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    Packaging Requirements for FCM
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    Packaging Requirements for FCM

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    Food Contact Materials (FCM)
    Thailand

    The below version control table serves to document all updates made to the report. The purpose is to ensure the information is always accurate and up-to-date.

    Version Number
    Content Creation Date
    		Publishing DateSection(s) Updated & Reason(s) for Update
    V0
    18 Feb 2025
    		12 Mar 2025N/A (new report)
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    1. Overview of Relevant Regulatory Standards for Food Contact Materials

    Under Thailand's Food Act B.E. 2522 (1979), food containers are regulated to ensure public health and safety. Food Act B.E. 2522 prohibits the use of containers made from materials likely to harm health. The Secretary of the FDA has the right to suspend the production or importation of food if containers are deemed hazardous, and to publicize analysis results, including details of producers or distributors. Containers confirmed to be hazardous may be destroyed or treated with commission approval. Licenses for food production or importation may be suspended or revoked if containers are found harmful, hazardous, or inconsistent with prescribed standards [1]. 

    Specific requirements for food contact materials (FCM) are laid down in the following regulations: 

    • MOPH Notification No. 92 BE 2528 (1985) Re: Prescribe Qualities or Standards for Food Containers, Use of Food Containers and Prohibition of Materials Used as Food Containers [2]. 
    • MOPH Notification No. 435 B.E. 2565 issued under the Food Act B.E. 2522 specifying the quality or standards of plastic containers [3].
    • MOC Notification B.E. 2551, on the determination of ceramic containers and coated metal containers used for packaging food as prohibited goods or goods requiring a certificate for import into the Kingdom [4].

    In addition to the Notifications issued by the Thai Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) and Ministry of Commerce, several Thai Industrial Standards have been issued by the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) under the Ministry of Industry, which entrepreneurs are required or encouraged to comply with [5, 6]. 

    Table 1. Applicable standards for FCMs

     

    Materials


    Mandatory/Voluntary

    Standards

    Plastic


    Mandatory Thai Industrial Standards

    • TIS 655 Vol. 1-2010: Plastic containers and utensils for food, Part 1: Polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl alcohol, and polymethyl pentene 

    • TIS 655 Vol. 2-2011: Plastic containers and utensils for food, Part 2: Polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polyamide, and polymethyl methacrylate 

    • TIS 655 Vol. 3-2011: Plastic containers and utensils for food, Part 3: Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) 

    • TIS 1136-2016: Food wrapping stretch film 

    • TIS 2493 Vol. 1-2011: Plastic food containers for microwave ovens, Part 1: For heating 

    • TIS 2493 Vol. 2-2013: Plastic food containers for microwave ovens, Part 2: For single heating 

    • TIS 2921-2019: Melamine-formaldehyde and urea-formaldehyde containers and utensils for food (Safety requirements only) 

    Rubber 

    • TIS. 969-2019 Rubber nipples for baby bottles 

    • TIS 1025-2019 Rubber nipple for play

    Glass 

    General Thai Industrial Standards (Voluntary Compliance) 

    • TIS 603-2003 Glassware in contact with food (this Thai Industrial Standard applies exclusively to glass containers designed for food use, referred to hereafter as "glass containers" within this standard). 

    Examples include plates, saucers, cups, bowls, and other utensils intended to come into contact with food, excluding bottles.) [7]

    Stainless steel  

    • TIS 410-2564 Materials and articles in contact with foodstuffs - cutlery and table holloware - requirements for stainless steel and silver-plated cutlery 

    • TIS 451-2526 Stainless steel wares: plates, cups, bowls, and trays 

    • TIS 808-2531 Stainless steel wares: pots, pans, bowls, turners, ladles, and dippers, etc.

    Since the scope of this report focuses primarily on food-contact packaging for the beverage industry, the following sections will exclude references to TIS related to food wraps, food containers for microwave ovens, melamine, rubber, stainless steel, and FCM for baby food, milk and milk products. 

    2. General Standards for Food Contact Materials

    Apart from the general requirements outlined in the opening paragraph of Section 1, food containers, or FCM, must meet the following criteria [2]: 

    • Be clean. 
    • It must not have been previously used for packing or filling food or any other substance unless it is made of glass, ceramic, or enameled metal.
    • It must not release heavy metals or other substances that could contaminate food in quantities harmful to health.
    • Be free of germs. 
    • Must not release any color that could contaminate the food. 

