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Regulatory Affairs

Regulatory Affairs

Key Contacts

Cambodia

Indonesia

Laos

Myanmar

Thailand

Vietnam

OVERVIEW

Specialized support from experts who know your industry.

Our dynamic regulatory affairs group is built on decades of practice in the region and is committed to keeping pace with discovery and innovation. Our client teams are led by experienced attorneys and specialized practitioners and include, as appropriate to the client and its industry, pharmacists, agricultural consultants, and other regulatory specialists. We guide our clients through the layers of formal and informal rules, policies, and procedures, and help our clients forge constructive relationships with regulatory authorities.

We assist with the registration and prosecution of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology products, food and food supplements, narcotic and psychotropic substances, medical devices, cosmetics, hazardous substances, and animal and crop health products with national food and drug agencies and agricultural regulators.

Our practice spans the following disciplines:

  • Clinical trials and consumer testing
  • Registration with public health authorities
  • FDA import, export, and manufacturing licenses
  • Crop care registration with agricultural regulatory authorities
  • Animal, aquatic, and hazardous substance registration
  • Import, export, and manufacturing licenses
  • Holding licenses
  • Regulatory compliance and maintenance
  • Labeling and advertising clearance
  • Intellectual property

Experience

  • Acted as counsel to a major pharmaceutical company, which representation included liaising with the Thai FDA on marketing compliance issues, verifying that the client’s marketing activities were in compliance with the complex regulations governing pharmaceutical practice in Thailand, and preventing and mitigating risk and loss.
  • Represented a world-leading pharmaceutical company on regulatory due diligence in their spin-off of high revenue product lines (i.e., over-the-counter antihistamines, cough relief syrups, tablets and elixirs) to another major pharmaceutical company.
  • Retained to advise an American biotechnology manufacturing company on Southeast Asian drug approval for several of their bespoke personal care and pharmaceutical products.
  • Acted for a Canadian standards and regulatory consultancy firm in conducting a regulatory landscape project on anti-microbial processing aids for the food industry in four jurisdictions in Southeast Asia. Our Regulatory Affairs teams across our offices advised the client on applicable government agencies, regulations, regulatory submissions, and other requirements for their product. The invaluable information we provided prompted the client to retain our teams for a subsequent regulatory landscape project on nutraceuticals.
  • Assisted a European medical device and pharmaceutical company active in over 50 countries to successfully obtain VIPRI (Vietnam Intellectual Property Research Institute) opinions that two foreign-produced products imported into Vietnam were infringing.
  • Assisted a global pharmaceutical company, with registration of and regulatory approval for its drugs with the Myanmar Food and Drug Administration (FDA), while simultaneously working to stem the flow of counterfeit drugs that were being sold in the Myanmar market.
  • Acted as lead Thai counsel to a major pharmaceutical company on various regulatory affair matters including, liaising with the Thai FDA on marketing compliance issues, verifying that the client’s marketing activities were in compliance with the complex regulations governing pharmaceutical practice in Thailand, and preventing and mitigating risk and loss.
  • Seconded a lawyer to the Vietnam subsidiary of a U.S.-based global medical devices and consumer products company to fill their in-house counsel position. Our secondee was in charge of legal matters for all of the client’s subsidiaries and representative offices in Vietnam in relation to their pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and medical devices operations
  • Helped a multinational food company comply with Thai FDA requirements. Advised the client on advertising and promotional materials in Thailand, with particular emphasis on the requirements of the FDA and the consequences of improper ad content.
  • Acted on behalf of a major U.S.-based agrichemical manufacturer. The case involved termination of the client’s distributor for breach of contract and IP (patent and trademark) infringement. In addition, we represented the client in re-registration of its full range of products with the Thai Ministry of Agriculture.
  • Negotiated with the Thai FDA to reclassify a client’s drug product from a new chemical entity (NCE) to new combination (NCO) and secured the successful registration of this product.
  • Answered a critical client inquiry on whether their products could be imported without a certificate of formula disclosure provided to the Customs officer.
  • Secured an export license for the client in an efficient manner, as required by the head of the product group.
  • Coordinated the actions of multiple parties (the reviewers in Thailand, the foreign regulatory affairs authority, and the firm) to timely secure a pharmaceutical product license for the client.
  • Helped an Italian pharmaceutical company prepare an application dossier and obtain a license to operate in the area of medicinal products.
  • Handled a portfolio of products of a pharmaceutical client.  Our representation included assisting in the registration of the products, reviewing and advising on product labels, and assisting in transferring the products to a third company.
  • Secured medical device registration for a top shoe manufacturer and trader in Thailand by giving beneficial advice to the client and working closely with the client to resolve issues with its application.
  • Registered, in a seamless and efficient manner, a cosmetic product for a large importer in a limited period of time, which enabled the client to timely launch the product.
  • Advised a global pharmaceutical company on all aspects of doing business in Vietnam, including the formation and operation of a representative office, registration as a foreign pharmaceutical company, property transactions, and employment termination and labor disciplinary procedures.
  • Assisted a multinational confectionery company with registration of various chocolate and mint products in Thailand and Vietnam, and provided advice on food labeling requirements, classification of food products, food additive regulations, and parallel import of foods.

