ASEAN

Indonesia

Indonesian Halal Compliance Escalates: Mandatory Pre-Shipment Verification Enforced for Cosmetic Exports

The Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH) of Indonesia has officially released a draft regulation regarding the compliance assurance of foreign halal products entering Indonesian territory. The new rule mandates that all imported goods under halal regulatory scope must undergo mandatory on-site compliance verification (Pemastian Produk Halal) conducted by BPJPH-designated inspection bodies at origin warehouses prior to dispatch. Upon completion, the inspection body submits a report to BPJPH to issue an electronic Foreign Halal Product Compliance Report (Laporan Pemastian Produk Halal – LPPH). Importers must secure this report prior to submitting the Customs Import Declaration (Pemberitahuan Impor Barang – PIB). The LPPH will be integrated into the Indonesia National Single Window (SINSW) system for automated customs clearance verification. With Indonesia’s mandatory halal certification deadline for cosmetics fast approaching, beauty brands exporting to Indonesia face a major restructuring of their supply chain and clearance workflows. I. Scope of Mandatory Halal Certification […]

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Indonesia

Indonesia Releases Draft Guidelines for Halal Assurance System in Cosmetics: Bi-Annual Ingredient Reporting and Annual Internal Audits Required

On June 3, 2026, Indonesia submitted a Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) notification (Notification No. G/TBT/N/IDN/187) to the World Trade Organization (WTO), soliciting public comments on its newly drafted “Guidelines for the Implementation of the Halal Assurance System for Cosmetics”. The public consultation period closed on August 2, 2026. Below is a detailed breakdown of the core requirements outlined in the draft decree to assist cosmetic exporters and industry stakeholders in navigating compliance. I. Core Definitions and Conceptual Framework The draft guidelines establish essential definitions governing halal cosmetic compliance: II. Halal Access Requirements for Cosmetic Raw Materials Enterprises must possess valid Halal Certificates or equivalent supporting halal documentation recognized by the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH). Controlled substances encompass not only active and inactive ingredients but also auxiliary processing inputs: 1. Scope of Controlled Substances The scope covers raw materials, additives, processing aids, substances on the production line with

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ASEAN

2026 ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) Annex Updates: Major Restrictions and Bans Enforced for Kojic Acid, Preservatives, and Other Ingredients

The ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) is a regional agreement designed to harmonize technical requirements for cosmetic products across ASEAN member states, eliminating technical barriers to trade and facilitating free market circulation. The ASEAN Cosmetic Committee (ACC) and the ASEAN Cosmetic Scientific Body (ACSB) convene biannually to review and update regulatory standards. On June 30, 2026, official revisions were promulgated for Annex II (Prohibited Substances), Annex III (Restricted Substances), Annex IV (Allowed Colorants), and Annex VI (Allowed Preservatives). I. Annex II — Prohibited Substances List Key updates to the prohibited list involve newly added antifungal agents, tightened thresholds for hazardous impurities, and item adjustments: (Note: The four substances added above are antifungal ingredients commonly used in pharmaceuticals and are now explicitly banned from cosmetic formulations across ASEAN.) II. Annex III — Restricted Substances List Revisions to the restricted list directly alter maximum concentration limits for formulations, with significant restrictions placed on

2026 ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) Annex Updates: Major Restrictions and Bans Enforced for Kojic Acid, Preservatives, and Other Ingredients Read More »

Thailand

Thailand Skincare Advertising Compliance Guide: The “Traffic Light” System for Whitening Claims Released

Attention all beauty brands, cosmetic exporters, influencers, and digital content creators! On May 26, 2026, the Food and Drug Administration of Thailand (Thai FDA) officially enacted an updated Skincare Advertising Guidelines framework, specifically introducing strict baseline parameters for Whitening and Skin-Brightening Products. If your marketing vocabulary violates these boundaries, you risk immediate regulatory action. Review this comprehensive “Traffic Light” compliance breakdown to insulate your cross-border brand from severe operational liabilities. I. The Red Light Zone: Prohibited Marketing Claims The following claims are completely banned from cosmetic advertisements in Thailand. Using this terminology can lead to immediate product delisting, hefty administrative fines, or corporate blacklisting. Core Compliance Law: All marketing and advertising copy must align perfectly with the original Cosmetic Product Notification details submitted to the Thai FDA and must remain strictly within the consumer cosmetic definition under the Thailand Cosmetic Act. II. The Green Light Zone: Permitted Compliance Terminology If

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A minimalist still life photography of various aromatherapy bottles on a white table.
Thailand

Thailand Implements Emergency Facilitation Measures: 1-Day Fast-Track for Cosmetic Formula and Packaging Modifications

Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East causing significant cross-border logistics hurdles and disruptions in petro-chemical derivatives (such as plastic pellets and raw solvents), the Thai Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA) officially implemented temporary regulatory flexibilities. Following a baseline framework announcement, the Thai FDA issued specific implementing guidance documents and fast-track application templates. These measures establish simplified paths, fast-track approvals, and exemptions from full re-notifications to ensure that cosmetic manufacturers and importers can swiftly adapt their formulations and packaging configurations to avoid supply chain disruptions. I. Raw Material and Formulation Facilitation Measures To accommodate rapid changes in international ingredient sourcing, the Thai FDA has established a multi-tiered track system based on the nature of the formulation change: 1. Modification of Raw Material Sources $\rightarrow$ No Re-Notification Required 2. Minor Formulation/Ingredient Modifications $\rightarrow$ 1-Day Fast-Track 3. Fragrance Realignment $\rightarrow$ Case-by-Case Review II. Packaging Modifications and Structural Flexibilities Recognizing acute

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