    It is prohibited to use a container as a food container if it has previously been used to pack or wrap fertilizers, poisonous substances, or any substance that is likely to be harmful to health. The use of containers designed for non-food items, or those bearing designs or statements that could cause misunderstanding about the nature of the food they contain, is strictly prohibited. 

    3. Specific Requirements per Type of Food Contact Materials

    3.1 Glass Bottles

    Containers made of ceramic*, including glass or coated metal, must comply with the following specific standards for lead and cadmium:

    * Formally, MOPH Notification No. 92 does not explicitly specify “glass” as a regulated material. However, based on the definition of ceramics in section (a), it can be inferred that this definition also encompasses “glass.” According to TIS 603, “glass” refers to a product created by melting inorganic materials at high temperatures into a homogeneous liquid, which is then cooled to solidify without crystallization. The resulting material is typically hard, brittle, and may vary in appearance, being colored or colorless, transparent or opaque, or printed. Common types of glass include borosilicate and soda-lime glass. Therefore, it can be concluded that food-contact packaging made of glass also falls within the scope of MOPH Notification No. 92 and is required to comply with the standards specified in Table 1. 

    Table 2. Standards applicable to ceramics and coated metal – excerpt from Schedule 2 of MOPH Notification No. 92 [2] 

    Product
    Lead (Milligrams per Litre)
    Cadmium (Milligrams per Litre)
    Shallow containers # 
    7
    0.7
    Small deep containers ## 
    5.0
    0.5 
    Large deep containers ## 
    2.5
    0.25

    (a) Ceramic containers refer to a non-metallic, inorganic product that remains stable after firing or melting at high temperatures, used as a container. 

    (b) Coated metal containers refer to a product that uses chemicals to coat the surface of a formed metal to prevent corrosion, used as a container. 

    # Shallow containers: Containers with a depth not exceeding 25 millimeters, measured vertically from the deepest internal point to the horizontal level of the rim's topmost part. 

    ## Deep containers: Containers with a depth exceeding 25 millimeters A "small deep container" is defined as a container with a capacity of less than 1.1 liters. A "large deep container" refers to a container with a capacity of 1.1 liters or more. 

    The standards outlined in Table 2 comply with the Ministry of Commerce's Notification regarding the classification of ceramic containers and coated metal containers used for food packaging as prohibited goods or goods requiring certification for import into the Kingdom [4]. When these containers are imported as stand-alone containers, a health certificate from the country of manufacture issued by an agency or certified by a government agency from the country of manufacture must be shown to the Customs Department during importation into Thailand. 

    Testing methods for glass and coated metal FCM [2] 

    The testing methods must be specified in the AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists) Journal. Applicable methods are outlined in the AOAC Journal, 13th Edition (1980), Articles 25.031 to 25.034. 

    3.2 Metal Can

    Same as 3.1 (Glass Bottles) above. 

    3.3 Caps/stoppers (Plastics, Metal)

    3.3.1 Caps/stoppers made of plastics

    The requirements for plastic food contact materials (FCMs) are specified in MOPH Notification No. 435, which was published in the Government Gazette on June 17, 2022, and came into effect one day later. This notification was developed based on earlier MOPH regulations on plastic FCMs, such as MOPH Notification No. 295 (2005), along with other reference sources [3]. The safety requirements outlined in MOPH Notification No. 435 also incorporate standards from mandatory Thai Industrial Standards (TIS), including TIS 655 Vol. 1-2010, TIS 655 Vol. 2- 2011, and TIS 655 Vol. 3-2011 [8, 9, 10], which pertain to plastic containers and utensils for food. As a result, subsequent content regarding plastic FCM requirements will reference MOPH Notification No. 435 as the primary source. 

