,"Thailand has notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a draft amendment to its pre-packaged food labeling framework through SPS Notification G/SPS/N/THA/8058 (January 2026). The proposed measure, titled Draft Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) Notification (No. …) B.E. … on “The Labeling of Pre-packaged Foods (No. 2)”, is issued under the authority of the Food Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and would amend the existing MOPH Notification No. 450 (2024).
The draft regulation applies to pre-packaged foods (ICS Code: 67.230) and is expected to affect all trading partners. It introduces several key revisions to Thailand’s food labeling requirements. These include expanded exemptions for foods sold directly to consumers, such as via hawkers, food stalls, or e-commerce platforms, where information can be provided at the point of sale. However, these exemptions do not apply to specific categories, including food additives, infant and young child foods, foods for special medical purposes, dietary supplements, and foods fortified with extracts, nutrients, or synthetic compounds.
The draft further proposes expanded allergen declaration requirements, adding sesame, celery, mustard, and lupin, along with their derivatives, to the list of mandatory allergens. Labels must clearly state “Information for food allergy: contains…” or “Information for food allergy: may contain…” in cases of potential cross-contamination. Lactose is explicitly excluded from allergen declaration requirements.
In relation to food additive labeling, the draft allows flexibility where additives serve multiple technological functions, provided usage levels align with their intended purposes. It also exempts the declaration of functional classes for carriers and packaging gases.
A significant feature of the proposal is the introduction of voluntary digital labeling, permitting food business operators to provide product information through digital systems, provided such systems are continuously accessible and properly maintained. Nevertheless, essential information—such as the food name, product serial number, manufacturer address, and allergen information—must continue to be displayed physically on the package. Digital labeling would not be permitted for seven specific categories, including infant foods, dietary supplements, and fortified foods.
The draft also clarifies labeling requirements for foods composed in a container, such as gift baskets or monk offerings. In such cases, a Thai-language label must list all included food items, indicate the earliest expiration date, and display any relevant warnings if interactions between products could pose risks.
A transition period of three years is proposed, during which non-compliant labels already in circulation may continue to be used following the regulation’s entry into force. The notification aligns with Codex Alimentarius Standard CODEX STAN 1-1985 on the Labelling of Pre-packaged Foods, and Thailand has indicated that the draft conforms to international standards.
The proposed date of adoption and publication has not yet been determined. Once published in the Government Gazette, the regulation would enter into force the following day. Stakeholders are invited to submit comments within 60 days, with the deadline set for 9 March 2026, through Thailand’s National Notification Authority or National Enquiry Point."
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