TikTok Shop requires local selling entities in Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, and Singapore — cross-border China entities cannot directly hold local shops; local company or authorized local partner structures are required.
Market specifics: (1) Indonesia — strictest: local PT (PMA with foreign investment license) or arranging via TikTok's ecosystem after the 2023 social-commerce separation rules; import via registered importers (API-U). (2) Vietnam — foreign sellers need a VN entity or use TikTok's cross-border program with local fulfillment; e-invoicing compliance mandatory. (3) Thailand/Malaysia/Philippines — local entity or partnership routes; VAT registration on thresholds (TH: 1.8m THB; MY: 500k MYR digital tax). (4) Singapore — straightforward; GST via OVR scheme. Common structure: HK/SG entity for procurement + local entities per market for shop ownership, with China ODI covering the parent investment. Registration cadence and marketplace withholding rules change frequently — verify current rules per market before committing capital.
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