    FCM made from plastic must meet the following quality and standards [3]: 

    • Be clean. 
    • Be free from pathogenic microorganisms. The guidelines for pathogenic microorganism testing primarily recommend assessing four types: Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, Bacillus cereus, and Salmonella spp. However, testing for additional pathogenic microorganisms is also permissible [11]. 
    • Not release toxic substances into food in quantities detrimental to health. 
    • When used for food, it should not release substances that alter food characteristics, components, or sensory attributes in an unacceptable manner or cause food deterioration. 
    • For colored packaging, use only food-grade paints, ensuring no color migration into the food. 
    • For packaging with printed patterns or text, use durable printing ink that does not flake or migrate into food. 
    • Recycled plastic used in secondary recycling must: 
      • Be made from food-contact-grade PET. 
      • Imported food in recycled plastic packaging must undergo a process that effectively removes contaminants. A safety assessment report from an agency designated by Thai FDA must be submitted. Alternatively, safety assessment documentation from a credible agency in the manufacturer’s country or a recognized safety system may be provided.
    • Plastic packaging previously used for fertilizers, toxic substances, or materials detrimental to health must not be repurposed for food packaging. 
    • Plastic packaging intended for non-food items or with misleading images, marks, or statements must not be used as food packaging.

    Plastic packaging must comply with the quality and standards specified in Annex 1 of MOPH Notification No. 435 as detailed in tables 3 to 5.2 below [3].

    Table 3. Qualities or standards on overall migration limits for packaging made from each type of plastic material [3] 

    Type of Plastic

    Overall Migration Limits for Each Type of Plastic (mg/dm2)

    1. Polyvinyl chloride 

    2. Polyethylene 

    3. Polypropylene

    4. Polystyrene

    5. Polyvinylidene chloride 

    6. Polyethylene terephthalate 

    7. Polycarbonate 

    8. Polyamide or nylon 

    9. Polyvinyl alcohol 

    10. Polymethyl methacrylate 

    11. Polymethyl pentene 

    12. Melamine-formaldehyde polymer 

    13. Plastic used to contain milk or milk product of which the side coming into contact with food is as follows: 

    13.1 Polyethylene 

    13.2 Ethylene 1-alkene copolymerized resin 

    13.3 Polypropylene 

    13.4 Polystyrene 

    13.5 Polyethylene terephthalate 

    10

    10

    10

    10

    10

    10

    10

    10

    10

    10

    10

    10

     

     

    10

    10

    10

    10

    10

    Table 4. Qualities or standards on migration limits of heavy metals for packaging made from each type of plastic material [3]  

    Type of Plastic

    Heavy Metal

    Maximum Limits for Each Type of Plastic (mg/kg) (1)

    1. Polyvinyl chloride 

    2. Polyethylene 

    3. Polypropylene

    4. Polystyrene

    5. Polyvinylidene chloride 

    6. Polyethylene terephthalate 

    7. Polycarbonate 

    8. Polyamide or nylon 

    9. Polyvinyl alcohol 

    10. Polymethyl methacrylate 

    11. Polymethyl pentene 

    12. Melamine-formaldehyde polymer 

    13. Plastic used to contain milk or milk product of which the side coming into contact with food is as follows: 

    13.1 Polyethylene 

    13.2 Ethylene 1-alkene copolymerized resin 

    13.3 Polypropylene 

    13.4 Polystyrene 

    13.5 Polyethylene terephthalate

    1. Lead (Pb)

     Not Detected (2) 

    2. Aluminium

    1

    3. Barium (Ba)

    1

    4. Cobalt (Co)

    0.05

    5. Copper 

    5

    6. Iron (Fe)

    48

    7. Lithium

    0.6

    8. Manganese (Mn)

    0.6

    9. Nickel (Ni)

    0.02

    10. Zinc (Zn)

    5

    11. Antimony (Sb)

    0.04

    12. Arsenic (As)

    Not Detected (2)

    13. Cadmium (Cd)

    Not Detected (4)

    14. Chromium (Cr)

    Not Detected (3)

    15. Mercury (Hg)

    Not Detected (2)

    16. Europium (Eu)

    0.05 (5)

    17. Gadolinium (Gd)

    0.05 (5)

    18. Lanthanum (La)

    0.05 (5)

    19. Terbium (Tb)

    0.05 (5)

    Remarks: 

    (1) means mg/kg of food or food simulant 

    (2) means not detected at the limit of detection (LOD) = 0.01 mg/kg 

    (3) means not detected at the limit of detection (LOD) = 0.01 mg/kg as total chromium, except when there is information or documentary evidence on the use of chemicals in the production process that can verify that no hexavalent chromium (Cr(Vl)) is used or the production process does not result in hexavalent chromium, in which case the overall migration limit of chromium shall not exceed 3.6 mg/kg 

