Thailand's Chemical Regulatory Authorities: DIW, Thai FDA, PCD, and DOA

The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a nationwide public consultation to assess and improve the current regulatory framework governing cosmetics. The review centers on the Cosmetics Act B.E. 2558 (2015) and related legislative instruments, with the consultation period running from December 27, 2024 to March 31, 2025. 

Thai FDA Seeks Input form Industry and the Public 

This initiative marks a significant step in Thailand’s efforts to ensure that its cosmetics regulations remain relevant, effective, and in line with international standards. The consultation seeks feedback from a wide range of stakeholders, including cosmetics businesses, general consumers, provincial health officials, academics, consumer advocacy groups, and FDA personnel. 

Background on Thailand’s Cosmetics Act 

The Cosmetics Act B.E. 2558, which came into force on September 9, 2015, replaced the previous 1992 legislation with a more modern framework aimed at harmonizing regulations with ASEAN standards, supporting the growth of the cosmetics industry, and enhancing consumer protection. Key reforms included the introduction of a notification-based system for the manufacture and import of cosmetic products, as well as restrictions on harmful substances, labelling requirements, and mandatory product information reporting by businesses. 

Challenges Identified by the FDA 

However, after nearly a decade of implementation, the FDA has identified several challenges that warrant reform. As of September 30, 2024, identified issues include: 

• Ambiguities in the legal definition of cosmetics under Section 4(2). 

• Inadequate mechanisms for promptly publicizing non-compliance findings. 

• The need to reassess the interpretation of terms such as “active ingredients” and the handling of product deviations. 

• An outdated notification process that no longer reflects global best practices. 

• Regulatory gaps in addressing new marketing trends and technological advances in the cosmetics sector. 

Public Input and Next Steps 

To support the review, the Thai FDA is collecting public input via an online survey hosted on the Thai central legal system platform and conducting stakeholder engagement meetings to gather qualitative insights. The agency aims to use this feedback to determine whether specific provisions of the existing law should be amended or repealed, with the goal of reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens while ensuring consumer safety and industry competitiveness. Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the consultation process before the deadline of March 31, 2025.

In a significant move to enhance cosmetic safety and align with regional standards, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), through its Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has announced a series of regulatory updates. These include a proposed ban on 17 additional hazardous substances in cosmetics, new labelling requirements for fluoride toothpaste, restrictions on microneedle-based products, and draft guidelines for the evaluation of novel cosmetic ingredients. These initiatives are designed to bring Thailand’s cosmetic regulations in line with the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) and the ASEAN Harmonized Cosmetic Regulatory Scheme (AHCRS), reinforcing the country's commitment to consumer safety and regional harmonization. 
 
Thailand Proposes Ban on 17 Additional Substances in Cosmetics 

As part of ongoing efforts to align with the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) and the ASEAN Harmonized Cosmetic Regulatory Scheme (AHCRS). The Thai Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), through its Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has announced plans to expand the list of substances prohibited in cosmetic formulations by adding 17 more chemical entries. 

The newly proposed additions include seven substances—comprising various nickel compounds, quinoline, and imidazole—numbered 1,669 to 1,675 on the regulatory list. The remaining ten entries (1,676 to 1,685) include several benzene-based and petroleum-derived compounds. 

This regulatory move followed a public consultation conducted between 27 February and 13 March, during which concerns were raised regarding the potential health risks of these substances. The proposed ban is primarily due to their classification as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction (CMR). 

This proposal comes after a previous update earlier this year, in which MOPH had already added 56 substances to the prohibited list, reflecting the country’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of cosmetic products on the market. 
Review the news by clicking here. 

New Labelling Standards for Fluoride Toothpaste 

To reflect the newly increased fluoride limit of 1,500 ppm, Thailand will require clearer labelling on fluoride-containing toothpaste. Labels must now: 

• Include the statement “toothpaste with fluoride” 

• Specify fluoride concentration in parts per million (ppm) 

• Name the specific fluoride compound used 

• Carry child-safety usage warnings for different age groups 

• Recommend medical advice from doctor or dentist, if children are exposed to additional fluoride sources 

Toothpaste manufacturers will have one year to update their packaging in compliance with the new regulations. 

Restrictions on Microneedle-Based Cosmetics 

Another key proposal includes a ban on the production, import, and sale of cosmetics containing microneedles or microneedle-like crystals, except for dissolvable microneedle patches with needle lengths under 100 micrometers. These permitted products must include cautionary labels about potential skin irritation and allergic reactions, discourage daily use, and restrict application on sensitive areas or by users under the age of 15. A compliance period of 180 days will follow the official announcement.