Published: July 18, 2025 by Rungreung Huanraluek
What is the TIS Mark?
Standards Related to Data, Image, and Sound Communication Systems, Part 5
TIS (มอก.) stands for Thai Industrial Standard. Products in the "Mandatory TIS" category must obtain industrial product standard certification before they can be manufactured, imported, or sold in Thailand.
TIS, also known as Thai Industrial Standard, is a standard established to control the quality, safety, and suitability of products sold in Thailand. TIS represents technical specifications used to regulate the quality and safety of goods, with the aim of protecting consumers and supporting manufacturers in adopting standardized production practices. The Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI), under the Ministry of Industry, is responsible for setting standard specifications and controlling standards. Its objectives are to prevent consumers from harm caused by product use, build confidence in product quality, promote Thai industries to produce standardized goods, and protect the environment and public health.
How Many Types of TIS Are There?
There are two types of TIS: "Mandatory TIS" and "Voluntary TIS." Products falling under the Mandatory TIS category must receive product certification before manufacturing or distribution; failure to do so is against the law. Products under the Voluntary TIS category are not compulsory, but manufacturers can seek certification to enhance credibility. Choosing products with the TIS mark ensures consumer safety, guarantees that the product performs as advertised, and verifies quality through inspection, thereby increasing user confidence.
What is "Mandatory TIS"?
Mandatory TIS (มาตรฐานบังคับ) refers to a standard mark legally required by Thai law, stipulating that certain product types must pass standard certification before they can be manufactured, imported, or sold in the country. This mark is affixed to products to inform consumers that the product has undergone inspection, possesses quality and safety, and is certified according to legal requirements. Its objective is to protect consumer safety, prevent harm from substandard products (e.g., electric shock, fire, hazardous substances), help reduce economic damage to the country, and build confidence in product use. For products requiring Mandatory TIS, the law dictates that manufacturers, importers, and distributors must only sell products that have already been certified. Each product unit must display the mandatory standard mark to indicate its certification. Violators may face fines or legal prosecution. Currently, over 5,280 items require mandatory quality standard certification.
Product groups under "Mandatory TIS" include:
1. Electrical and Electronic Equipment: e.g., power plugs, sockets, electrical wires, rice cookers, electric fans, electric irons, water heaters, power strips, electrical switches, and circuit breakers.
2. Construction Materials: e.g., rebar, structural steel, cement, PVC pipes and fittings, lightweight concrete, roof tiles.
3. Safety Equipment: e.g., safety helmets, fire extinguishers, car seat belts, life jackets.
4. Automotive: e.g., motorcycle helmets, tires, reflective sheeting, certain types of lubricating oil.
What is "Voluntary TIS"?
Voluntary TIS (มาตรฐานทั่วไป) or General Standard, is a product quality certification mark for which TISI has set product standards, but manufacturers can voluntarily apply for certification to develop product quality according to the specified criteria and provide assurance to consumers or buyers that the product is of quality, safe, and offers good value. The "General Standard Mark" is a product quality certification mark for which TISI has already set product standards. Manufacturers (in Thailand) can voluntarily apply for quality certification (General Standard) to improve product quality according to the specified criteria and provide assurance to consumers or buyers that the product is of quality, safe, and good value. Currently, there are over 170 items that can voluntarily apply for quality standard certification. (The number 5,280 seems to be a typo here, likely meant for mandatory items).
Product groups under "Voluntary TIS" include:
1. Everyday Products: e.g., children's toys, school uniforms, bicycles, weighing scales, UV-protective clothing, office supplies like staplers.
2. Certain Electrical Appliances: e.g., televisions, audio systems, water filters, air purifiers, certain IT equipment like printers, monitors.
3. General Decoration and Utility Items: e.g., house paint, bathroom fixtures, aluminum doors and windows, flooring materials, or insulation.
The Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) (สมอ.) is a government agency under the Ministry of Industry. Its main duty is to define and control industrial product standards in Thailand to ensure that various goods and services are of quality, safe, and reliable for consumers, society, and the environment. TISI performs functions in standard setting (e.g., defining minimum product properties), standard certification (e.g., issuing licenses for manufacturers or importers to use standard marks on products), and inspection and control (e.g., verifying if products sold in the market actually meet standards). Products certified by TISI bear the Thai Industrial Standard (TIS) mark (มอก.), which helps consumers be confident that the product is safe, functions as stated, and has been inspected by the government. Examples of products requiring TIS include rice cookers, electric fans, electrical wires, power plugs, motorcycle helmets, etc. In addition to its domestic role, TISI also plays an international role, such as cooperating with international organizations on standards, to promote the acceptance of Thai products in global markets. In essence, TISI acts as a "confidence checkpoint" for Thai industrial products, helping to screen safe and quality items for the public, and also building credibility for Thai businesses on the global stage.
