Why Industry Specialization Matters

There is no universal international trade model that is equally suitable for every product category.

Cosmetics may require control of production batches, shelf-life information and individual product labeling. Food products may require verification of ingredients, allergens, storage conditions and remaining shelf life. Hospitality and SPA supplies may combine cosmetics, textiles, accessories and consumable materials that are subject to different requirements.

Project preparation may require consideration of:

• the product category and intended use;
• the composition and product form;
• the type and condition of packaging;
• the number of product items;
• production batches;
• manufacturing and expiration dates;
• storage conditions;
• carrier restrictions;
• the importer’s requirements;
• the need for registration or certification;
• mandatory labeling rules;
• the intended sales channel;
• the commercial viability of the shipment.

THdelivery coordinates the operational part of the project in Thailand. Import rules, certification, registration, customs classification and conditions for placing products on the destination market are determined by the importer and its appointed professional advisers.

Cosmetics and Personal Care Products from Thailand

Thailand has a developed cosmetics, personal care, natural ingredients and contract manufacturing industry.

Possible product categories include:

• facial skincare products;
• body care products;
• shampoos and hair care products;
• cleansing products;
• soap;
• creams, lotions and serums;
• sun care products;
• decorative cosmetics;
• SPA cosmetics;
• aromatic products;
• professional salon products;
• hotel amenities and cosmetics.

Information Required for Cosmetics Projects

Working with cosmetic products requires more than confirming the product name and quantity.

Depending on the project, the following information may need to be checked and structured:

• the manufacturer and brand owner;
• the product form;
• package volume;
• SKU;
• production batch;
• manufacturing date;
• expiration date or shelf life;
• the condition of individual packaging;
• the presence of seals and protective elements;
• available label information;
• the importer’s additional labeling requirements.

Working with Multiple Cosmetics Brands

Online retailers and distributors often purchase products from several Thai brands at the same time.

Under this model, THdelivery may:

• coordinate product receipt;
• record products by supplier;
• sort products by SKU;
• separate products by production batch;
• check available shelf-life information;
• combine products into one commercial shipment;
• prepare a consolidated product inventory;
• apply labels supplied by the customer;
• transfer the prepared cargo to an international carrier.

OEM and Private Label in the Cosmetics Industry

Thailand may also be considered as a location for contract manufacturing and production under a customer’s own brand.

A project may include:

1. collecting information about manufacturers;
2. obtaining product samples;
3. approving the product concept;
4. selecting the product form;
5. selecting packaging;
6. preparing the label design;
7. manufacturing a test or commercial batch;
8. receiving finished products;
9. sorting and labeling;
10. international transportation.

THdelivery may coordinate agreed operations but does not replace the manufacturer, laboratory, certification body or legal adviser.

Wellness, SPA and Traditional Herbal Products

Thailand is widely known for products associated with SPA services, massage, aromatic care and traditional wellness practices.

This product group may include both ordinary consumer goods for personal care and relaxation, and products that are subject to additional registration, labeling or import requirements in the destination country.

Possible product categories include:

• massage oils;
• aromatic oils;
• balms;
• herbal compresses;
• bath products;
• soap;
• body scrubs;
• masks and body care products;
• aromatic sachets;
• products for SPA treatments;
• natural accessories;
• professional consumable materials;
• gift and hospitality sets.

Distinguishing Consumer Goods from Regulated Products

Products containing botanical or herbal ingredients do not necessarily belong to the same legal category.

A cosmetic product, aromatic product, food product, traditional herbal product, medical device or another regulated product may be subject to different requirements concerning:

• registration;
• certification;
• documentation;
• labeling;
• advertising claims;
• transportation methods;
• storage conditions;
• sale in the destination country.

Before purchasing the products, the expected classification, import eligibility and importer requirements should be determined.

THdelivery may perform agreed operations in Thailand after receiving instructions from the customer and its appointed professional advisers.

Preparing SPA and Wellness Products

Depending on the product and selected logistics model, preparation may include:

• sorting by intended use and SKU;
• checking the external condition of packaging;
• checking package closure and visible leakage;
• providing additional protection for liquids;
• separating glass packaging;
• checking the completeness of product sets;
• applying labels supplied by the customer;
• forming hospitality or salon sets;
• preparing wholesale batches;
• consolidating products with other compatible goods.

