Thailand Opens Public Consultation on Cosmetics Law Review

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• An outdated notification process that no longer reflects global best practices.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The agency aims to use this feedback to determine whether specific provisions of the existing law should be amended or repealed, with the goal of reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens while ensuring consumer safety and industry competitiveness.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.