Bangkok: The government is set to launch a fully digital service for issuing Thai-Chilean Form TCs on May 12, 2026, revolutionizing the way exporters request and track certificates, which will be available online 24/7.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ploytalay Laksmisangchan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, disclosed that the Department of International Trade, under the Ministry of Commerce, will upgrade its services for issuing Thai-Chile Certificates of Origin (Form TC) to a fully digital platform. Utilizing the DFT SMART C/O system, businesses will be able to request and track certificates anytime and collect them using their national ID card or by printing them from the formstore website. This eliminates the necessity of visiting service locations in person.
The initiative follows negotiations between Thailand and Chile to create a more flexible system for certifying the origin of goods. Both countries' customs authorities will now accept certificates in A4 paper format and electronic file format as legally valid originals. This change addresses the previous limitation where importers needed original paper documents from exporters. Now, exporters can scan and email documents to importers, allowing them to immediately claim tax benefits. This advancement marks a significant step in global trade connectivity through electronic signatures and seals (ESS), a technology that the Department has been implementing continuously.
Statistics from 2025 indicate that over 4,364 Form TCs were issued to Chile, with a value exceeding US$526 million. The top product categories included transport vehicles, tuna products, and washing machines. The introduction of the SMART C/O system is expected to significantly reduce costs and administrative procedures for Thai exporters, facilitating quicker and more efficient entry of Thai products into the Chilean market amid growing global competition, stated Ms. Ploytalay.
Source: Thai News Agency