The Thailand Pollution Control Department (PCD) published a notice on April 9, 2025, outlining the degree of contamination in waste paper that is brought into the Kingdom. The objectives are to:

• Describe the responsibilities of the PCD and other oversight organizations.
• Make sure the import procedure is clear and effective.
• Encourage the circular economy framework in Thailand to use waste paper as a raw material.

1. Prohibited Substances 

Waste paper to be imported into Thailand must not contain the following contaminants:   

• Hazardous substances and chemicals are governed by the hazardous substances law.
• The nuclear energy for peace law governs radioactive materials.
• According to the public health code, infectious trash includes things like syringes, needles, blades, animal carcasses, and human remains or body parts.
• Batteries, lightbulbs, aerosol cans, pesticides, chemical containers, and other toxic or hazardous trash from communities that is subject to public health laws. 

2. Contamination Levels 

Imported waste paper may contain other contaminants such as plastics, metals, glass, synthetic materials, wood, soil, food waste, etc., but must not exceed the criteria specified in the table below:

3. Inspection 

• Pre-shipment inspection: In order to meet the requirements of the buyer-seller agreement, waste paper importers must alert their trading partners or suppliers in the country of origin so that they can check the amount of pollutants in the waste paper before it is shipped to Thailand.
• On-arrival inspection: Customs must alert the PCD and any other pertinent agencies to do a joint inspection if it believes an item exceeds contamination standards or looks like municipal garbage.

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