TISI Certification for Electrical, Household Electronic

Guide to TISI Certification – Thai Industrial Standards Institute

The Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI), under the Ministry of Industry, is Thailand’s national standards body. It is responsible for formulating industrial product standards and implementing product certification.

In 1968, Thailand enacted the Industrial Product Standards Act (B.E. 2511), granting TISI the legal authority to enforce mandatory product certification to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

Key Features of TISI Certification

1. A crucial market access requirement for Thailand.

2. Mandatory-listed products cannot be imported or sold without certification.

3. Violations may result in customs detention, fines of up to THB 200,000, or imprisonment.

4. Certification types:

①　Mandatory Certification: For high-risk products, requiring a red circular mark.

②　Voluntary Certification: For non-mandatory products, available upon request, with a blue square mark.

5. If no standard has yet been established, TISI applies a temporary product registration system.

TISI’s mission: To safeguard consumer safety and rights, protect the environment and resources, enhance product quality, and promote fair trade.

List of Mandatory Electrical, Electronic & Household Products

As of 2023, there are approximately 136 mandatory categories, with about 40+ in electrical and household appliances. Common categories include:

Electrical Accessories & Components

1. Plugs & sockets — TIS 2432-2012

2. Power cords — TIS 85-2548

3. Lamp holders — TIS 344-2549

4. Ballasts — TIS 23-2558

5. Starters — TIS 183-2547

6. Batteries — TIS 2217-2548

7. Circuit breakers — TIS 909-2548

Household Appliances (largely based on iec 60335)

1. Electric fans — TIS 934-2558

2. Rice cookers — TIS 1039-2547

3. Electric irons — TIS 366-2547

4. Washing machines — TIS 1463-2556

5. Clothes dryers — 2016 version

6. Microwave ovens — TIS 1773-2548

7. Deep fryers — TIS 1509-2547

8. Electric ovens/stoves — TIS 1641-2552

9. Instant water heaters — TIS 1693-2547

10. Electric kettles — TIS 2062-2558

11. Air conditioners — TIS 2134-2553

12. Refrigerators/freezers — TIS 2186-2547, TIS 2214-2548

13. Hairdryers & beauty appliances — 2006 version

Consumer Electronics & Others

①　AV electronic devices (TVs, audio systems, etc.) — TIS 1195-2561

②　UPS — TIS 1291-2555

③　LED lighting fixtures — TIS 2607-2556

Note: Please refer to the latest official TISI mandatory list for the complete catalog.

Required Documents for TISI Application

1. Business licenses of manufacturer & Thai importer

2. Basic product information (name, model, specifications, brand)

3. Sample customs clearance documents

4. Technical documents (manuals, schematics, BOM, etc.)

5. Product photographs

6. Factory ISO 9001 certificate & QC documents

7. Factory quality management procedure documents

8. Certification samples & customs declaration

9. Other supporting documents (e.g., special permits, authorization letters)

Notes:

①　Manuals, nameplates, and labels generally require Thai/English versions.

②　BOM must list model numbers and applicable standards.

③　Certain critical components must have TISI or international certification.

Certification Process

1. Confirm standard & prepare documents(1–2 weeks)

2. Sample testing(4–8 weeks)

 Safety, electrical, mechanical, flammability, EMC, energy efficiency (for appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners).

3. Application submission & document review(1–2 weeks)

4. Factory audit(1–3 days onsite; total 2–4 weeks)

5. Evaluation & certification issuance(3–6 weeks)

Total duration: 3–6 months (recommended to start at least 6 months in advance).

Testing Scope

1. Electrical safety: Dielectric strength, insulation, leakage, grounding, overheating protection.

2. Mechanical safety: Stability, protective covers, impact resistance, noise tests.

3. EMC: Conducted & radiated emissions, immunity (depending on product).

4. Energy efficiency: Refrigerators and air conditioners must meet MEPS requirements.

5. Special requirements: Photobiological safety for lighting, microwave leakage, battery overcharge/discharge, etc.

Factory Audit

Focus areas:

a. Quality system documentation (manuals, procedures).

b. Production process control & critical component management.

c. Product consistency (test samples vs. mass production).

①　Procedure: Opening meeting → Onsite inspection → Closing meeting & feedback → Audit report.

②　Common issues: Missing documents, incomplete records, unapproved components, uncalibrated equipment, insufficient staff training.

③　Preparation tips: Internal self-audit, document alignment, calibration, staff training, 5S management.

Timeline

1. Document preparation: 2–4 weeks

2. Product testing: 4–8 weeks

3. Factory audit: 2–4 weeks

4. Certification issuance: 3–6 weeks

Overall: 3–6 months

Cost Breakdown

1. Product testing fee: Several thousand to over USD 10,000 (depending on complexity).

2. Factory audit fee: \~THB 15,000 per audit.

3. Certification & registration fees: Minor.

4. Other expenses: Sample shipping/clearance, translation, agency fees.

Cost-saving strategies:

1. Series certification covering multiple models.

2. Use existing IEC CB reports (with supplementary testing if needed).

3. Select suitable TISI-recognized laboratories.

4. Avoid unnecessary voluntary certification.

Post-Certification Obligations

1. Marking: Products must carry the correct TISI mark & certificate number (Thai nameplate mandatory).

2. Annual surveillance audit: Once per year.

3. Consistency & changes: Design changes must be pre-approved.

4. Annual fees: Mark usage fee, 0.3%–1% of ex-factory value.

5. Market surveillance: Non-compliance may lead to penalties or certificate revocation.

6. Renewal: Every 3 years, subject to reassessment.

Common Agency Pitfalls & How to Avoid

1. Inflated fees: Overstating lab or official charges.

 Countermeasure: Request detailed breakdowns, compare multiple quotes.

2. Deliberate delays: Claiming slow approvals.

 Countermeasure: Set deadlines in contracts, request stage-based proof.

3. Certificate misuse: Holding certificates under agency’s name for control.

 Countermeasure: Prefer certificates in importer’s name; specify ownership in contracts.

4. Unreturned samples: Keeping excess samples without consent.

 Countermeasure: Confirm quantities, agree on handling in writing.

5. “Guaranteed approval” claims: Offering certification via connections.

 Countermeasure: Stick to official procedures; do not believe in “buying certificates.”