Core Viewpoint - The Shopee Thailand platform is implementing strict compliance and tax reforms that will significantly alter the profit model for cross-border sellers, pushing them towards high-margin, long-cycle products and away from low-cost, high-volume strategies [2][4]. Compliance and Regulatory Changes - Starting January 1, 2026, all products regulated by the FDA or TISI must display compliance numbers prominently, with violations leading to delisting or store closures [2][3]. - The Thai government has eliminated the tax exemption for imported goods priced below 1,500 THB, increasing the overall tax burden by approximately 17% [2][5]. Impact on Seller Profitability - The combination of compliance costs and increased tax burdens is expected to reduce net profits for cross-border sellers by 25% [5]. - Sellers can no longer afford the trial-and-error approach of mass stocking low-margin products, necessitating a shift to more precise product selection with long life cycles [5]. Platform's Role and Enforcement - Shopee is transitioning from a mere facilitator of transactions to a primary enforcer of compliance, requiring proactive verification of products and reporting of violations within three days [3]. - The enforcement of compliance will eliminate the previous tactic of listing products without certification and waiting for regulatory checks [3]. Strategic Shifts for Sellers - Sellers are encouraged to utilize data tools to identify high-margin, stable demand products that can justify the costs of compliance and taxation [6][8]. - The market will increasingly favor compliant sellers, creating a competitive advantage for those who can meet regulatory standards, effectively turning compliance into a barrier to entry [9][10].
告别低价铺货:Shopee泰国站FDA新规后的高溢价选品策略