This regulatory update covers significant changes in cosmetics regulations across the Asia-Pacific region from November to December 2024, building upon previous regulatory updates in the series.

Key Regional Changes

Thailand’s Advertising Term Restrictions

The Thai Minister of Public Health has broadened the prohibited advertising terminology list under the Cosmetic Act B.E. 2558 (2015). The expansion now encompasses language that suggests internal consumption or injectable uses of cosmetic products.

The period saw several critical regulatory adjustments affecting the cosmetics industry:

• China: New restrictions implemented on triethanolamine (TEA) usage
• Hong Kong SAR: Introduction of the Mercury Control Ordinance
• ASEAN Region: Updates made to ingredient listings within the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive
• Thailand and Indonesia: Modifications to product notification procedures

Specific Regulatory Updates

Chemical Import/Export Changes

Products with minimal TEA concentrations now benefit from licensing exemptions. These items no longer require the Approval Certificate for Import and Export of Controlled Chemicals or the Import License for Dual-use Items and Technologies.

Thailand’s Product Form Guidelines

On November 1, 2024, Thailand’s FDA issued updated guidance regarding cosmetics in specialized packaging formats. The “Guidelines for Consideration of Notification of Cosmetics in Ampoule, Vial or Syringe Forms” was revised in September 2024 and officially published.

Hand Hygiene Product Standards

Thailand’s FDA released revised guidelines on December 26, 2024, for alcohol-based hand sanitizing products. The “Guidelines for Consideration of Notification of Alcohol Products for Hand Hygiene” reflects updates made in November 2024.

Indonesia’s Notification Updates

New requirements mandate that importers and contract manufacturers obtain recommendations for notification applications. This involves submitting facility inspection applications to local UPT BPOM authorities. While this is typically a one-time process, companies must provide updates when significant operational information changes occur.

Original Article:

Xu, W. (2025, August 28). Asia-Pacific regulatory update: Advertising laws, notifications, halal certification, ingredient restrictions and more. Cosmetics & Toiletries. https://www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/regulations/regional/article/22939426/asiapacific-regulatory-update-advertising-laws-notifications-halal-certification-ingredient-restrictions-and-more