (first, check if the complete machine contains mandatory components).
III.
Import Licenses
Two Types of Licenses: Form IS5 (Standard License) + Form IS5-1 (Batch Import License); Process: Apply for the TISI import license via the Thai National Single Window (NSW) system; Applicability: Importers of products subject to mandatory standards (required even for non-commercial imports); Documentation: Application form, ID card or company documents, quality control system assessment report—obtain the TISI import license before importing mandatory products (it is too late to process this after the goods arrive at the port).
IV.
Certification Process
Step 1: Check the list of mandatory TIS standards; Step 2: Testing (Thai-accredited laboratories: electrical safety, chemical limits, mechanical durability); Step 3: Factory audit (ISO 9001, incoming material inspection, calibration records); Step 4: Technical documentation (specifications, user manual); Step 5: Certification issuance + TISI mark application (mark height ≥5mm; must include standard number, certification number, country of origin, voltage, and brand)—duration is approximately 2–4 months (including the factory audit).
V. Key Pitfalls to Avoid
1. Component Classification (determining if the complete unit contains mandatory motor or electrical components); 2. Marking Compliance (incomplete TISI mark dimensions or information renders the product ineligible for legal sale); 3. Energy Efficiency Requirements (IE2+ rating for motors; EPPO energy efficiency program); 4. Import Licensing (processing via the NSW system in advance); 5. Monitoring New Regulations (new mandatory standards for six categories of electrical and electronic products taking effect in October 2025)—Summary for machinery imports to Thailand: First, check the mandatory TIS list (focusing on motors and electrical components); if the unit contains mandatory components, certification and an import permit (Form IS5/NSW) are required; the TISI mark must be ≥5mm;
and the process takes 2–4 months.
