FDA Thailand Thai cosmetic labelling requirements, with a correct label example
Which law sets Thai cosmetic labelling requirements
Thai cosmetic labelling requirements are set by the Cosmetic Committee notification on cosmetic labelling B.E. 2562 (2019), issued under section 22 of the Cosmetic Act B.E. 2558 (2015). It specifies what information the label must carry, in which language, what to do for small packs, and which messages are not allowed.
Product-specific notifications apply alongside it, such as the notifications on label warnings for cosmetic ingredients (currently up to No. 9 of 2025), on displaying sun protection values, and on fluoride toothpaste labelling (2025).
The label is the first thing consumers, officers and trade partners see, and it must match the notification record. This guide goes through every item with an example, so you can check a draft before printing.
Cosmetic label Thailand: the 11 required items
Clause 1 of the 2019 notification requires:
- cosmetic name and trade name, larger than other text;
- type of cosmetic, such as facial cream or shampoo;
- all ingredients by the names in the references set by the Thai FDA, in descending order;
- directions for use;
- name and address of the manufacturer or importer, and the country of manufacture;
- net quantity;
- batch number;
- month and year of manufacture;
- month and year of expiry (only where required);
- warnings (where applicable);
- notification number.
The label must be in clearly legible Thai; ingredient names may be in Thai, transliterated or in English.
Details that are often wrong, including the Thai cosmetic expiry date rule
Ingredient order
The Thai FDA's explanatory note says ingredients must use INCI names from the permitted-substances references. Ingredients above 1% are listed in descending order first, followed by colourants and ingredients below 1%, which need not be ordered. Colourants are shown by CI number, or by colour name where no CI number exists.
Expiry date
An expiry date is required when:
- shelf life is less than 30 months from manufacture;
- the product contains hydrogen peroxide;
- it is a sunscreen containing avobenzone.
Expiry refers to the unopened product. It may be shown in the Buddhist or Christian era, in any order, but must carry Thai wording such as "expiry date" or "use before". If printed somewhere hard to see, the label must say where.
Notification number
Either 10 digits (AA-B-CCXXXXX) or 13 digits (AA-B-CCXXXXXXXX), as issued. Cosmetics do not use the Thai FDA logo frame.
Nanomaterials
Add "(nano)" after the ingredient name.
Thai cosmetic label example (facial cream)
The example below is hypothetical, to show the structure only; it does not refer to any real product.
| Item | Example |
|---|---|
| Cosmetic name / trade name | (Trade name) Hydrating Day Cream, largest text on the label |
| Type | Facial moisturising cream |
| Ingredients | Aqua, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Niacinamide, ..., Phenoxyethanol, CI 77891 |
| Directions | Apply a thin layer to the face after cleansing, morning and evening |
| Manufacturer / importer | Thai company name and address · country of manufacture |
| Net quantity | 50 g |
| Batch / manufacture date | Lot: A123 · MFG: 10/2026 |
| Expiry | Shown when shelf life is under 30 months, with Thai wording |
| Warnings | As required for ingredients with warning notifications |
| Notification number | XX-X-XXXXXXXXXX |
Check your real draft with the label checker, which flags missing items and wording beyond a cosmetic.
Small packs, Thai label for imported cosmetics, and exports
Label area under 20 cm²
Show at least the cosmetic name, batch number, manufacturing date, expiry date (where required) and notification number; the rest may go on an insert or leaflet.
Imported cosmetics
A Thai label is not needed at the border, but must be applied within 30 days of customs release, or the product may arrive already carrying a Thai label. Importers commonly use Thai over-stickers, which must be complete and match the notification. The foreign-to-Thai label tool helps draft a sticker from the original label.
Exports
A Thai label is not required; follow the importing country's rules.
Product-specific warnings and SPF labelling Thailand
- Ingredients with warning notifications. Notification No. 9 (2025) on label warnings revised the warnings for fluoride compounds: toothpastes must give dosage advice for children under 3 and from 3 to under 6 and state "contains (ingredient)", while mouthwashes must warn against use in children under 6. Existing labels may be used for up to two years after it took effect.