    (4) means not detected at the limit of detection (LOD) = 0.002 mg/kg 

    (5) means the sum of lanthanides, europium, gadolinium, lanthanum and terbium must not exceed 0.05 mg/kg

    Table 5.1. Qualities or standards on migration limits of primary aromatic amines (PAAs) [3] 

    Packaging made from each type of plastic material with colored plastic or on which printing ink is used must be tested for the migration of the following primary aromatic amines: 
    Type of Plastic 
    Primary Aromatic Amines (1) 
    Maximum Limits for Each Type of Plastic (mg/kg) (2)
    1. Polyvinyl chloride 
    2. Polyethylene 
    3. Polypropylene 
    4. Polystyrene 
    5. Polyvinylidene chloride 
    6. Polyethylene terephthalate 
    7. Polycarbonate 
    8. Polyamide or nylon 
    9. Polyvinyl alcohol 
    10. Polymethyl methacrylate 
    11. Polymethyl pentene 
    12. Melamine-formaldehyde polymer 
    13. Plastic used to contain milk or milk product of which the side coming into contact with food is as follows: 
    13.1 Polyethylene 
    13.2 Ethylene 1-alkene copolymerized resin 
    13.3 Polypropylene 
    13.4 Polystyrene 
    13.5 Polyethylene terephthalate 
    The 22 types of azocolourant PPAs are as follows: 
    (1) Biphenyl-4-ylamine or 4-aminobiphenyl xenylamine; CAS No. 92-67-1 
    (2) Benzidine; CAS No. 92-87-5 
    (3) 4-chloro-o-toluidine; CAS No. 95-69-2 
    (4) 2-naphthylamine; CAS No. 91-59-8 
    (5) O-aminoazotoluene or 4-amino-2’,3’- dimethylazobenzene or 4-o-tolylazo-otoluidine; CAS No. 97-56-3 
    (6) 5-nitro-o-toluidine; CAS No. 99-55-8 
    (7) 4-chloroaniline; CAS No. 106-47-8 
    (8) 4-methoxy-m-phenylenediamine; CAS No. 615- 05-4 
    (9) 4,4’-methylenedianiline or 4,4’- diaminodiphenylmethane; CAS No. 101-77-9 
    (10) 3,3’-dichlorobenzidine or 3,3’- dichlorobiphenyl-4,4’-ylenediamine; CAS No. 91-94-1 
    (11) 3,3’-dimethoxybenzidine or o-dianisidine; CAS No. 119-90-4 
    (12) 3,3’-dimethylbenzidine or 4,4’-bi-o-toluidine; CAS No. 119-93-7 
    (13) 4,4’-methylenedi-o-toluidine; CAS No. 838-88-0 
    (14) 6-methoxy-m-toluidine p-cresidine; CAS No. 120-71-8 
    (15) 4,4’methylene-bis-(2-chloro-aniline) or 2,2’- dichloro-4,4’methylene-dianiline; CAS No. 101-14-4 
    (16) 4,4’-oxydianiline; CAS No. 101-80-4 
    (17) 4,4’thiodianiline; CAS No. 139-65-1 
    (18) O-toluidine or 2-aminotoluene; CAS No. 95-53-4 
    (19) 4-methyl-m-phenylenediamine; CAS No. 95-80- 7 
    (20) 2,4,5-trimethylaniline; CAS No. 137-17-7 
    (21) O-anisidine or 2-methoxyaniline; CAS No. 90- 04-0 
    (22) 4-amino azobenzene; CAS No. 60-09-3 
    		Not Detected (3) [at the limit of detection (LOD) = 0.002 mg/kg] 

    Remarks: 

    (1) means that the test may be conducted only for the substances used in the plastic manufacturing process, provided that there must be verifiable information or documentary evidence on the chemicals used in the manufacturing process 

    (2) means mg/kg of food or food simulant

    (3) means that each type of primary aromatic amine is not detected at the limit of detection (LOD) = 0.002 mg/kg 

    Table 5.2. Qualities or standards on migration limits of primary aromatic amines (PAAs) [3]

    Packaging made from each type of plastic material must be tested for the migration of the following primary aromatic amines:

    Type of Plastic

    Primary Aromatic Amines (1)

