Over the last several years Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Thai Industrial Standards Institute have been overhauling food contact material (FCM) regulation in the country (FPF reported). Earlier in 2026, the FDA published new and updated regulations for several FCMs (FPF reported). The new paper and board regulation was originally planned to go into effect June 2026, but it has been delayed one year to June 22, 2027.
What is in the new regulation
Beyond general hygiene provisions, the paper and board regulation introduces chemical safety controls covering migration limits, optical brighteners, dyes, antimicrobial agents, and sensory neutrality. Bisphenol A (BPA, CAS 80-05-7) would be non-detectable, bisphenol F diglycidyl ether (BFDGE, 2095-03-6) and novolac glycidyl ether (NOGE) would be banned, bisphenol A diglycidel ether (BADGE, CAS 1675-54-3) would be subject to migration limits, and PFAS would be regulated with substance-specific and total concentration caps.
The new standards are aligned with Germany’s Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) XXXVI recommendations and Council of Europe guidance. Where plastic coatings are present, compliance with Thailand’s plastic food contact regulation would also be required.
Reference
Government of Thailand (March 30, 2026). “Notice to WTO.” World Trade Organization
