Aat Pisanwanich, director of the university's International Trade Studies Centre, said exporters - particularly of shrimp - must monitor the measures.

Food and consumer-goods importers impose these restrictions to protect consumers. Thai exporters should be aware of the new regulations and ensure that exports meet their requirements, said Aat.

Australia introduced biosecurity measures for shrimp in 2001. Thai exporters will be required to meet them from February 12.

The standard requires all shrimp to be disease-free. Without a declaration, shrimp will be banned, said Aat.

The Commerce Ministry said shrimp exports to Australia fell 26.8 per cent in volume - or by US$22.4 million (Bt802 million) in value - last year.

In addition, the world's biggest retailer, US-based Wal-Mart, has signed up to the Aquaculture Certification Council's BAP programme.

Buyers of Thai shrimp will not be able to sell the product to Wal-Mart unless it has received the council's stamp of approval. Already, many processing plants in Thailand are seeking certification.

Aat said the more stringent measures would mean extra costs for exporters and make increasing export volume harder.

Shrimp exports to the US grew 10.6 per cent to $551.3 million last year - in spite of controversial double import barriers in the form of anti-dumping duties and bonds. The US is one of Thailand's top three shrimp markets.

Thailand has complained to the World Trade Organisation about double barriers.

Aat will lead a team to Sweden to study details of its Global Information and Early Warning System on Food and Agriculture.

The system provides up-to-date information on all aspects of food supply and demand and warns of imminent food crises. The study will help Thailand better prepare for new standards affecting exports.

Petchanet Pratruangkrai, The Nation