    Maximum Limit for Each Type of Plastic (mg/kg) (2)

    1. Polyvinyl chloride 

    2. Polyethylene 

    3. Polypropylene

    4. Polystyrene

    5. Polyvinylidene chloride 

    6. Polyethylene terephthalate 

    7. Polycarbonate 

    8. Polyamide or nylon 

    9. Polyvinyl alcohol 

    10. Polymethyl methacrylate 

    11. Polymethyl pentene 

    12. Melamine-formaldehyde polymer 

    13. Plastic used to contain milk or milk product of which the side coming into contact with food is as follows: 

    13.1 Polyethylene 

    13.2 Ethylene 1-alkene copolymerized resin 

    13.3 Polypropylene 

    13.4 Polystyrene 

    13.5 Polyethylene terephthalate

    1. 1,3 phenylenediamine; CAS No. 108-45-2

    Not Detected (3) 

    [at the limit of detection (LOD) = 0.002 mg/kg]

    2. 4,4'-methylenebis(3-chloro-2,6-diethylaniline); CAS No. 106246-33-7

    0.05

    3. 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulphones; CAS No. 80-08-0

    5

    4. 2-aminobenzamide; CAS No. 88-68-6

    0.05

    5. PPAs other than those specified in Table 3.1 and No. 1 to 4 in Table 3.2

    The sum of such PPAs must not exceed 0.01 mg/kg 

    [at the limit of detection (LOD) = 0.002 mg/kg]

    Remarks: 

    (1) means that with respect to substances under No. 1 to 4, the test may be conducted only for the substances used in the plastic manufacturing process, provided that there must be verifiable information or documentary evidence on the chemicals used in the manufacturing process 

    (2) means mg/kg of food or food simulant

    Table 6. Qualities or standards on specific migration limits for certain plastic packaging [3] 

    NoItemMaximum Limit to Migrate into Food (mg/kg) (1)
    Polyvinyl chloride 
    1 Vinyl chloride 
    Not Detected 
    [at the limit of detection (LOD) = 0.01 mg/kg]
    Polyvinylidene chloride
    1 
    Vinylidene chloride; CAS No. 75-35-4



    Polycarbonate
    Not Detected 
    [at the limit of detection (LOD) = 0.01 mg/kg]
    1 

    		Bisphenol A (BPA) or 2,2-bis(4- hydroxyphenyl) propane; CAS No. 80-05-7 
    0.05


    2 

    P-tert-butylphenol or 4-tert-butylphenol; CAS No. 98-54-4
    		0.05
    3 
    Phenol; CAS No.108-95-2
    3
    Polyamide or nylon
    1
    Caprolactam; CAS No. 105-60-2
    15 (expressed as caprolactam)
    Polymethyl methacrylate
    1
    Methyl methacrylate; CAS No. 80-62- 6
    6 (expressed as methacrylic acid)

    Melamine-formaldehyde polymer 
    1Phenol; CAS No.108-95-23
    2Formaldehyde; CAS No. 50-00-0 15 (expressed as formaldehyde)
    3Melamine or 2,4,6-triamino-1,3,5- triazine; CAS No. 108-78-1 2.5
    Polyethylene terephthalate 
    1Acetaldehyde; CAS No. 75-07-0 6 (expressed as acetaldehyde)
    2

    		Bicyclo [2.2.1] hept-2-ene or 2- norbornene or norbornene; CAS No. 498-66-8 0.05

    34,4’ bis(2-benzoxazolyl) stilbene; CAS No. 1533-45-5 0.05
    41,4-butanediol; CAS No. 110-63-4 5 (expressed as 1,4-butanediol)
    5Diethylene glycol; CAS No. 111-46-630 (expressed as ethylene glycol)
    6Dimethyl isophthalate or isophthalic acid, dimethyl ester; 
    CAS No. 1459-93-4     		0.05
    7

    		Dilauryl-3,3'-thiodipropionate or thiodipropionic acid, didodecyl ester; CAS No. 123-28-4 The sum of this group of substances and their oxidation products shall not exceed 5. This group of substances consists of 3 types, i.e.:
    1) Thiodipropionic acid didodecyl ester (CAS No. 123-28-4)
    2) Thiodipropionic acid, dioctadecyl ester (CAS No. 693-36-7)
    3) Thiodipropionic acid, ditetradecyl ester (CAS No. 16545-54-3) 
    8

