ASEAN

Beautiful view of Wat Arun temple by the river in Bangkok during sunset.
Thailand

Interpretation of Thailand’s Microneedle Cosmetic Regulations: Compliance Differences at a Glance

The Thai Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA) recently released an official infographic regarding the regulatory requirements for microneedle-based cosmetics. The primary objective is to clarify which types of microneedles are permissible as cosmetics and which are strictly prohibited. Below is a breakdown of the core policy points: I. Regulatory Boundaries for Microneedle Products 1. Dissolving Microneedle Patches — Permitted as Cosmetics 2. Non-dissolving Microneedles / Micro-spicules — Prohibited as Cosmetics II. Essential Compliance Actions for Enterprises III. Penalties for Non-compliance (Local Thai Regulations) Subject Penalty Measures Manufacturer / Importer / Distributor Up to 2 years imprisonment and/or a fine of 200,000 Baht Retailer Up to 6 months imprisonment and/or a fine of 50,000 Baht IV. Simplified Compliance Summary Product Type Compliance Status Core Requirements Consequences of Violation Dissolving Microneedle Patch ✅ Permitted Needle length $\le$ 100 $\mu$m; no medical claims; registered as a general cosmetic. Illegal claims are penalized […]

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Thailand

How to Import Sunscreen Products into Thailand in 2025

Importing sunscreen products into Thailand in 2025 offers tremendous potential for international beauty brands. This article covers every aspect, from Thailand sunscreen products import regulations to cosmetic product notification in Thailand. Are Sunscreen Products Considered Cosmetic Products in Thailand? In Thailand, sunscreen products may or may not be considered cosmetics. According to Cosmetic Act 2015 and Drug Act 1967, sunscreen creams or sprays used to protect the skin from UV damage or to nourish the skin are classified as cosmetics. However, if a product’s advertisement or functional claim involves the treatment of diseases or targets specific dermatological conditions, it may be classified as a drug, not a cosmetic. Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) in Thailand Completing the cosmetic product notification in Thailand (CPN) is a mandatory step before importing sunscreen products or any other cosmetics into the country. According to current cosmetic import regulations in Thailand, only a Thailand-registered legal entity—such

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Vietnam

Vietnam Issues Massive Recall of 291 Cosmetics: Full Ban on Products Containing D4

On March 3, 2026, the Ministry of Health of Vietnam issued an announcement on its official website: the circulation of 291 cosmetic products containing Cyclotetrasiloxane and Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane is suspended, and these products are being recalled. This decision took effect immediately nationwide, drawing significant attention from the industry. This is not only a large-scale product recall but also a clear signal—ASEAN’s regulation of cyclic siloxanes is tightening across the board. I. What Happened? According to the announcement: II. Why the Recall? — Directly Linked to ASEAN Meeting Resolutions The announcement   explicitly stated that this recall is intended to implement In other words, this action was not a unilateral decision by any single Member State, but an enforcement measure under the unified ASEAN regulatory framework. III. What is the Named Substance? The ingredient involved in this action is: These belong to the category of volatile cyclic siloxanes, commonly found in: In recent

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Vietnam

Major Regulatory Shift in Vietnam’s Cosmetic Advertising: Repeal of Old Regulations Marks the Beginning of a New Chapter!

On February 12, 2026, the Ministry of Health of Vietnam issued Circular No. 03/2026/TT-BYT, a document that has sent ripples through the Vietnamese cosmetic industry. The core content of this Circular is the repeal of several previously issued legal normative documents, resulting in fundamental changes to the regulations governing the management of cosmetic advertising. Summary: Pursuant to this Circular, the Ministry of Health of Vietnam has abolished the specific management regulations regarding the confirmation of cosmetic advertising content previously set forth in Circular No. 09/2015/TT-BYT. While existing certificates may still be used during the transitional period, any new regulatory frameworks or requirements must adhere to other valid regulations issued subsequently. Have Questions?

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Malaysia

Multiple Ingredients Banned or Restricted: Urgent Formula Adjustments Required for Cosmetics Exporting to Malaysia

On January 19, 2026, the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) of Malaysia officially issued Circular No. 1/2026, announcing updates to the ingredient lists in Annex II, III, and VII of the Guidelines for Control of Cosmetic Products in Malaysia. These amendments stem from the latest resolutions of the 42nd ASEAN Cosmetic Committee (ACC) Meeting, aiming to align national standards with the updated ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD). The update covers three major categories: prohibited substances, restricted substances, and UV filters, setting new compliance benchmarks for cosmetic enterprises. I. Annex II — Two New Prohibited Substances According to the circular, the following ingredients are now listed as Prohibited Substances: Notified products containing these substances must be removed from the market or reformulated within the specified deadlines. II. Annex III — Updated Restricted Substances Two soy isoflavone ingredients have been added to the restricted list with defined maximum allowable concentrations: Ingredient Max Allowable

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