Thailand Revises Notification Review Standard for Mouth Spray Cosmetics

In October 2023, the Thai Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA) introduced a comprehensive update to the Criteria for Reviewing Notification of Mouth Spray Products. This update builds upon the existing "Notification Standard for Mouth Spray and Mouth Wash Products in Cosmetics" which is part of the Cosmetic Notification Review Standard (2021 Edition). The revised standard refines regulations surrounding claims, container characteristics, naming rules, and notification documentation requirements for mouth spray cosmetics.

Key highlights of the revised standard include:

1. Definition

The standard clearly defines mouth spray products as those which emphasize their exclusive use for "breath freshening."

2. Prohibited Claims

Products in this category are prohibited from having claims beyond the cosmetic scope, claims related to the efficacies of healing, relief, sterilization, treatment, etc., as well as claims about moisturizing effects on mouth and throat.

3. Container Characteristic

The standard prohibits the use of containers with spray connecting pipes, to prevent contact with the throat.

4. Product Naming

• Mouth spray products containing herbal plants with medicinal properties, such as Galangal and Andrographis Paniculata, can include the plant's name in the cosmetic name, provided that the plant is used as a cosmetic ingredient and the product is solely for freshening breath (e.g., GALANGAL REFRESHING MOUTH SPRAY, GALANGAL MOUTH SPRAY FOR FRESH BREATH).

• The term "KID/KIDS" is permissible as part of the product name under certain conditions: 1) The cosmetic product is intended for use by children aged 6 years and above, 2) the formula’s composition shall be further considered, such as the amount of alcohol in the formula; 3) The product label must indicate "Not for use by children under 6 years old".

• Terms such as "Baby," "Infant," "Newborn," etc., are not allowed as part of the product name.

5. Documentation Requirements

Enterprises are required to provide the following supporting documents for review during the notification process.

• Images of actual products available for sale, including accompanying equipment (if any).
  

• Images of labels on each side of the products for sale, ensuring that the text or pictures do not lead to misunderstandings about the essence of the cosmetics or convey the product’s effectiveness in curing, relieving symptoms, curing disease, killing various germs, or other similar messages.

• A company-director-signed certificate promising that the product’s promotion will not be beyond the scope of cosmetics or include any claims related to healing, relief, sterilization, treatment, or moisturizing effects on mouth and throat.

By ensuring a robust regulatory framework, these meticulous refinements of standards provide clarity for businesses which are navigating the notification process, and contributes to the overall safety and compliance of mouth spray cosmetics in the Thai market.