According to the Cosmetic Product Act, B.E. 2558 (2015), the definition of a cosmetic product is as follows:
- Substances intended to be applied, rubbed, massaged, sprayed, sprayed-on, dropped, perfumed, or otherwise administered to the external parts of the human body, including the teeth and the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, with the purpose of cleansing, beautifying, or altering the appearance, or deodorizing or maintaining such parts in good condition, as well as skin care products; but excluding ornaments and apparel used solely as external body accessories;
- Substances intended specifically for mixing in the manufacture of cosmetic products;
- Other substances as prescribed by Ministerial Regulations to be cosmetics.
Classification of Cosmetics
- General Cosmetics: Cosmetic products that do not contain controlled or specially controlled ingredients.
- Controlled Cosmetics: Cosmetic products containing controlled ingredients, the use of which requires product notification to the FDA prior to being placed on the market.
- Specially Controlled Cosmetics: Cosmetic products containing specially controlled ingredients, the use of which requires product registration.
Regulatory Authority
Thailand Food and Drug Administration (TFDA)
Compliance Requirements
Any enterprise intending to manufacture and sell, import and sell, or contract manufacture cosmetics shall notify the product information to the Medical Products Administration. Production or importation of cosmetics may only commence after obtaining the product information receipt.
Validity of the Product Information Receipt
Three years from the date of issuance
Note: An application for renewal may be submitted within six months prior to the expiration date. If the receipt expires but no more than one month has passed, the enterprise may still apply for renewal without penalty, provided that a valid explanation is given for the failure to apply before the expiration date and the renewal fee is duly paid.
Exemptions from Notification
- Production or import of cosmetic samples for the purposes of exhibition, education, research, or academic analysis.
- Personal purchase of cosmetics intended solely for individual use.
Cosmetic Product Notification Process
*: Cosmetic product notification must be completed by the license holder. The license holder must be a Thai national or a Thai-registered company authorized to import cosmetics. A local identification number is required to activate an account for the electronic submission system.
Responsibilities of the Cosmetic License Holder
- Responsible for the safety and quality of the product
- Responsible for product notification, importation, and post-marketing surveillance of adverse reactions, including reporting and product recall
Issuance Process of Inspection Report for Cosmetic Manufacturing / Importing / Storage Facilities
According to the Notification of the Ministry of Public Health: Rules, Procedures, and Conditions for the Manufacture or Import of Cosmetics (B.E. 2561 (2018)), operators intending to engage in the manufacture, contract manufacturing, or importation of cosmetic products for sale must submit an application for facility qualification in accordance with the procedures outlined below to obtain an official facility inspection report.
Cosmetic Labeling Requirements
Cosmetic labels must be written in Thai. All statements on the label must be public and truthful, based on the intended use of the cosmetic product, and must not be misleading in any substantial way. The following information must be indicated on the label:
- Product Name
- Product Type
- Ingredient Information
- Directions for Use
- Name and Address of the Distributor
- Name of the Manufacturer and Country of Origin
- Net Content
- Batch Number / Manufacturing Date / Expiry Date
- Warnings / Precautions
- Notification Number
Note: All claims made on the label must be supported by relevant documents or evidence.
Product Information File (PIF)
The Thai competent authority requires that the distributor or the authorized person responsible for placing the product on the market must keep the Product Information File (PIF) at their office. The PIF must be readily available for inspection by TFDA post-marketing surveillance officers, who may visit the premises to make on-site decisions regarding product liability or product quality complaints.At a minimum, Part I of the PIF --”Administrative Documents and Product Summary” must be kept at the office of the distributor or the authorized person responsible for placing the product on the market.
The PIF consists of the following four main parts:
- Administrative Documents and Product Description Summary
- Quality and Safety Data of Cosmetic Ingredients
- Product Quality and Safety Data
- Product Safety and Efficacy Data
Recommended Cosmetic Testing Requirements (Non-Mandatory)
- Microbiological Testing
- Heavy Metal Testing
- Stability Testing
- Preservative Efficacy Testing
- Packaging Compatibility Testing
- Other Efficacy and Toxicological Tests
About Us
The CIRS cosmetic team provides expert support to ensure that cosmetic products meet stringent global cosmetic regulations and safety standards. We offer comprehensive, lifecycle-based solutions for personal care products, from early-stage cosmetic ingredient development, through to final product registration. Our services include:
- Cosmetic ingredient development and regulatory strategy,
- Physical/chemical and analytical tests,
- Toxicological tests (in vivo & in vitro),
- Efficacy and claim substantiation studies (in vivo & in vitro), and
- Ingredient and product registration across global markets.
With deep expertise in cosmetic regulatory compliance and safety evaluations, our team enables brands to bring products to market efficiently and with confidence.
Our Services
- Thailand Cosmetic Product Registration
- Thai Company License Holding Service
- Preparation and Compilation of Product Information File (PIF)
- Registration of Thai Electronic Account
- Formula and Packaging Review
- Product Testing Services
- Logistics and Customs Clearance