Liquids, Oils and Aromatic Products

The feasibility of transporting liquids, oils, aerosols and aromatic formulations depends on:

• the product composition;
• the volume of individual packages;
• the bottle or container material;
• the quality of package closure;
• the presence of alcohol or other restricted components;
• airline or ocean-carrier requirements;
• destination-country regulations.

Before forming a commercial batch, it is necessary to confirm whether the specific product can be accepted under the selected transportation method.

Food Products, Beverages and Ingredients from Thailand

Thailand is a major source of food products, spices, sauces, beverages and ingredients for retail, restaurants and food manufacturing.

Possible product categories include:

• sauces and seasonings;
• curry pastes;
• spices;
• dried herbs;
• rice and noodles;
• coconut products;
• tea;
• coffee;
• powdered beverages;
• snacks;
• confectionery products;
• fruit products;
• food mixes;
• ingredients for restaurants;
• raw materials for food manufacturing.

What Must Be Considered for Food Products

Food projects require accurate information about ingredients, origin, packaging and shelf life.

Before procurement and international dispatch, it is advisable to review:

• the full product name;
• the ingredient list;
• allergen information;
• food additives;
• the product form;
• the packaging type and visible package integrity;
• the manufacturing date;
• the expiration date or shelf life;
• the remaining shelf life;
• the production batch;
• storage conditions;
• temperature requirements;
• import eligibility in the destination country;
• restrictions imposed by the selected carrier.

For products with limited shelf life, the logistics model should take into account warehouse handling, consolidation, international transportation, customs procedures and subsequent distribution.

Production Batches and Traceability

Food products often need to be recorded by production batch and shelf-life information.

Under an agreed project model, operations may include:

• receiving products from suppliers;
• separating products by supplier;
• sorting products by SKU;
• recording available production-batch data;
• recording available shelf-life information;
• visually checking external packaging;
• preparing a consolidated product inventory;
• consolidating products;
• applying labels supplied by the customer;
• preparing products for international dispatch.

Ingredients for HoReCa and Food Manufacturing

A separate area involves supplying ingredients for:

• restaurants;
• cafés;
• hotels;
• catering companies;
• food manufacturers;
• Asian food stores;
• distributors;
• prepared-food manufacturers.

Such projects may include recurring inventory replenishment, work with larger package sizes and formation of repeat commercial batches.

Storage and Transportation Conditions

Not all food products can be stored and transported under standard ambient conditions.

Before the project begins, it may be necessary to determine:

• the permitted storage temperature;
• sensitivity to humidity;
• the need for protection from light;
• suitability for extended transit times;
• the need for refrigerated transportation;
• compatibility with other cargo categories.

THdelivery does not perform the functions of sanitary, veterinary or certification authorities, but may coordinate agreed operational activities involving the products in Thailand.

Products for E-Commerce and Marketplaces

Online retailers and marketplace sellers work with large numbers of product items, small individual units and recurring inventory replenishment.

Such projects require accurate product identification, quantity control, consistent packaging and the ability to prepare products for subsequent warehouse handling and sale.

Operational and logistics support may include:

• receiving products from several suppliers;
• separating products by brand;
• sorting products by SKU;
• checking quantities;
• separating products by production batch;
• recording available shelf-life information;
• applying barcodes;
• applying labels supplied by the customer;
• forming product sets;
• packaging individual product units;
• consolidating products;
• preparing recurring commercial batches.

Working with a Broad Product Range

A multi-brand online retailer may purchase several types of products at the same time:

• cosmetics;
• SPA products;
• food products;
• accessories;
• home products;
• gift sets;
• small consumer goods.

Managing such a product range requires maintaining a clear connection between:

• the supplier;
• the brand;
• the SKU;
• the quantity actually received;
• the production batch;
• the labeling;
• the packaging;
• the intended sales channel.

Preparing Products for a Marketplace

Depending on the product owner’s instructions, preparation may include:

• checking the SKU;
• separating products by product item;
• applying a barcode;
• applying an identification sticker;
• providing additional protective packaging;
• forming product sets;
• separating products by future shipment;
• forming transport packages;
• preparing products for transfer to the importer or warehouse operator.

The rules of the relevant marketplace, product-listing requirements, mandatory labeling requirements and authorization to sell the products are determined by the product owner and its representatives in the destination country.

