You are using an outdated browser and your browsing experience will not be optimal. Please update to the latest version of Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Install Microsoft Edge

June 2, 2023

Thailand’s New Labeling Readability Requirements

Subscribe to Updates

Thailand’s labeling requirements have new rules on product label font size and readability following the issuance of Announcement of the Label Committee Re: Characteristics of the Label for Label-Controlled Goods No. 3, which is a bylaw of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA).

The announcement takes effect on June 18, 2023, and applies to all “label-controlled goods,” which are described under the CPA and its bylaws as goods either produced by factories in Thailand or imported into Thailand for sale. The labels of these goods must meet current labeling requirements, such as having information about the product name, quantity, intended use, cautions, and expiry date. Label readability—specifically in terms of the size of text on labels—is also a mandatory requirement, and is the focus of this latest announcement.

Text size requirements are an important part of ensuring that consumers are fully aware of the details of a product before deciding to purchase the goods. According to the announcement, any statement or text displayed on a label must be easily visible and readable. The size of the text must be proportional to the label area. Specifically, the text height must not be less than 2 millimeters (or 1.5 millimeters for labels with an area of less than 35 square millimeters). The announcement does not clarify exactly how the height of the text will be determined.

Some companies have expressed concern that these requirements are too strict and will be challenging to meet, especially for small businesses. The text size requirements may be expensive to implement, as the larger text requires more space on the label, potentially leading to larger labels or packages, higher production costs, or even expensive recalls to affix new labels. In some cases, text size requirements may even make it impossible to fit all the required information on the label.

A violation of these regulations can lead to fines of THB 50,000 (approx. USD 1,500), imprisonment of one month, or both. In addition, trading partners who sell the label-controlled goods could be penalized as well, and certain trading partners may end up not being allowed to place the goods for sale on their trading platforms.

It is also essential that labels continue to comply with all other applicable requirements, such as the Thai-language requirement and possibly inclusion of certain symbols or hazard pictograms. While ensuring that your labels comply with the ever-changing labeling laws in Thailand can be challenging, seeking advice from a regulatory consultant or lawyer can help keep labels in line with the latest regulations.

Related Professionals

Industries

Consumer Products

Practices

Regulatory Affairs

Location

RELATED INSIGHTS​ 

January 2, 2024
Myanmar’s Ministry of Commerce (MOC) has released updated information regarding the registration fees for online retail businesses. The fees and criteria, which are included in the MOC’s Export/Import Newsletter No. 17/2023 dated December 28, 2023, are laid out below. Registration Fees The official registration fees vary depending on the applicant type: Companies or other commercial organizations: MMK 70,000 (approx. USD 33.5) for registration and renewal; MMK 3,000 (approx. USD 1.5) for each amendment. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs): MMK 50,000 (approx. USD 24) for registration and renewal; MMK 3,000 (approx. USD 1.5) for each amendment. Individual applicants: 30,000 MMK (approx. USD 14.5) for registration and renewal; MMK 3,000 (approx. USD 1.5) for each amendment. Validity Period Registrations approved from January 1, 2024, will be valid for two years from the date of grant. The requirement for online retail businesses to register their operations was announced in July 2023. Based on statements from the MOC, online retail businesses need to complete their registration by late January 2024 to avoid potential enforcement actions. Regarding SMEs, the MOC will also evaluate their SME registration certificate issued by the Agency Office under the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Law 2015. For assistance completing the registration process, or for more details on any aspect of online retail operations in Myanmar, contact Tilleke & Gibbins at [email protected].
Read More
December 15, 2023
As part of its membership in Lex Mundi, Tilleke & Gibbins has published an updated edition of its Guide to Doing Business in Thailand for 2023. This guide outlines the key factors for starting and operating a business in the Thai market. Issues covered include: Investment incentives Financial facilities Exchange controls Import and export regulations Structures for doing business Requirements for the Establishment of a Business Operation of the Business Cessation or Termination of the Business Labor legislation, relations, and supply Tax Immigration requirements This publication is part of Lex Mundi’s Country Guides series prepared by member firms in more than 100 jurisdictions worldwide. The guides serve as a useful resource for planning international business strategy and researching new markets. The full Guide to Doing Business in Thailand is available through the button below.
Read More
November 3, 2023
Vietnam’s new Law on Protection of Consumer Rights No. 19/2023/QH15 (CPL 2023) was promulgated by the National Assembly on June 20, 2023, and will replace the existing Law on Protection of Consumer Rights No. 59/2010/QH12 (CPL 2010) when it enters into effect on July 1, 2024. The main points of interest of the CPL 2023 are summarized below. 1. Definition of Consumer Under the CPL 2023, a consumer is defined to be “a person who purchases and/or uses products, goods and services with the aim of consumption for daily needs of individuals, families, or organizations, and not for commercial purposes” (Article 3.1). Compared to the CPL 2010, this definition introduces the phrase “and not for commercial purposes” to emphasize the exclusive focus on the consumption of goods and services. However, the CPL 2023 retains the use of the term “person” for defining a consumer, leading to uncertainty regarding whether an organization or a family can qualify as a consumer. Similarly, the CPL 2023, as in the CPL 2010, maintains an ambiguous comma between “purchase” and “use,” so it remains somewhat ambiguous whether purchase (without use) or use (without purchase) of goods/services is sufficient to qualify as a consumer under the law. 2. Vulnerable Consumers The CPL 2023 introduces a new concept known as the “vulnerable consumer.” This term pertains to a consumer who, at the time of purchase or use of products/services, is potentially subject to various adverse situations in terms of information access, health, property, or dispute settlement. This category encompasses individuals such as the elderly and disabled, children, ethnic minorities, people of remote or economically difficult regions, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers of infants under 36 months, individuals with severe illnesses, and members of poor households (Article 8.1). The rights and privileges of vulnerable consumers must be
Read More
October 30, 2023
On October 9, 2023, Laos issued Presidential Decree No. 003, which raised excise tax rates for certain goods, effective immediately. The move to increase excise tax rates comes amid the marked depreciation of the Lao kip (LAK). The Lao government is trying to monitor and discourage imports of non-essential products in order to reduce the outflow of foreign currency from the country. Increasing the tax rate for some of these products is part of these efforts. The specific products and excise tax rates are listed in the table below.   This new rate policy is also in line with recent government efforts to encourage avoiding payment in foreign currency to prevent the depletion of foreign currency reserves in Laos. In this regard, commercial banks have already taken action to ration the supply of foreign currency by prioritizing imports of essential goods, such as fuel. The products listed above formalize this impetus to prioritize certain imports and discourage others deemed not essential. In addition, the increased excise tax rates on fuel-powered vehicles show the commitment of the Lao government to move toward electric vehicles, which would also lessen the country’s dependence on fuel imports. For more information on these excise tax changes, or on any aspect of Laos’ international trade regulations, please contact Tilleke & Gibbins at [email protected].
Read More