    		Dimethyl 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid or 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, dimethyl ester; 
    CAS No. 840-65-3     		0.05
    9

    		Dimyristyl-3,3’thiodipropionate or thiodipropionic acid, ditetradecyl ester; CAS No. 16545-54-3

    		The sum of this group of substances and their oxidation products shall not exceed 5. This group of substances consists of 3 types, i.e.: 
    1) Thiodipropionic acid didodecyl ester (CAS No. 123-28-4) 
    2) Thiodipropionic acid, dioctadecyl ester (CAS No. 693-36-7) 
    3) Thiodipropionic acid, ditetradecyl ester (CAS No. 16545-54-3) 
    10Distearyl-3,3’-thiodipropionate or thiodipropionic acid, diotadecyl ester; CAS No. 693-36-7The sum of this group of substances and their oxidation products shall not exceed 5. This group of substances consists of 3 types, i.e.: 
    1) Thiodipropionic acid didodecyl ester (CAS No. 123-28-4) 
    2) Thiodipropionic acid, dioctadecyl ester (CAS No. 693-36-7) 
    3) Thiodipropionic acid, ditetradecyl ester (CAS No. 16545-54-3) 
    112-(4,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-5- hexyloxyphenol; CAS No. 147315-50-2 0.05
    12Ethylene glycol; CAS No. 107-21-130 (expressed as ethylene glycol)
    13

    		Ethyl acrylate or acrylic acid, ethyl ester; CAS No. 140-88-5 6 (expressed as acrylic acid) 

    14Formaldehyde; CAS No. 50-00-015 (expressed as formaldehyde)
    15Isophthalic acid; CAS No. 121-91-5 5 (expressed as isophthalic acid)
    162-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one; CAS No. 2682-20-4 0.5

    17

    		Methacrylic acid, methyl ester or methyl methacrylate; 
    CAS No. 80-62-6     		6 (expressed as methacrylic acid)

    18

    		Neopentyl glycol or 2,2-dimethyl1,3- propanediol; CAS No. 126-30-7 0.05

    192,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid; CAS No. 1141-38-4 5

    201,1,1-trimethylolpropane or 2-ethyl-2- (hydroxymethyl)-1,3- propanediol; CAS No. 77-99-6 
    6
    21Sodium sulfite; CAS No. 7757-83-7 10 (expressed as SO2 (sulfur dioxide)) 
    22Trimellitic anhydride; 
    CAS No. 552-30-7     		5 (expressed as trimellitic acid)
    232,4,6-triamino-1,3,5-triazine or melamine; 
    CAS No. 108-78-1     		2.5
    24Terephthalic acid; CAS No. 100-21-0 7.5 (expressed as terephthalic acid)
    25

    		Terephthalic acid dichloride; 
    CAS No. 100-20-9     		7.5 (expressed as terephthalic acid)

    26N-methylolacrylamide; CAS No. 924-42-5 Not Detected
    [at the limit of detection (LOD) = 0.01 mg/kg]
    27

    		Methacrylamide; CAS No. 79-39-0 Not Detected 
    [at the limit of detection (LOD) = 0.01 mg/kg]

    28Titanium nitride, nanoparticlesNo migration detected 

    Remarks: 

    (1) means mg/kg of food or food simulant

    (2) means that the test may be conducted only for the substances used in the plastic manufacturing process, provided that there must be verifiable information or documentary evidence on the chemicals used in the manufacturing process 

    Testing methods for plastic FCMs: 

    Regarding testing methods, Thai FDA has issued a notification to guide on the analysis of plastic containers. [11] 

    Key guidelines from the Notification: 

    • For single-layer plastic containers, tests use total immersion or single-sided methods, such as filling. Multi-layer plastic containers are tested on one side with a migration cell, pouch, or reverse pouch, depending on intended use and food contact conditions. Composite multi-material containers and plastic-coated containers are evaluated on the food-contact side using similar methods. Containers with plastic components (e.g., window boxes) require separation of the plastic part for testing, while composite materials like paper pulp mixed with plastic are tested through extraction for affected layers. 

