On 18 March 2025, Thailand’s Ministry of Industry has issued a major update to its List of Hazardous Substances (No. 8), which will come into effect the day after its publication in the Royal Gazette. This revision introduces significant changes to the classification and management of hazardous chemicals. These changes will affect manufacturers, importers, exporters, and stakeholders throughout the global chemical industry. The changes aim to enhance public safety, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance. 

Revocations: Key Substances Removed 

In the latest revision, two hazardous substances have been officially removed from the hazardous substances list. These substances were previously classified as hazardous but will no longer be subject to regulatory control. 

The first revocation involves plant extracts used for pest control, including substances such as neem, galangal, and citronella, which were previously listed under List 1.2 and controlled by the Department of Agriculture. The second revocation affects citronella oil, a substance previously listed under List 4.1 under the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). With these revocations, the Ministry of Industry has reclassified these substances, removing them from the list of regulated hazardous substances. 

Revised Control Measures for 17 Hazardous Substances 

In addition to the revocations, the announcement also includes extensive revisions to the control measures for 17 other hazardous substances. These revisions affect substances listed under the control of several government agencies. Notably, 10 substances under the Department of Industrial Works (List 5.1) have had their control measures updated, along with several substances under the Department of Agriculture (Lists 1.1 and 1.2) and the Food and Drug Administration (Lists 4.1 and 4.2). These changes reflect ongoing efforts to align Thailand’s regulatory framework with international safety standards and to address evolving concerns regarding chemical safety and environmental risks. 

New Hazardous Substances Added to the List 

Two new substances have been added to the hazardous substances list. Both pentachlorobenzene (CAS No. 608-93-5) and hexachlorobutadiene (CAS No. 87-68-3) are now classified under List 1.1 and are under the regulatory control of the Department of Agriculture. The inclusion of these substances signals Thailand's proactive approach to managing emerging chemical risks and ensuring that potentially harmful substances are adequately regulated. 

Implications for Global Chemical Industry Stakeholders 

The changes to Thailand’s hazardous substances list have important implications for the global chemical industry. Manufacturers, importers, exporters, and anyone involved in the trade or handling of hazardous chemicals must ensure compliance with the updated regulations. In particular, businesses dealing with substances that have been revoked or added to the list must take immediate action. For substances that have been added to the list, businesses will need to apply for permits and registrations within 30 days from the date of publication in the Royal Gazette. Companies managing previously listed chemicals should also ensure that they comply with the revised control measures. 

The Ministry of Public Health and the Cosmetics Committee of Thailand have introduced significant regulatory updates affecting the cosmetics industry. The latest announcements, published in the Royal Gazette in January 2025, mandate warning labels for cosmetics containing the preservative Climbazole and expand the list of substances prohibited in cosmetic formulations. These updates aim to enhance consumer safety and ensure compliance with international standards. Businesses involved in the manufacture, import, and sale of cosmetics must adhere to these new regulations within the specified transition period. 

Mandatory Labelling / Warnings for Cosmetics Containing Climbazole 

On January 31, 2025, the Cosmetics Committee published a announcement regarding the labelling of cosmetics containing preservatives (No. 5). This update, issued under the authority of the Cosmetics Act B.E. 2558, was decided during the 4/2567 Committee meeting held on August 26, 2024. 

Under this announcement, the warning label requirements for Climbazole (CAS Number: 38083-17-9) have been revised. Cosmetics containing this preservative must now include the following warning on their labels: 

“Contains Climbazole. Be careful not to get in your eyes. If irritation occurs, stop using the product and consult a doctor or pharmacist.” 

Manufacturers, importers, and contract manufacturers who have prepared labels prior to the enforcement date must comply with this new labelling requirement within 180 days of the effective date of the announcement. 

Expanded List of Prohibited Cosmetic Ingredients 

In a separate announcement, the Ministry of Public Health introduced new restrictions on prohibited substances used in cosmetics. The regulation, published on January 31, 2025, under the authority of the Cosmetics Act B.E. 2015, were enacted following recommendations from the Cosmetics Committee at its 4/2024 meeting on August 26, 2024. 

This update expands the list of prohibited cosmetic ingredients by adding 56 newly prohibited substances. Manufacturers, importers, and contract manufacturers who have received notification certificates for cosmetics containing these newly prohibited ingredients must ensure compliance within 180 days of the effective date of this announcement. 

The expanded prohibited list can be accessed here 

Implementation and Compliance 

Both announcements are now in effect following their publication in the Royal Gazette. The Thai authorities have emphasized that non-compliance will lead to regulatory actions, reinforcing their commitment to consumer safety in the cosmetics industry. Industry stakeholders are urged to review their formulations and labelling practices to ensure alignment with these updated regulations.