Thailand Cosmetic Regulatory Updates in 2021 H1

Thailand Revises the Labeling Rules of Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers

In late December 2020, Thailand Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced revisions to the Cosmetic Act B.E. 2015. The labeling rules of alcohol-based cosmetics used for hand hygiene were revised. As per the new rules, 11 required items shall be marked on the label of such products, including the product name, application method, manufacturer's name and address, net content, warnings, etc.

The revised rules have taken effect since December 31, 2020. Stakeholders should note that the manufacture of new products shall refer to the new rules. For products already on the market, the labels shall be revised in line with the new rules by June 28, 2021, at the latest.

Apart from the amendments to labeling rules of alcohol-based cosmetics, Thailand FDA also adjusted the provisions regarding the administration fee incurred during the cosmetic approval process, and increased provisions related to the recall, destruction, and delivery of cosmetics. (Reference Link)

Thailand Legalizes the Use of Six Cannabis and Hemp-derived Ingredients in Cosmetics

On January 12, 2021, Thailand FDA officially allowed six low-THC cannabis and hemp ingredients in cosmetics and introduced two criteria to regulate the usage restrictions and labeling requirements of these ingredients.

The six ingredients include cannabis sativa (hemp) seed oil, cannabis sativa (hemp) seed extract, cannabis sativa (hemp) seed water, hydrogenated hemp seed oil, hydrolyzed hemp seed extract, and hydrolyzed cannabis sativa seed extract. Cosmetics containing such ingredients must meet the prescribed THC limits and mark specific warning information in Thai on their labels. Currently, the approved hemp business only applies to the local companies in Thailand. (Read More)

Thailand Solicits Public Feedback on the Use and Labeling of Cosmetics Containing CBD

On March 18, 2021, Thailand FDA opened a public consultation on the use and labeling of cosmetics containing CBD. Stakeholders with advice or suggestions were welcome to provide feedback online before March 22, 2021. (Reference Link)

Thailand Approves Another Batch of Cannabis and Hemp-Derived Ingredients for Cosmetics Use

On May 17, Thailand FDA issued six notices permitting the use of another nine cannabis and hemp-derived ingredients in cosmetics, which brings the total number of permitted cannabis ingredients to 15. The nine newly approved ingredients are cannabis spp. leaf, cannabis spp. root, cannabis spp. stem, cannabis sativa (hemp) leaf, cannabis sativa (hemp) root, cannabis sativa (hemp) seed, cannabis sativa (hemp) seedcake, cannabis sativa (hemp) stem, and cannabidiol - derived from extract or tincture or resin of cannabis.

Cosmetics containing these ingredients are also subject to usage restrictions and must be labeled with specific warning information in Thai. At present, the imports of cosmetics with these ingredients are still prohibited. The notices have entered into force from May 18. (Read More)

Thailand Revises the Restricted Cosmetic Ingredients and Permitted Cosmetic Colorants

On June 21, 2021, Thailand FDA announced several revisions to its cosmetic ingredient standards in Cosmetic Act B.E. 2015, which came into force on June 22, 2021. The main updates include:

revising the use restrictions on tagetes minuta flower extract (oil) and tagetes patula flower extract(oil), which include tagetes erecta in the requirements for combined use of tagetes.
adding a new entry of tagetes erecta flower extract/oil to the List of Restricted Cosmetics Ingredients and the Standards for Warnings on Labels for Cosmetics Containing Restricted Ingredients;
issuing a new list of permitted colorants in cosmetics.

Notably, these revisions are in line with part of the updates to ASEAN Cosmetic Directive annexes adopted in the previous ASEAN Cosmetic Committee Meetings. (Read More)

Thailand Expands the Scope of Cosmetics

On June 29, 2021, Thailand FDA issued a notice to reclassify tampons as cosmetics. Tampon is a feminine hygiene product designed to go inside the vagina to soak up menstrual blood. The notice took effect from July 19. (Reference Link)

ChemLinked Upcoming Webinar on Thailand Cosmetic Regulations

To shed light on Thailand’s cosmetic regulatory framework and compliance requirements, ChemLinked will team up with the leading Southeast Asian law firm Tilleke & Gibbins to host a webinar on August 11, to equip companies with a overview of Thailand cosmetic regulations, and practical examples of their application drawing on decades of experience helping clients to navigate Thailand cosmetics regulatory framework. Visit here for free registration.