Cosmetic Advertising License in Thailand – Summary Guide
When a Cosmetic Advertising License is Required
Technically, pre-approval is not required to advertise a cosmetic product in Thailand. In Summary, the Cosmetic Advertising License is a pre-opinion issued by Thai FDA on a single advertisement. However:
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If the advertiser has doubts about whether their advertisement complies with the law, they may submit a request for an official opinion from the Thai FDA (under Section 46 of the Cosmetic Act).
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If the advertisement contains misleading, exaggerated, or prohibited claims, the Thai FDA can order the modification, suspension, or prohibition of the advertisement.
Purpose of the Advertising Review
The advertising review process:
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Helps ensure that cosmetic advertisements comply with Thai regulations.
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Protects consumers from misleading information.
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Supports fair marketing practices and aligns advertising claims with the true nature of cosmetics (as opposed to medicinal or therapeutic products).
How to Obtain the Approval / Opinion
If you wish to obtain an official opinion on your cosmetic advertisement:
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Submit Form “ฆส.1” to the Thai FDA (available in the documents you provided).
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Include:
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Product name and Notification Certificate number.
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Full ad content (texts, images, videos, etc.) – 17 copies.
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Full INCI formula with functions of each ingredient (1 copy).
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Final product sample (1 copy).
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Supporting scientific documents (up to 5 copies + files).
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Legal entity documents or ID card (depending on whether the applicant is a company or individual).
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Wait for document verification (within 7 working days).
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If complete, you’ll be asked to pay the application fee as per the Ministry’s regulations.
Risks of Non-Compliance
If your advertisement is found to be in violation of the Cosmetic Act, the consequences include:
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Fines up to 100,000 THB.
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Imprisonment up to 1 year or both.
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Daily fines of up to 10,000 THB if the violation continues (Section 84–86).
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Public retraction orders or mandatory corrective advertising.
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Suspension or ban of the ad (Sections 41–44).
Required Documentation for Cosmetic Advertising License
According to the application form and announcement:
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Form “ฆส.1” (Cosmetic Advertisement Opinion Request Form)
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17 copies of the ad content
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Ingredient formula (with percentages and functions)
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Product sample (1 unit)
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Scientific or regulatory references (5 sets, if applicable)
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Proof of company registration (or ID for individuals)
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Power of attorney (if someone applies on behalf)
Timeline
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Document review: 7 business days.
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Opinion issuance: Within 60 days (if no issues arise).
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If no response within 60 days, the opinion is considered approved by default.
Fees
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An opinion request fee must be paid after document approval. The exact amount is defined in the Ministry of Public Health’s fee regulation (typically 1,000 THB or more depending on the number of ads/formats).
✅ Conclusion Summary
Obtaining a Cosmetic Advertising License in Thailand is not mandatory for every ad, but it is highly recommended when launching new or bold marketing campaigns. It ensures your promotional materials are compliant with Thai FDA regulations and protects your brand from penalties, misleading claims, or ad bans. By following the official procedure, submitting the correct documentation, and requesting an opinion when needed, you can confidently promote your cosmetic products in Thailand’s competitive market.
