Recently, the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA), together with the police, carried out a raid on a suspicious warehouse in Bangkok and seized more than 37,000 illegal cosmetics products, with an estimated total value of nearly 3 million baht.
The confiscated items included facial masks, serums, and other cosmetics that had not been registered with the FDA and lacked proper Thai-language labeling. Authorities have impounded all seized products and transferred the relevant evidence and documents to the police for further legal action.
1. Violations and Penalties
The FDA stated that the actions are in violation of the 2015 Cosmetics Act, with penalties including:
- Selling unregistered cosmetics: a fine of up to 20,000 baht;
- Selling cosmetics without Thai-language labeling: punishable by up to one month of imprisonment, or a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both.
2. Public Reminder
The FDA advises consumers to exercise caution when purchasing cosmetics, to buy only from legitimate retail channels, and to check the Thai-language label to ensure it contains complete information, including:
- Cosmetic name and product name
- Type of cosmetic
- Ingredients and usage instructions
- Name and address of manufacturer/importer
- Net weight, batch number, and manufacturing date
- Warning statements (if any)
- Registration number
3. Key Compliance Points for Importing Cosmetics
Thus, for brands and importers seeking to enter the Thai market, regulatory compliance and product registration are essential steps:
（1）Product Registration
- All cosmetics must be registered through the Thai FDA system to obtain a valid registration number.
- Requirements and documentation vary depending on the classification (general cosmetics / specially controlled cosmetics).
（2）Labeling Compliance
- In addition, all imported cosmetics must carry Thai-language labels clearly indicating ingredients, usage instructions, warnings, and the registration number.
- Labels must match the registered information; any inconsistency is considered a violation.
（3）Import Declaration
- Importers must file a formal customs declaration and submit FDA registration documents, MSDS, and other relevant materials.
- Smuggling, concealment, or false declarations are strictly prohibited.
（4）Compliant Storage and Distribution
- Cosmetics must be stored in FDA-compliant warehouses, which must be accessible for on-site inspections.
- Distribution channels must be traceable to prevent illegal products from entering the market.
（5）Ongoing Regulatory Oversight
- Any changes to registered information (such as formulation, labeling, or importer details) must be updated with the FDA.
- Companies should conduct regular self-checks to minimize the risk of non-compliance.
Therefore, compliance registration, proper warehousing, and lawful declaration are the only correct path for enterprises to enter and sustain their presence in the Thai market.
If your products are preparing to enter the Thai market—or are already selling on platforms like Shopee or Lazada without certification—now is the best time to review and secure your product compliance. Welcome to contact WELLION for consultation!
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