How is GHS implemented in Thailand?
In Thailand, the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, also called GHS, is adapted by the Notification on Hazard Classification and Communication System of Hazardous Substances, known as B.E. 2555.
Thus, the Notification B.E. 2555 introduces the GHS classification and communication systems of hazardous chemicals in Thailand.
What is Notification B.E. 2555?
- •Notification B.E. 2555 is the GHS (Rev. 3) adaptation in Thailand.
- •The Notification B.E. 2555 came into force on March 12th, 2012. Its implementation consisted of two-steps procedure, first involving single substances (March 13th, 2013) and later to mixtures (March 13th, 2017).
- •The main organism responsible for GHS implementation in Thailand is the the Thailand’s Department of Industrial Works (DIW). Other relevant organisms are the Thai Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA) and the Departments of Agriculture and Fisheries.
- •The Notification B.E. 2555 applies to chemicals listed in the List of Hazardous Substances regulated by the Hazardous Substance Act. Therefore, hazardous substances not under responsibility of DIW or FDA, such as pesticides, biocides, detergents, cosmetics, chemical wastes and used electronic devices, among others, fall out of the scope of Notification B.E. 2555.
What are the most relevant points of Notification B.E. 2555?
- •The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) shall be prepared in Thai language.
- •The SDS follows the standard 16-section format from GHS.
- •Thailand does not give a strict local number or 24/7 requirements regarding emergency phone numbers. However, for hazardous chemicals, it is still necessary to provide an emergency contact in the SDS and labels.
- •The following hazards are not present in B.E. 2555: desensitized explosives; and aerosols and chemicals under pressure.
- •Confidential Business Information (CBI): Thailand law does not require to fill a claim for exemption, although the hazardous composition information is required to be submitted to DIW. DIW will not release the information to the public and CBI will be protected.
- •Labeling of hazardous products require clearly label containers with product identifiers, pictograms, signal words, hazards statements, precautionary statements and supplier information.
What other chemical requirements apply to Thailand?
- •Manufacturers and importers of hazardous substances exceeding 1 ton per year are required to notify their hazardous substances to DIW using its online platform (Thailand Chemical Inventory Notification). The notification shall be submitted within 60 days from the date of manufacture or importation.
- •• Hazardous Substance Act B.E. 2535 divides chemicals into 4 types according to the severity of toxicity:
- -Type I hazardous substances require to be notified in accordance with the HS/PH 5 Form to the competent official organism prior to the first manufacturing or importation of such hazardous substances.
- -Type II hazardous substances must be notified (HS/PH 1 Form) and registered.
- -Type III hazardous substances must be notified, registered and a license has to be granted the competent authority for its production, import or export, transport and possession.
- -Type IV hazardous substances are prohibited (the law prohibits any person from manufacturing, importing, exporting, transporting, or possessing), except for a case-by-case-basis authorization (for example, Type IV hazardous substances used for R&D could be exempted).
- •The DIW in Thailand announced in 2024 a comprehensive review and assessment of the B.E. 2535 and its amendments. It aims to ensure that the law adapts to social changes, minimizes legal overlaps and conflicts, and aligns with obligations under international treaties or conventions.
- •Thai legislation regulating biocides and detergents is the Hazardous Substances Act, B.E. 2535; and the legislation regulating cosmetics is the Cosmetic Act B.E. 2558.
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