Recurring Product-Range Replenishment

After a test shipment, a repeatable process may be established:

1. preparing the order;
2. coordinating suppliers;
3. receiving products in Thailand;
4. sorting and recording products;
5. labeling and packaging;
6. consolidating the shipment;
7. international dispatch;
8. reviewing the results;
9. preparing the next commercial batch.

This model helps online retailers and marketplace sellers avoid rebuilding the complete operating process for every inventory replenishment.

OEM, Private Label and Contract Manufacturing in Thailand

Overseas companies may consider Thailand not only as a source of finished products, but also as a location for contract manufacturing under their own brands.

OEM and Private Label projects may involve:

• cosmetics;
• personal care products;
• SPA products;
• soap;
• aromatic products;
• food products;
• beverages;
• hospitality sets;
• packaging;
• selected consumer goods.

Stages of an OEM or Private Label Project

The exact sequence depends on the product category, customer requirements and the manufacturer’s capabilities.

A typical project may include:

1. defining the product category;
2. collecting information about manufacturers;
3. confirming the minimum order quantity;
4. obtaining samples;
5. approving product characteristics;
6. selecting the product form;
7. selecting packaging;
8. preparing the label;
9. manufacturing a test batch;
10. manufacturing the commercial batch;
11. receiving the finished products;
12. checking quantities and the external condition of packaging;
13. applying additional labeling;
14. organizing international transportation.

Obtaining and Approving Samples

Before commercial production begins, the customer may need to obtain product and packaging samples.

At this stage, the parties may review:

• the product appearance;
• the product form;
• texture;
• fragrance;
• colour;
• volume;
• package size;
• the type of cap or dispenser;
• printing quality;
• set completeness;
• the packaging’s suitability for transportation.

Decisions concerning the suitability of the product, formulation and packaging are made by the customer together with the manufacturer and relevant professional advisers.

Coordinating Project Participants

A single Private Label project may involve:

• the product manufacturer;
• the raw-material supplier;
• the packaging supplier;
• the designer;
• the trademark owner;
• the importer;
• the certification body;
• the warehouse operator;
• the carrier;
• the customs representative.

THdelivery may help coordinate agreed activities in Thailand and provide the customer with operational information about project progress.

What THdelivery May Perform

Depending on the project, possible activities may include:

• collecting information about manufacturers;
• forwarding the customer’s request;
• confirming minimum order quantities;
• coordinating the receipt of samples;
• communicating with packaging suppliers;
• coordinating receipt of finished products;
• recording cargo units;
• sorting products by SKU and production batch;
• applying labels supplied by the customer;
• preparing the commercial product batch;
• organizing international transportation.

Limitations of THdelivery’s Role

THdelivery does not:

• manufacture the products;
• prepare mandatory legal documentation;
• determine the legality of a formulation or ingredient composition;
• issue certificates;
• register products in the destination country;
• replace a laboratory;
• replace a customs representative;
• make decisions on behalf of the importer.

Products for Hotels, SPA Businesses, Salons and HoReCa

Hotels, SPA businesses, salons and restaurants require recurring supplies across a broad range of product categories.

One project may include cosmetics, textiles, accessories, packaging, professional consumables and food ingredients.

Possible product categories include:

• hotel cosmetics and amenities;
• travel-size personal care products;
• soap;
• shampoos and shower gels;
• SPA sets;
• towels;
• bathrobes;
• aromatic products;
• massage accessories;
• disposable consumable materials;
• tableware and serving accessories;
• packaging;
• restaurant ingredients;
• gift sets;
• professional salon supplies.

Assembling Hotel and SPA Sets

Components for one set may be supplied by several different companies.

Operations in Thailand may include:

• receiving individual components;
• recording quantities;
• sorting by SKU;
• checking set completeness;
• assembling sets;
• packaging;
• applying labels supplied by the customer;
• preparing boxes and inserts;
• forming the commercial shipment;
• preparing the project for recurring supply.

Recurring Supplies for Hotels and SPA Businesses

Hospitality and professional projects particularly depend on:

• stable suppliers;
• repeatable product ranges;
• consistent product characteristics;
• production-batch control;
• consistent packaging formats;
• predictable timelines;
• the ability to increase volumes;
• the creation of safety stock;
• scheduled international shipments.

