Thailand notifies WTO of draft regulation mandating safety standards for stainless steel food utensils

The Thailand Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) has notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a draft Ministerial Regulation mandating that stainless steel utensils for food must conform to Thai Industrial Standard TIS 3206-2567 (2024): Stainless Steel Utensils for Food – Safety Requirement.  

Objective and Rationale 

The primary objective of this regulation is to protect human health and safety. With increasing concerns over the potential release of harmful substances from food-contact materials, it ensures that all stainless-steel utensils on the Thai market adhere to a unified national safety standard, thereby reducing risks associated with food contamination. 

Responsible Authority 

The Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI), under the Ministry of Industry, will be responsible for overseeing the implementation and enforcement of the proposed regulation. As the relevant regulatory body, TISI plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with industrial standards to protect public health and environmental integrity. 

Description of content  

The draft Ministerial Regulation requires that stainless steel utensils used in contact with food and beverages conform to the safety requirements defined in TIS 3206-2567 (2024). The regulation applies to a wide range of products, including but not limited to: 

1. Pots – containers for heating liquids 

2. Pans – containers used for various cooking methods 

3. Plates – flat containers for serving food 

4. Bowls – curved containers for holding food 

5. Food Trays – including compartment, warming, or dessert trays 

6. Food Containers – with or without lids, stackable or not 

7. Beverage Containers – glasses, tumblers, bottles, flasks 

8. Spoons – for scooping food 

9. Forks – for piercing food 

10. Chopsticks – utensils used for picking up food 

11. Spatulas – for flipping or scooping food during cooking 

12. Ladles – large utensils for scooping liquids 

13. Dippers – handled containers for scooping liquids 

These utensils come into contact with food and beverages that are consumed orally or by other means, in any form. 

Timeline: 
The proposed adoption date is yet to be determined. The regulation will enter into force 270 days after its publication in the Government Gazette.