PROFESSIONALS

RELATED INSIGHTS

July 13, 2026
Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) has issued new regulations establishing clearer procedures for imposing administrative sanctions on businesses that violate halal product assurance requirements. BPJPH Regulation No. 2 of 2026 on the Imposition of Administrative Sanctions for Violations of Halal Product Assurance Implementation, issued on June 5, 2026, strengthens Indonesia’s halal compliance framework, as mandated under Law No. 33 of 2014 on Halal Product Assurance and Government Regulation No. 42 of 2024 on the Implementation of Halal Product Assurance. BPJPH Regulation No. 2/2026 also supports the upcoming mandatory halal compliance deadline of October 17, 2026, which will apply to a broad range of products and services, including imported food and beverages, slaughtering products and services, natural and quasi-drugs, health supplements, cosmetics, chemical and genetically engineered products, clothing and accessories, household goods, prayer equipment, stationery, and class A medical devices. Scope BPJPH is authorized to impose administrative sanctions for violations of halal product assurance requirements committed by businesses, halal inspection agencies (LPH), halal auditors, halal product process companion institutions (lembaga pendamping PPH), and halal product process companions (pendamping PPH). The head of BPJPH has authority to determine, cancel, or amend the imposition of administrative sanctions, including upon receipt of objections. This authority covers revocation of Halal Certificates (including foreign halal certificate registration numbers), withdrawal of goods from circulation, freezing of LPH operations, freezing of halal product process companion institutions, revocation of PPH companion institution registration numbers, revocation of halal auditor registration numbers, and revocation of LPH accreditation status. Administrative Sanctions Businesses may be subject to any of the following administrative sanctions: Written warning; Administrative fine; Revocation of the halal certificate, including revocation of foreign halal certificate registration numbers; and Withdrawal of goods from circulation. The regulation sets out the types of violations that may trigger these sanctions, with each
July 1, 2026
Obtaining marketing authorization is a fundamental requirement for bringing pharmaceutical products to the Thai market. Companies must navigate the Thai Food and Drug Administration’s registration procedures while also complying with post-approval pharmacovigilance obligations, licensing requirements for manufacturing and importation, data protection rules, and other regulatory requirements. This guide provides an overview of Thailand’s regulatory framework for pharmaceutical marketing authorization, including available registration pathways, review timelines, application fees, postmarketing surveillance obligations, licensing requirements, exemptions, data exclusivity, freedom of information, and parallel import considerations. It is intended as a practical reference for pharmaceutical companies, regulatory affairs professionals, and others involved in bringing medicinal products to the Thai market. Download the guide below for a concise overview of the current requirements and procedures governing pharmaceutical marketing authorization in Thailand.
June 19, 2026
For the first time, Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published a consolidated list identifying all substances that have successfully passed its novel food safety evaluation process. The list is a step forward in regulatory transparency, but it also highlights a feature of the Thai regime that food companies often overlook: each approval is tied exclusively to the company that applied for it. A substance’s appearance on the list does not give other companies the green light to use it. This article examines the structure of Thailand’s novel food approval framework, the implications of applicant exclusivity, and the strategic choices it requires of food companies looking to bring novel ingredients to the Thai market. Thai FDA Food Safety Evaluation Framework Notification No. 376 of the Ministry of Public Health requires novel food substances to undergo a food safety assessment, with an exemption only for novel foods manufactured exclusively for export. The framework also encompasses “foods that do not qualify as novel foods” but which present characteristics warranting a safety evaluation, such as differing quality standards, increased serving sizes, or applications in specific food categories, where such changes affect consumption levels, nutritional value, or consumer safety. The recently published list of foods that passed the safety evaluation by the Thai FDA is structured by substance category and identifies the approved company (domestic manufacturer or importer), country of origin, substance name and trade name, approved purpose of use, and date of the Thai FDA’s approval notification certificate. A notable feature of Thailand’s novel food regime is that the approval result is tied exclusively to the company that submitted the application. Publication of the consolidated list does not constitute a general authorization to use the approved substances. The Thai FDA’s approval certificate specifies the approved conditions of use and the requirements
