Tightened inspections of tapioca chip imports are being enforced by the Foreign Trade Department, following the discovery of a dozen importers smuggling in substandard chips. Ronnarong Phoolpipat, the department’s director-general, revealed that the department had increased inspections at national border areas since November, being the peak sales period for tapioca chips. The operations aim to address a persistent smuggling issue that could potentially affect domestic tapioca prices.
The department’s inspection teams started operations in mid-January, identifying importers of low-grade tapioca chips at Chong Mek and Bueng Kan checkpoints in Ubon Ratchathani province. From last November, 15 importers have been penalised for bringing in low-quality tapioca chips by temporarily suspending their imports, Ronnarong stated.
“Tapioca is considered a…
