Pesticide Registration in Thailand

All agricultural pesticides which are manufactured, imported, distributed and commercialized in Thailand have to be registered with the Department of Agriculture (DOA) of Thailand first. The Hazardous Substances Act (HSA) is the primary legal framework governing the control of hazardous chemicals, including pesticides, in Thailand. This Act, along with its amendments—B.E. 2535 (1992), B.E. 2544 (2001), B.E. 2551 (2008), and B.E. 2562 (2019)—establishes comprehensive procedures for the registration, licensing, and monitoring of hazardous substances to ensure safe chemical use within the country.

Definition of Pesticides in Thailand

In Thailand, there is no dedicated definition for pesticides, which are usually regulated as hazardous substances under Thailand's Hazardous Substances Act. DOA and FDA have shared responsibilities for pesticide management.

• Department of Agriculture: Mainly for agricultural pesticide active ingredients and formulations.

• Food and Drug Administration: Mainly for pesticides used in household or public health activity (killing or preventing insects, rodents, etc.);

Main Pesticide Regulations in Thailand

• Hazardous Substances Act along with its amendments—B.E. 2535 (1992), B.E. 2544 (2001), B.E. 2551 (2008), and B.E. 2562 (2019)

• Notification of Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives on Registration, License Issuance and Renewal of Hazardous Substances under the Responsibility of Department of Agriculture B.E. 2552 (2009)

• Notification of Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives on Production, Importation, Exportation and Being in Possession of Hazardous Substances under the Responsibility of Department of Agriculture B.E. 2547 (2004)

• Determination of details, criteria, and methods for registration, issuance of certificates, and renewal of certificates for the registration of hazardous substances under the responsibility of the Department of Agriculture

Who Shall Register？

Any individual intending to import, distribute or engage in commercial sale of pesticides in Thailand must obtain the necessary permits from the DOA in Indonesia.

The term "registrant" refers to the local legal entity that submits the application for pesticide registration and licensing. Foreign companies cannot directly apply for pesticide registrations in Thailand and can only apply for pesticide product registration through the establishment of a local company. However, for most commercial activities, foreign ownership of companies in Thailand is restricted under the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999), which typically does not allow foreign investors to own more than 49% of the shares in a Thai company.

If you do not have a legal entity in Thailand, CIRS Group can provide local representation services.

The list of registered pesticides in Thailand can be searched via the link below:

• http://www.kasetservices.com/Search/Agrochemical

Registration Requirements and Process in Thailand

Pesticide registration applicant shall submit required registration data to the DOA according to relevant product registration type, which typically includes test reports on product chemistry, toxicology, environment, efficacy, residue and sample labels. Detailed information requirement is listed in B.E. 2552- Subject: Determination of details, criteria, and methods for registration, issuance of certificates, and renewal of certificates for the registration of hazardous substances under the responsibility of the Department of Agriculture.

Thailand accepts GLP study reports issued by overseas laboratories, with lower registration data requirements and costs compared to Europe and America, as well as shorter review periods, allowing pesticide companies to enter this market more quickly, particularly new active ingredients and biopesticides.

The regulation B.E. 2552 specifies that the registration of pesticides (hazardous substances) consists of three phases:

• Phase 1 - Trials Clearance for knowing the efficacy and information on acute toxicity. In this respect, production or importation of hazardous substance sample in a limited quantity is allowed for the efficacy or residue test, as the case may be.

• Phase 2 - Provisional Clearance for demonstrating the usage and knowing information on sub-acute toxicity, chronic toxicity relating to teratogenicity, reproductive effect, mutagenicity, toxicity to nervous system, oncogenicity and carcinogenicity (if any) and toxic residues. In this respect, production or importation of hazardous substance sample in limited quantity for demonstration of usage in the limited area is allowed.

• Phase 3 - Final evaluation for full registration by evaluating the results of experiments and various information in order to know efficacy and safety to human and the environment sufficiently if it is for use, including long term chronic toxicity (2 years) to testing animal. The applicant may not apply for phase 2 (Provisional Clearance) in the case that he/she has the complete information required for phase 3 (Full registration).

Estimated Registration Costs and Timelines

It typically takes 3 years to register a formulated pesticide product in Thailand. Registration costs depend on product types and test data requirements. 

Pesticide Registration Types and Validity

The Registration Certificate in Thailand is valid for a period of 6 years. For the continuation of pesticide registration, an application for the extension of the Registration Certificate must be submitted to the Pesticide Regulatory Subdivision at least 180 days before the current certificate expires.

Our Services

CIRS Group offers a comprehensive suite of services covering every aspect of pesticide registration in Southeast Asia. Our services include:

• Regulatory Consulting: We provide up-to-date insights on regulatory trends and changes, helping you stay ahead in the market.
• Dossier Preparation and Submission: Our team of experts prepares and submits your registration dossiers, ensuring they meet the specific requirements of each country's regulatory body.
• Efficacy and Safety Testing: We facilitate and manage all required local testing, including efficacy, toxicology, and environmental impact studies, through our network of accredited laboratories.
• Local Representation: For clients without a local presence, CIRS Group can act as your local agent, representing your interests and liaising with regulatory authorities.

For more information on how we can assist with your pesticide registration needs in Southeast Asia, contact us today via service@cirs-group.com.