June 17, 2026
Thailand’s new labeling requirements for medical devices, which include for the first time a unique device identification (UDI) requirement for software as a medical device (SaMD), take effect on June 20, 2026. The Notification of the Ministry of Public Health regarding Criteria, Methods, and Conditions on Labeling and Instructions for Use for Medical Devices 2025, which replaces a similar notification from 2020, was published in the Government Gazette on December 22, 2025. To ensure clarity, modernity, and patient safety, the regulation requires domestic manufacturers and importers to provide labels and instructions for use (IFU) that are clearly legible, complete, and free of false or misleading claims. It also permits IFU to be provided in electronic format, such as via QR codes, websites, or other digital channels—directly relevant to SaMD, where physical labels are impractical and electronic presentation is the natural medium. The notification distinguishes two categories for labeling language. Home-use medical devices (for lay users outside healthcare facilities) must have labels and IFU in Thai. Professional-use medical devices may display labels and documentation in either Thai or English. This distinction is significant for SaMD developers: software intended for clinical professionals may use English-language interfaces and IFU, while consumer-facing health applications must provide Thai-language content. Labeling and UDI Requirements Labels and IFU must include, at a minimum: Product name and intended purpose Quantity or volume Name and address of domestic manufacturer or importer Thai FDA approval number Lot, version, or serial number Manufacturing date and expiry date For SaMD, the version number requirement is particularly relevant. The regulation also mandates display of a UDI code for SaMD in risk category 2 (moderate-risk), category 3 (moderate- to high-risk), and category 4 (high-risk), according to Thailand’s medical device risk classification system (which complies with the ASEAN Medical Device Directive and the EU
AWARDS & RANKINGS
December 12, 2025
Tilleke & Gibbins has maintained its strong market position in the newly released Chambers Asia-Pacific 2026 rankings, with six Band 1 honors in core practices and consistently strong performance across the entire region. In addition to the exceptional practice-area rankings, 33 lawyers were recognized across 11 practice areas.
December 1, 2025
Tilleke & Gibbins is pleased to announce that the firm has been honored with two awards at the 2025 Lexology Index Awards in London, this time picking up both the Thailand and Vietnam Country Awards. Formerly known as the Who’s Who Legal Awards, the Lexology Index Awards celebrate outstanding achievements by firms and individuals identified through Lexology’s extensive global research process. Tilleke & Gibbins’ continued success in this forum reflects the exceptional expertise and dedication of its team, whose commitment to delivering the highest caliber of legal services continues to set a benchmark in the industry. The firm extends its gratitude to its talented professionals and valued clients for their continued trust and support. A full list of the winners of the 2025 Lexology Index Awards is available on the Lexology website.
November 20, 2025
Tilleke & Gibbins is pleased to share that Asia Business Law Journal (ABLJ) has released its A-List of Thailand’s Top 100 Lawyers and its exclusive Legal Icons list for 2025. This year, Darani Vachanavuttivong has again been named a Legal Icon, recognizing her as one of the most distinguished professionals in Thailand’s legal community. In addition, nine other Tilleke & Gibbins lawyers have been named among Thailand’s Top 100 Lawyers. The full list of honorees is: Alan Adcock Charunun Sathitsuksomboon Chusert Supasitthumron (new ranking) Athistha (Nop) Chitranukroh Darani Vachanavuttivong (Legal Icon) Kobkit Thienpreecha Nuttaphol Arammuang Pimvimol (June) Vipamaneerut Thawat Damsa-ard Tiziana Sucharitkul The ABLJ A-List is compiled through extensive research, including nominations and feedback from in-house counsel worldwide and international law firm partners who focus on Thailand. The editorial underscores the demand for lawyers with unmatched expertise, a dedication to quality, and a proven ability to deliver strategic, innovative solutions. To view the full list and the accompanying editorial analysis, please visit the ABLJ website.