- Fluoride toothpaste. The 2025 labelling notification requires the words "fluoride toothpaste" or similar, and the total fluoride concentration in ppm.
- Sunscreens. The 2017 notification on sun protection values sets SPF bands: low 6 to under 15, medium 15 to under 30, high 30 to under 50, very high 50 or more, shown as SPF 50+. Without test results, or with SPF below 6, the label may not mention SPF at all. Water-resistance claims require testing to an international standard.
- Self-tanning products with dihydroxyacetone but no UV filter must state that the product contains no sunscreen and does not protect against sun damage.
Look up warnings for each ingredient in the substance search.
Wording that Thai cosmetic labels may not use
Clause 6 of the 2019 notification requires label text, images and trademarks to be:
- not false or deceptive;
- not implying ingredients that are absent, or present in amounts too small to have the claimed effect;
- not exaggerated;
- not contrary to public morals.
The Thai FDA's notification criteria add that trade and product names must not suggest a medicine or effects beyond a cosmetic. Examples of unacceptable words include CURE, MED, THERAPY, ANTISEPTIC, SLIMMING, BUST UP and STOP HAIR FALL. Drug-like phrases about acne or permanent melasma removal therefore do not belong on a cosmetic label. This catches many foreign brands whose global names include such words.
For advertising wording, see spotting exaggerated ads.
Pre-print checklist
- All 11 items in clause 1 of the 2019 notification.
- Name and trade name larger than other text.
- INCI names in the right order (above 1% first, then colourants and below-1% ingredients).
- Expiry date where required, with Thai wording.
- Notification number matches the receipt; no Thai FDA frame.
- Warnings for every relevant ingredient, plus product-specific statements.
- No words implying effects beyond a cosmetic, in the name or the text.
- Everything matches the notification.
For an expert review of category, formula and label before printing, contact our team, or have us manage the filing through our registration service. Read the filing steps in how to notify cosmetics in Thailand.
Frequently asked questions
How many items must a Thai cosmetic label show?
Clause 1 of the 2019 labelling notification lists 11 items, from name and trade name, type, ingredients, directions, manufacturer or importer, net quantity, batch, manufacture date, expiry (where required) and warnings (where applicable) to the notification number.
Must the label be in Thai?
Yes, clearly legible Thai. Ingredient names may be Thai, transliterated or English. Imported cosmetics may add the Thai label within 30 days of customs release.
Does every cosmetic need an expiry date?
No. It is required when shelf life is under 30 months, when the product contains hydrogen peroxide, or for sunscreens with avobenzone.
What must a lipstick or small bottle show?
With less than 20 cm² of label area: at least the name, batch number, manufacture date, expiry date (where required) and notification number; the rest may go on an insert.
Can a sunscreen state an SPF without testing?
No. Without test results, or with SPF below 6, the label may not mention SPF or any sun protection ability.
Sources
- Cosmetic Act B.E. 2558 (2015) · Open source · Search our archive
- Cosmetic Committee notification on cosmetic labelling B.E. 2562 (2019) · Open source · Search our archive
- Explanatory note on the cosmetic labelling notification · Open source · Search our archive
- Cosmetic Committee notification on label warnings (No. 9) B.E. 2568 (2025) · Open source · Search our archive
- Cosmetic Committee notification on fluoride toothpaste labelling B.E. 2568 (2025) · Open source · Search our archive
- Cosmetic Committee notification on displaying sun protection values B.E. 2560 (2017) · Open source · Search our archive
- Cosmetic Committee notification on warnings for self-tanning cosmetics B.E. 2560 (2017) · Open source · Search our archive
- Cosmetic notification criteria (revised 2021) · Open source · Search our archive
This article is for general information. It is not a Thai FDA ruling or legal advice, and rules change — check the latest notification or ask an expert before filing or producing.