The 42-point checklist first-time buyers use to source safely from Thailand — supplier vetting, contract clauses, payment security, and shipment sign-off.

Thailand Sourcing Checklist for First-Time Buyers 2026

First-time importers lose the most money on the first two orders — before they know what "normal" looks like. This is the exact checklist TUSKO uses with new SME clients.

Phase 1 — Supplier vetting (before RFQ)

Verify DBD business registration on dbd.go.th (free public lookup)
Registered capital ≥ 5x intended annual PO
Business type matches product (manufacturer vs trading company)
BOI promotion status (if claiming duty-free machinery)
Factory license (Ror.Ngor.4) verified with Ministry of Industry
Google Street View check of registered factory address
Certifications: ISO 9001 / GMP / HACCP / BRC / FDA — current PDF
Customer references (2 international, same category)

Phase 2 — RFQ

Detailed product spec sheet with tolerances
Target retail price + acceptable FOB range
Target MOQ and 12-month forecast
Packaging spec (inner, master carton, pallet)
Labeling & regulatory requirements for destination
Required certificates (RoHS, REACH, FDA, CE, etc.)
Sample lead time and cost
Payment terms request (30/70 T/T or L/C)

Phase 3 — Sample & pre-production

Reference sample received & signed as golden sample
Third-party lab test if regulated (SGS, Intertek)
Pre-production sample matches golden sample
Tooling cost & ownership in writing
Artwork approved with dieline PDF

Phase 4 — Contract & PO

Pro forma invoice with Incoterm, port, currency
Payment terms and bank details verified via 2 channels
Liquidated damages clause for late delivery
IP ownership clause (moulds, artwork, formulas)
Quality standard: AQL 2.5 major / 4.0 minor (or tighter)
Latest shipment date + penalty formula
Force majeure and dispute resolution jurisdiction

Phase 5 — Production monitoring

Weekly production update with photos
DUPRO inspection at 30% completion
Raw material COA for regulated items
Approval of shipping marks before printing

Phase 6 — Pre-shipment & loading

PSI report (photos, weight, function test, AQL sampling)
Container loading check with seal photo
Fumigation certificate for wood packaging
Balance payment released ONLY after PSI pass
All documents received before vessel departure

FAQ

Q: Can I really vet a factory without flying to Thailand? A: Yes. DBD lookup, video tour, and third-party audit ($400–800) give 80% confidence without a plane ticket.

Q: Is a Thai company always safer than a Chinese one? A: Not automatically — but Thailand has stronger IP enforcement (WIPO), a functioning small-claims court, and DBD transparency China lacks.

Q: What if the factory changes bank account mid-order? A: Never wire to a new account without a phone call to a known contact + a fresh bank certificate stamped by the bank. This is the #1 fraud vector in ASEAN sourcing.

Q: How do I know an audit report is real? A: SGS, TÜV, and Bureau Veritas all offer a verification portal. TUSKO reports include auditor name, license number, and photo-timestamp metadata.