HoReCa Supplies

Possible supply projects for restaurants, cafés, hotels and catering companies may include:

• sauces;
• spices;
• tea and coffee;
• coconut products;
• dry mixes;
• packaging materials;
• serving accessories;
• professional consumable materials.

Food products require separate consideration of ingredients, allergens, shelf life, storage conditions and importer requirements.

Textiles and Professional Supplies

Textiles and accessories may require:

• quantity checks;
• sorting by size;
• sorting by colour;
• completeness checks;
• individual packaging;
• labeling;
• set assembly;
• preparation for wholesale supply.

Consumer Goods and Mixed Product Ranges

Some trading companies create supply programs that include several different product categories.

One procurement program may include:

• cosmetics;
• accessories;
• household goods;
• home products;
• souvenir products;
• packaging;
• textiles;
• food products;
• gift items;
• small consumer goods.

What Must Be Checked Before Products Are Combined

Not all product categories can be transported safely or economically within the same cargo batch.

Before consolidation, the parties should consider:

• product compatibility;
• storage conditions;
• temperature requirements;
• carrier restrictions;
• the presence of liquids;
• the presence of aerosols;
• the presence of batteries;
• packaging fragility;
• the presence of strong odours;
• food-product requirements;
• the need for separate packaging;
• differences in mandatory labeling;
• the suitability of one customs-clearance model.

Consolidating a Mixed Product Range

Depending on the shipment composition, operations may include:

• receiving products separately;
• recording products by supplier;
• sorting products by category;
• separating incompatible goods;
• preparing separate packing areas;
• providing additional protection for liquids and fragile products;
• preparing one or several product inventories;
• forming one or several shipments;
• selecting an appropriate logistics model.

When a Shipment Must Be Divided

One procurement program may need to be divided into several shipments when:

• the products require different storage conditions;
• some products are prohibited under the selected transportation method;
• food and non-food products require separate handling;
• the import procedures differ;
• different products have different readiness dates;
• the importer uses several customs-clearance models;
• individual categories are delivered to different warehouses.

Decisions concerning product compatibility are made with consideration of carrier requirements, importer requirements and destination-country rules.

Packaging, Components and Supporting Materials

An international project may include not only finished products, but also separate packaging and set components.

Products sourced in Thailand may include:

• bottles;
• jars;
• tubes;
• dispensers;
• caps;
• boxes;
• pouches and bags;
• labels;
• inserts;
• textile bags;
• gift packaging;
• components for product sets;
• promotional materials;
• transport packaging.

The Role of Packaging in a Commercial Project

Packaging affects:

• the product’s appearance;
• brand perception;
• ease of use;
• product protection;
• protection against leakage;
• manufacturing costs;
• transportation volume;
• labeling options;
• marketplace requirements;
• retail-chain requirements.

Packaging selection should take into account compatibility with the product, closure quality, strength and resistance to warehouse handling and international transportation.

Coordinating Packaging Suppliers

The product manufacturer and packaging supplier may be different companies.

In such a project, the parties may need to agree on:

• size;
• volume;
• shape;
• material;
• colour;
• the type of cap or dispenser;
• the minimum order quantity;
• the production timeline;
• printing quality;
• the procedure for delivering packaging to the manufacturer;
• remaining components after production.

Receiving and Checking Components

Under an agreed operating model, possible activities may include:

• receiving packaging components;
• recording the number of cargo units;
• visually checking external packaging;
• sorting by SKU;
• separating components by supplier;
• preparing components for transfer to the manufacturer;
• consolidating components with finished products;
• preparing components for international transportation.

Working with Regulated Product Categories

Some products require additional assessment before procurement, manufacturing or transfer to a carrier.

The fact that a product is freely available in Thailand does not automatically mean that it can be imported, registered and sold in another country.

Regulated or potentially restricted categories may include:

• selected food products;
• products containing ingredients of animal origin;
• products with limited shelf life;
• liquids and aerosols;
• products containing batteries;
• products presented with medical claims;
• selected traditional herbal products;
• products subject to mandatory registration;
• products requiring mandatory certification;
• products subject to mandatory digital labeling;
• products requiring special permits;
• products restricted by a particular carrier.

What Should Be Determined Before the Project Begins

Before procurement or manufacturing, it is advisable to establish:

• whether the product may legally be imported into the destination country;
• which product category applies;
• which documents the importer will require;
• whether registration is mandatory;
• whether certification or a declaration of conformity is required;
• whether mandatory labeling applies;
• whether the carrier can accept the product;
• which transportation method is permitted;
• which company will act as the importer;
• who will be responsible for customs clearance;
• which requirements apply after importation.

