5 Critical Compliance Risks Every Importer Must Know
In January 2026, Thai authorities conducted a major crackdown on illegal CCTV and IoT device imports. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), together with the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau and the Customs Department, seized over 100,000 uncertified CCTV units, worth approximately THB 100 million, from a warehouse in Bangkok.
This incident serves as a high-risk compliance warning for all businesses involved in importing electronic devices, CCTV systems, and IoT equipment into Thailand.If you are an importer, distributor, or brand owner, these are the five most critical compliance risks you must address to protect your business.
1. Radio Frequency Compliance in Thailand (NBTC Approval)
Many importers mistakenly believe that clearing customs automatically makes products legal to sell. In Thailand, any device that uses radio frequencies, such as wireless CCTV cameras, Wi-Fi devices, and IoT products, is regulated under telecommunications law.
Common compliance mistake:
Importing and selling devices without NBTC certification for radio frequency usage.
Best practice for importers:
Before importing, confirm that the product’s operating frequency is permitted in Thailand and obtain the required NBTC certification or Import License.
2. NBTC Type Approval & Technical Standards Certification
Thailand enforces strict Type Approval requirements to ensure device safety and cybersecurity. Importing unbranded or OEM products without certification significantly increases legal risk.
Compliance failure in this case:
The seized CCTV devices did not pass NBTC Type Approval, exposing end users to potential data breaches and cybersecurity threats.
What importers must do:
All devices must undergo RF, EMC, and safety testing, followed by registration to obtain official telecommunications equipment certification before sale.
3. Online Sales Monitoring & E-Commerce Enforcement
Regulators now actively monitor online marketplaces and social commerce platforms.
Red flag behavior:
Selling CCTV products online at unusually low prices (THB 500 – 1,000 per unit) with extremely high sales volumes, up to 4,000 units per day, triggered regulatory investigation.
New enforcement trend:
NBTC is working directly with e-commerce platforms to remove illegal products. Online stores without valid licenses risk immediate suspension or delisting.
4. Severe Legal Penalties for Illegal Imports
Violations of Thailand’s telecommunications regulations are treated as serious criminal offenses.
Legal consequences include:
- Up to 5 years imprisonment
- Fines of up to THB 100,000
- Additional penalties for operating without a telecommunications business license
Business impact:
All illegal products may be confiscated, resulting in total loss of inventory, capital, and profits.
5. Multi-Agency Enforcement & Regulatory Integration
This enforcement case demonstrates a coordinated approach involving:
- NBTC
- Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau
- Customs Department
- Excise Department
- Consumer Protection Board
- Personal Data Protection Committee (PDPC)
Why this matters:
A violation in one area such as tax or customs issues can quickly escalate into telecommunications, consumer protection, and data privacy investigations.
How to Import CCTV & IoT Devices into Thailand Safely
Activio: Your Compliance Partner
This case proves that “trial-and-error importing” is no longer viable. Regulatory compliance is now a core business requirement.
Activio provides end-to-end compliance solutions for companies importing CCTV, IoT, and telecommunications equipment into Thailand.
Our Compliance Services Include:
1. Pre-Compliance Check
We review product specifications before manufacturing or import, ensuring radio frequency compatibility with Thai regulations.
2. NBTC Import & Trade Licensing
We handle all NBTC Import License and Trade License applications, minimizing risk and delays.
3. Type Approval & Certification Support
We coordinate laboratory testing and certification, enabling your products to be legally sold with full regulatory confidence.
Don’t Wait for Enforcement Action
Contact Activio today to transform compliance risks into competitive advantages and build long-term trust with your customers and partners.