A new royal decree in Thailand (Royal Decree Re: Licensee to Pay the License Renewal Fee in Lieu of a Grace Period When Submitting a License Renewal Application B.E. 2564) does away with the current red tape associated with renewing certain marketing authorization and business licenses. Under the new royal decree, there is no longer any need to submit renewal applications for eligible licenses or to wait for approval from the relevant authority. Instead, the licenses will be automatically renewed upon payment of renewal fees. There are 31 eligible licenses listed in the royal decree, with a focus on licenses for hazardous substances and cosmetics. The royal decree on license renewal was published in the Government Gazette in May 2021 and will come into force on November 22, 2021. Although the new royal decree has not yet come into force, Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already begun renewing licenses for hazardous substance licenses and cosmetics notification receipts via the new procedure. These licenses and notification receipts are detailed below: (Note: Hazardous substances for household use and public health are classified into four types according to their risk. Products containing type 2 and 3 substances are a higher risk than type 1 and must be registered with the FDA. Type 4 substances are prohibited.) Procedural Guidance The licenses for hazardous substances in the table above should be renewed in the two months preceding their expiry date, while the notification receipts for cosmetics should be renewed in the six months before their expiry date. Renewed licenses are valid for another six or three years (i.e., matching the original validity period). Under the new royal decree on license renewal, eligible licenses for hazardous substances and cosmetics can be renewed by notifying the FDA via its e-submission system. The license holder

As part of its membership in Lex Mundi, Tilleke & Gibbins has published an updated edition of its Guide to Doing Business in Thailand for 2021. This guide outlines all of 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 Guides to Doing Business series prepared by member firms in more than 100 jurisdictions worldwide. The guides serve as a useful resource when planning an international business strategy or researching a new market.

As part of its membership in Lex Mundi, Tilleke & Gibbins has published an updated edition of its Guide to Doing Business in Thailand for 2019.This guide offers a broad introduction to all of the key factors for starting and operating a business in the Thai market. Issues covered include: