Thailand’s proposed new regulation will mandate the disclosure of tobacco product components and combustion byproducts. Photo credit: 2happy, Stockvault.
The Thai Cabinet has greenlit a draft ministerial regulation regarding the components and combustion byproducts of tobacco products. Proposed by the Ministry of Public Health, this regulation mandates that manufacturers and importers of cigarettes and cigars must report the ingredients of their products and the substances emitted during combustion.
Deputy government spokesperson Kanika Aunjit announced the approval, emphasizing the regulation's stringent provisions. It prohibits tobacco products from containing additives that enhance flavor, alter color, suggest health benefits, reduce health risks, or imply increased energy and vitality.
The regulation establishes maximum limits for substances emitted during combustion. Specifically, it stipulates that tar should not exceed 10 milligrams per cigarette, nicotine should not exceed 1 milligram per cigarette, and carbon monoxide should not exceed 10 milligrams per cigarette.
Certificates issued under this regulation will remain valid for three years. In cases where the original certificate is damaged, lost, or destroyed, a replacement must be requested within 15 days. The replacement certificate will retain the original validity period.
The regulation mandates the disclosure of tobacco product components and combustion byproducts. It sets a certification fee of THB100,000 (US$2,765) per certificate and THB2,000 for replacements. Scheduled to take effect 180 days after publication in the Royal Gazette, the regulation will be enforced over a four-year period.
The Ministry of Finance recommended that the Ministry of Public Health study appropriate component levels to prevent excessive flavors or aromas beyond natural tobacco properties. It noted inconsistencies in allowing menthol, derived from mint oils, while prohibiting actual mint plants. The Ministry of Finance suggested reconsidering regulations regarding substances that could influence tobacco consumption.