Thai customs launches new IP recordation system

Following the overhauled customs recordation procedures under the Customs Notification No.106/2565 which came into effect in late July this year, the Thai Customs Department has recently introduced its platform for intellectual property recordation, called Thai Customs IPR Recordation System (TCIRs). Through this platform, intellectual property owners and their authorized representatives can initiate new customs recordations, update record details, and request the renewal of recordation applications to protect their rights from counterfeit goods. Customs officers can then access and utilize the information recorded in the database to verify the authenticity of goods imported, exported, or transited through the country. In addition to filing records of information that can be used in the process of product authentication, this new platform also allows the recordation of brand owners and their local representatives’ contact details, which customs officers may use when in need of their cooperation in the impounding process. The TCIRs system employs strict access controls, limiting its use merely to authorized customs officials to prevent information disclosure. The information filed and recorded in the database will be maintained in the system for three years from the date of receipt, or for the remaining period of trademark or copyright protection, if less than three years. However, a renewal can be requested, but it must be done no later than 30 days prior to the expiry date. In case of changes to information, the changes must be submitted to the Enforcement Division.

Since the new recordation system for intellectual property information has been in effect, the information recorded in the database of the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) has automatically become invalid due to the new procedure that requires customs officers to rely on TCIRs instead of the DIP’s recordation system. Brand owners are highly advised to use the TCIRs to proceed with customs recordation in order to safeguard their intellectual property rights across borders.