New Regulations for Thai Cosmetics

The Ministry of Public Health of Thailand recently issued an important announcement. It stated that 56 prohibited ingredients have been added to the list for cosmetic production. This measure aims to further safeguard the health and safety of consumers. Cosmetic manufacturers need to pay close attention to and strictly abide by the relevant regulations. The following is a detailed interpretation of the announcement:

The Ministry of Public Health of Thailand passed a resolution in accordance with Article 5, Paragraph 1. This resolution aligned with Article 6, Paragraph (2) of the Cosmetics Act. It was decided to add 56 prohibited ingredients. This occurred at the 4/2567 Cosmetics Committee Meeting held on August 26, 2567. This announcement shall come into force on the date of its publication in the Royal Gazette.

For manufacturers, importers, and contract manufacturers holding a cosmetic registration notice, specific regulations must be followed. This applies if their products contain the prohibited substances listed in items 1613 – 1668 of the attachment to the announcement titled “Names of Substances Prohibited from Use in Cosmetic Production.” This announcement was issued by the Ministry of Public Health on May 24, 2566 BE (Buddhist Era). Within 180 days from the effective date of this announcement, these products must comply with its requirements. They must include products produced in 2566 BE according to announcements prior to the revision and existing before the effective date.

This announcement mainly addresses the names of substances prohibited from use in cosmetic production. Let’s explore which substances are banned in cosmetic production!

Newly added prohibited ingredients

This announcement newly adds prohibited ingredients numbered from 1613 to 1668, covering a variety of chemical substances, including but not limited to:

1.Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4)

2.Sodium perborate

3.Nickel diformate

4.Nickel dioxide

5.Cobalt

6.Methylmercury chloride

7.Diisooctyl phthalate

8.Cyfluthrin

(Please refer to the attachment of the announcement for the complete list)

Impact on enterprises

The announcement of adding 56 prohibited ingredients for cosmetic products this time has put forward clear requirements for cosmetic manufacturers, importers, and contract manufacturers.

I. Adjustment of Existing Products

If a company’s existing products contain the newly added prohibited ingredients (items 1613 – 1668), it must complete the following adjustments within 180 days after the announcement takes effect.

1.Ingredient Replacement: Adjust the formula of products containing prohibited ingredients and use compliant alternative ingredients.

2.Product Withdrawal: If suitable alternative ingredients cannot be found, immediately stop production and withdraw the relevant products from the market.

3.Inventory Disposal: Dispose of the manufactured inventory products to prevent them from entering the market.

4.The company should promptly initiate an internal review to check the ingredients of all cosmetic products on sale to ensure compliance with the latest regulatory requirements.

II. Research, Development and Filing of New Products

During the research and development stage of new products, enterprises need to pay special attention to the following matters:

1.Ingredient Screening: Strictly avoid using the newly added prohibited ingredients to ensure that the formula complies with the latest regulatory requirements.

2.Compliance Testing: Conduct comprehensive safety and compliance testing before the product is launched on the market to ensure that there are no residues of prohibited ingredients.

3.Filing Update: If the new product involves ingredient adjustments, it is necessary to submit a filing update to the relevant departments in a timely manner to ensure the legal launch of the cosmetic product. We recommend that enterprises establish a sound ingredient management system, regularly update the list of prohibited ingredients, and ensure that their research and development work complies with the regulations.

III. Legal Liabilities and Risk Prevention

Enterprises that fail to comply with the regulations will face serious legal consequences, including but not limited to:

1.Administrative Penalties: This includes fines, orders to suspend production and business operations, etc.

2.Product Recall: Compulsory recall of non – compliant products already on the market. The enterprise shall bear the relevant costs.

3.Reputation Loss: Non – compliant behaviors may damage the brand’s reputation and affect its market competitiveness.

4.Compliance Review: Regularly conduct compliance reviews of cosmetic products to ensure they meet the latest regulatory requirements.

5.Legal Consultation: Collaborate with professional legal teams to obtain timely policy interpretations and compliance advice.