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
Related
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.