NLA passes cosmetics law

The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) has passed a law on cosmetics which aims to target false, misleading and exaggerated advertising claims.

The bill sailed through with 156 votes of support and no objections on Friday.

The highlight of the bill is Section 41, which regulates advertising claims made about cosmetics goods.

It prohibits not only false or exaggerated claims, but also use of academic or research papers or statistical information to mislead consumers about the products.

The law also forbids claims about medical cures and enhancement of sexual prowess.

Those found to violate this section face punishment of up to one-year in jail and/or a fine of up to 100,000 baht.

Under the law, manufacturers, those who are contracted to manufacture, and importers of cosmetics are required to submit details about the products to the secretary-general of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or any authorised agency for consideration, before they can proceed with the manufacturing or the imports.

Before the vote was cast, several NLA members raised objections about changes made to the proposed bill by an NLA scrutiny committee, chaired by Jet Siratharanont.

Based on the committee’s draft, only manufacturers and importers of cosmetics were required to submit product details to the FDA — a provision several NLA members believe would put consumers at a disadvantage, as it did not go far enough.

They pointed out that those who are contracted to manufacture cosmetics also must be required to report to the FDA so they can be held responsible if their products are not up to standard.

A total of 143 NLA members voted to add “those who are contracted to manufacture cosmetics” to the provision, against four who voted to drop it.

The new legislation is hoped to better protect consumers against fraudulent claims.

Several adverts for cosmetics overstate the products’ properties, ranging from claims of ability to whiten the skin to treat and prevent diseases.