When a Korean consumer goods client called us on a Tuesday morning, their $180,000 shipment had been sitting at Laem Chabang Port for six days. The Thai FDA had flagged the product labels as non-compliant with local language requirements, and without intervention, the cargo faced return or destruction.
What Went Wrong
The root cause was straightforward: Thailand's FDA requires that certain product categories — including health supplements and cosmetics — carry Thai-language labels with specific minimum font sizes and mandated text fields. The client's original packaging was designed for the European market.
Three issues compounded the problem:
- The shipper had not obtained FDA pre-approval before departure
- The customs broker on record lacked a direct relationship with the FDA officer handling the case
- The original HS code classification led to a higher scrutiny queue
How NMD Resolved It
Within two hours of receiving the case, our Thai customs team had reviewed all documents, identified the three specific non-conformities, and initiated contact with the FDA licensing office directly. NMD has maintained formal relationships with customs and FDA officers across all five SEA markets for over four years.
- Emergency re-labeling through a certified local co-packer (under bond)
- Revised HS code submission with supporting technical documentation
- Direct facilitation of the FDA waiver for the temporary label variance
- Full customs duty re-assessment and payment processing
By Thursday evening — 48 hours after the first call — the shipment had cleared port. Their product launch ran on schedule.
Key Takeaways
- Conduct a label compliance audit for each destination market before production
- Obtain FDA/product registration in advance (4–12 weeks depending on category)
- Ensure your IOR has established relationships with customs authorities in-country
Need IOR support for your next shipment? Talk to our team →