The Thailand Food and Drug Administration ensure the protection of every consumer’s health and safety. The FDA aims to meet this goal by controlling the import of several products in the country such as foods, psychotropic substances, medical devices, cosmetics, volatile substances, drugs, and narcotics. Foreign investors who wish to import or manufacture any of these products should apply for FDA license in Thailand.

Factors that Affect the Approval of FDA License in Thailand

The approval of the FDA depends on 5 different factors or types of controls. These include the following variables:

– Pre-marketing control of the product or factory

– Post-marketing control such as the regular inspection of the previously controlled products or facilities

– Surveillance program intended for the safety of consumers upon launching of the product to the Thai market

– Accurate and reliable product information provided to consumers

– Technical support and partnership with agencies such as seminars conducted by the FDA

Application of FDA License in Thailand for Food Control

The FDA enforces the Food Act, which guarantees the good quality and safety of food products sold in the country. Among the different certificates issued by the FDA include the free-sale certification, HACCP certification, sanitary certification, and GMP certification. The application process for FDA license consists of two steps such as the approval of the premises and approval of the food product. Applicants should be aware of the major distinction between importing and manufacturing of foods, since there are different forms required for each category.

A. Manufacturing Food

Those who are manufacturing food need to fill out the form Orr. 15 when applying for the FDA license. However, individuals who intend to produce food should obtain the form Orr. 11 and fill it out for the license application. Companies with about 7 or less employed workers that plan to produce food for an indefinite period should complete the Form Sor Bor.1. On the other hand, food businesses with over 7 employed workers that intend to produce food indefinitely should accomplish the form Orr.1.

B. Importing Food

When importing food for purchase consideration or registration purposes, applicants should apply for a license by filling out the form Orr.16. Those who want to import food products temporarily in the country such as in trade exhibitions of research are required to use the form Orr.12 for their license application.

Information about the Product and Premise Approval

If your company is situated in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area, you may proceed to the Food Control Division of the FDA for license application. However, companies that are located in the provinces may apply for a product or premise approval at provincial public health office.

Before the FDA approves a product, the manufacturers should determine the category it belongs to, based on the classifications provided such as specified controlled food, prescribed food to have a label and prescribed food to have standard or quality. The length of time before the FDA approves the product and premise depends on the item that you are aiming to manufacture or import. Once you have obtained the FDA license in Thailand, the certification will have a validity period for a maximum of three years.