Allocation of Responsibilities

The customer and importer, together with their appointed professional advisers, determine:

• the legality of importation;
• the product classification;
• the need for permits and supporting documents;
• label-content requirements;
• mandatory product-marking rules;
• the procedure for placing products into commercial circulation.

THdelivery may perform agreed operations in Thailand:

• receive products;
• sort goods;
• separate products by batch;
• apply labels supplied by the customer;
• prepare cargo for transportation;
• provide agreed shipment data to the carrier;
• coordinate operational stages of the project.

A Unified Operating Model for Different Industries

Despite the differences between cosmetics, food products, SPA goods, packaging and e-commerce products, an international project normally follows a common sequence of stages.

1. Receiving the Initial Request

The customer provides:

• the product category;
• the expected product range;
• the approximate volume;
• the destination country;
• the required operations;
• the intended sales channel;
• the expected shipment frequency.

2. Preliminary Assessment

The following points are clarified:

• suppliers;
• minimum order quantities;
• product-readiness dates;
• packaging;
• restrictions;
• labeling requirements;
• the expected transportation method;
• the importer’s requirements.

3. Supplier Coordination

Requests are forwarded, product availability is clarified, and the timing and procedure for receiving products in Thailand are agreed.

4. Product Receipt

Products are received, cargo units are recorded and available information about the supplier and commercial batch is documented.

5. Sorting and Checking

Products may be separated by:

• supplier;
• brand;
• SKU;
• production batch;
• shelf-life information;
• future sales channel;
• individual order.

6. Product Preparation

Depending on the project, operations may include:

• packaging;
• repacking;
• protective securing;
• label application;
• barcode application;
• product-set assembly;
• formation of commercial batches.

7. Consolidation

Products from one or several suppliers are combined into one coordinated international shipment or divided into several batches according to compatibility and import requirements.

8. Shipment-Data Preparation

The following information is confirmed:

• product quantity;
• number of cargo units;
• weight;
• dimensions;
• commercial-batch composition;
• packing information;
• information for the carrier;
• information for the importer.

9. International Transportation

An available air, ocean, road, postal or multimodal route is selected and coordinated.

10. Information Transfer

The customer receives operational information and available project-status updates.

Who Can Benefit from Industry Support

Industry-focused operational support may be useful for companies that need to work with Thai suppliers and manufacturers without establishing a complete internal team in Thailand.

The services may be used by:

• importers;
• distributors;
• wholesale companies;
• online retailers;
• marketplace sellers;
• Private Label owners;
• hotel operators;
• SPA businesses and salons;
• HoReCa companies;
• manufacturers;
• retail chains;
• companies testing new product categories;
• companies developing multi-brand product ranges.

Why Companies Choose THdelivery

Local Operational Work in Thailand

Agreed activities are performed directly in the supplier country before the prepared products are transferred to an international carrier.

Experience with Different Product Categories

The operating model can be adapted for cosmetics, personal care, wellness products, food products, e-commerce, HoReCa, packaging and mixed product ranges.

Coordination of Multiple Suppliers

Products from different manufacturers and distributors may be received, recorded, sorted and combined into one or several coordinated shipments.

Preparation of Individual Product Units

Depending on the project, operations may include sorting, barcode application, customer-supplied labeling, packaging and set assembly.

Connection Between Procurement and Logistics

Product receipt, warehouse handling, shipment-data preparation and international transportation are treated as connected parts of one project.

Test and Recurring Shipments

A project may begin with a small test batch and later develop into a recurring commercial supply model.

One Communication Centre

The customer may coordinate several operations through one operating point in Thailand.

International Business Support

The model is designed for overseas companies, importers, distributors, e-commerce businesses, brand owners and other international B2B projects.

Cross-Industry International Partnership

A long-term international project may develop across several product sectors.

A company may begin with one category and later expand its range through:

• related brands;
• new suppliers;
• packaging;
• supporting products;
• Private Label projects;
• hospitality products;
• food products;
• products for e-commerce;
• professional B2B categories.

THdelivery helps connect Thai suppliers, manufacturers, overseas customers and logistics participants within one coordinated operating model.

Frequently Asked Questions