Thailand has officially approved, on 31 October 2025, the import of day-old chicks (DOC) and hatching eggs from the Netherlands. The approval is granted under the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) regionalization concept, meaning that poultry exports from the Netherlands to Thailand can continue from disease-free regions, even if HPAI is detected in other parts of the country.
Strengthening market access through HPAI regionalization
While market access has been in place since 2017. The new approval upgrades the framework to HPAI regionalization and represents a significant enhancement, as it formally recognizes the application of regionalization rather than requiring a nationwide suspension in the event of an HPAI outbreak.
HPAI regionalization is an animal health policy approach recognized by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). It allows international trade in poultry and poultry products to continue from officially designated HPAI-free zones or regions, provided that strict surveillance, zoning, and biosecurity measures are effectively implemented.
This approval reflects Thailand’s confidence in the Netherlands’ animal health control system and supports trade continuity while maintaining high standards of animal health protection.