China's new environmental code forces Thai exporters to track carbon footprints or lose market access

China's Ecological and Environmental Code, effective August 15, 2026, consolidates 10 environmental laws and will require Thai exporters to provide credible data on carbon footprints, energy use, and waste management to stay in Chinese supply chains. Thai firms supplying raw materials, electronics, EV components, and food products face higher screening risks if they lack proper carbon accounting and emissions verification. At the same time, Thailand's own Climate Change Act and Taxonomy system are pushing businesses toward green compliance. Companies that measure emissions, adopt cleaner production, and align with green finance criteria can turn this regulatory pressure into a competitive advantage, while those that delay risk losing contracts and financing.