On January 6, 2025, the Department of Industrial Works (DIW) issued a formal reminder to Category 3 factory operators to comply with the Ministry of Industry’s updated Safety Measures for Chemical Management in Industrial Plants (No. 2), under the B.E. 2566 regulations. This compliance mandate requires factories to report their hazardous chemical use and storage data annually.  

What are Category 3 Factories? 

Category 3 factories are industrial facilities with machinery over 50 horsepower, more than 50 workers, or significant pollution generation regardless of workforce size or machinery horsepower. 

Reporting Requirements and Deadlines 

Factory operators must submit their hazardous chemical reports to the Ministry of Industry's central data reporting system by April 30, 2025. Reporting is required for all hazardous chemicals in quantities of one tonne or more per year per type. Even facilities that use smaller quantities or no hazardous chemicals are required to report.  

Failure to comply with the reporting requirements may lead to penalties for non-compliance under Section 46 of the Factory Act B.E. 2535, carrying fines of up to 20,000 baht or potential administrative orders, including suspension or closure of the factory. 

Guidelines for Reporting to the Ministry of Industry’s Central Data System 

In order to comply with the reporting requirements, operators are required to: 

• Register with the Ministry of Industry’s i-Industry system, providing their 13-digit business number or national ID/juristic person registration number. 

1. Add their business and factory details. 

2. Submit chemical information via the iSingleForm system. 

A user manual and detailed guidance on hazard classification (GHS codes) and storage classification are available via the Ministry's platform. For further assistance, factory operators can access a FAQ section provided by the Department in the user manual. 

Promoting Compliance Throughout Thailand’ Industrial Sector 

The Department of Industrial Works urges all factory operators to complete the process within the stipulated time to avoid legal or administrative action. Compliance will help maintain safety and legal compliance throughout Thailand's industrial sector. Businesses that have already fulfilled their obligations were thanked for their cooperation. 

Thailand’s Department of Industrial Works (DIW), under the Ministry of Industry, launched a public consultation regarding a draft ministerial announcement on December 2, 2024. This proposal seeks to classify certain chemicals as Type 3 (controlled) hazardous substances in accordance with the Stockholm Convention, with the aim of strengthening the regulation of hazardous substances in Thailand. The consultation specifically addresses the proposed classification of four chemicals as Type 3 hazardous substances under the Hazardous Substances Act B.E. 2535.

Chemicals under Consideration

The chemicals proposed for Type 3 classification are:

1. Dechlorane Plus

2. Dechlorane Plus (syn-isomer)

3. Dechlorane Plus (anti-isomer)

4. UV-328

Background to the Ministerial Announcement

Thailand has been a Party to the Stockholm Convention since 2005 and is committed to the elimination of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) to safeguard human health and the environment. At the 11th Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention in May 2023, three substances were recognized as POPs and added to Annex A (the Elimination List), including:

• Dechlorane Plus (syn- and anti-isomers)
• UV-328
• Methoxychlor

Subsequently, the Stockholm Convention Subcommittee met on July 18, 2023, and tasked DIW with classifying Dechlorane Plus (both syn- and anti-isomers) and UV-328 as Type 3 hazardous substances under the Hazardous Substances Act B.E. 2535, with strict controls to phase out their production, use, and release.

Purpose and Survey Details for the Public Consultation

The public consultation aims to gather feedback from a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that the regulation of hazardous substances is well informed and practical. The draft announcement proposes stricter controls on the import, export, production, possession, and transit of these substances.

DIW has called for participation from a range of stakeholders, including:
• Government agencies such as the Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration
• Academics, independent organizations, and the public
• Operators dealing with hazardous substances (importers, manufacturers, distributors)
• Other interested parties

Stakeholders are invited to comment on the classification of four substances as Type 3 hazardous substances. They may agree or disagree with the proposal, either fully or partially, and are encouraged to provide justifications, suggestions, or alternatives. The feedback collected will help the authorities to assess the potential impact of the proposed measures, ensuring a balanced approach that addresses both regulatory needs and stakeholder concerns. This inclusive process will ensure that the final ministerial announcement is transparent, practical, and informed by diverse perspectives.