Thailand urges fruit exporters to verify MRL compliance before shipping season

Fruit exporters shipping to Thailand this season are being urged to verify the country’s updated maximum residue limits (MRLs) before export, as Thailand continues tightening controls on pesticide residues in imported produce.

According to the latest report from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), Thailand applies its own MRL framework under the Ministry of Public Health, with strict controls on pesticide residues in imported food products. Exporters were warned that shipments exceeding permitted residue levels may face rejection, destruction, or other import disruptions.

USDA FAS noted that Thailand first applies its domestic MRL standards when assessing compliance. If no Thai limit exists for a specific pesticide and commodity combination, authorities may refer to Codex standards, followed by ASEAN standards. Where no established limit is available, a default residue limit of 0.01 mg/kg applies.

The report also reviewed import conditions for several U.S. fruits approved for entry into Thailand, including cherries, apricots, apples, pears, peaches, nectarines, plums, strawberries, table grapes, and citrus from approved production areas. These imports remain subject to permits and phytosanitary requirements set by Thailand’s Department of Agriculture.

Read the full report here.

source and graphics: fas.usda.gov