    • Reusable containers undergo three tests per sample to ensure compliance with the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) standards. If material stability is scientifically proven, one test may suffice; however, non-compliance in the first test eliminates the need for further testing. Lids and caps are tested under simulated use conditions, with single-layer lids tested via total immersion or single-sided methods, and multi-material lids evaluated on the food-contact side. Methods must be adjusted if samples show leakage, cracking, or damage during testing. 

    • Finished multi-layer plastic containers must meet overall and specific migration limits for each plastic component, as mandated by the MOPH. Representative food models are selected based on the packaged food's type and characteristics, with universal containers tested across all models. Conditions for testing heavy metals, aromatic amines, and specific migration adhere to specified temperature and time parameters, applying worst-case scenarios if operational conditions are unknown or adjusted for deviations like microwave use. 

    • For overall migration limits, specified or alternative severe conditions are applied for comprehensive testing. Adjustments aligning with EU Regulation No. 10/2011 are made when testing conditions or food models do not represent actual use. Specific migration limits for containers with packaged food are assessed using real food prepared per the label or instructions, excluding contributions from external sources in final results. 

    The annex of the notification on analysis of plastic containers outlines approved methods for quality analysis [11], including: 

    • Table 1: Chemical analysis for overall migration quality or standards. 
    • Table 2: Chemical analysis for heavy metal migration quality or standards. 
    • Table 3: Chemical analysis for primary aromatic amines (PAAs) quality or standards. 
    • Table 4: Chemical analysis for specific migration quality or standards (SML) for certain plastic containers. 
    • Table 5: Analysis of color migration from containers to food for colored packaging, ensuring the use of food-grade paints that do not transfer color to the food. 

    3.3.2 Caps/stoppers made of metal

    Same as Section 3.3.1 Caps/stoppers made of plastics.

    4. Other Rules

    Beer and distilled liquor must be packed in suitable, clean, and tightly closed containers that do not react with the contents [13, 14]. Plastic packaging that complies with the standards outlined in Annex 2 of MOPH Notification No. 435 which are detailed in Table 7 and Table 8 may continue to be used for up to three years from the effective date of this Notification, dated June 17, 2022 [3]. 

    Table 7. Qualities or standards of plastic packaging [3]

    Remarks: 

    - No analysis is required for such item 

    * In case of use at temperature higher than 100 degrees Celsius; Styrene must not exceed 1,000 milligrams per 1 kilogram, and ethylbenzene must not exceed 1,000 milligrams per 1 kilogram 

    Table 8. Qualities or standards on migration of plastic packaging [3] 

    Remarks: 

    - No analysis is required for such item 

    * In case of use at a temperature higher than 100 degrees Celsius, the analysis shall be conducted at 95 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes.

    5. Summary Table

    Food contact materials

    General legislation applicable

    Specific legislation applicable

    Ceramic, including glass, and coated metal 

    Food Act BE 2522 [1]

    Notification of Ministry of Public Health (No. 92) BE 2528 (1985) [2]

    Plastic 

    Notification of Ministry of Public Health (No. 435), be 2565 (2022) issued by virtue of the food act, be 2522 (1979) re: specification of qualities or standards of food packaging made from plastic [3]

    6. References

    1. Food Act BE 2522 

    https://food.fda.moph.go.th/media.php?id=536782813802930176&name=law_act_EN.pdf

    2. Notification of Ministry of Public Health (No. 92) BE 2528 (1985) Re: Prescribe Qualities or Standards for Food Containers, Use of Food Containers and Prohibition of Materials Used as Food Containers

    https://food.fda.moph.go.th/media.php?id=509201864848449536&name=P92.PDF (TH) 

    https://food.fda.moph.go.th/media.php?id=509201964098265088&name=No.92-28%20Prescription%20of%20Quality%20or%20Standard%20for%20Food%20Container.pdf (EN) 

    3. Notification of Ministry of Public Health (No. 435), be 2565 (2022) issued by virtue of the food act, be 2522 (1979) re: specification of qualities or standards of food packaging made from plastic 

    https://exfood.fda.moph.go.th/law/data/announ_moph/P435_E.pdf 

    4. Announcement of the Ministry of Commerce on the determination of ceramic containers and coated metal containers used for packaging food as prohibited goods or goods requiring a certificate for import into the Kingdom, B.E. 2551, dated 8 August 2008 

    https://www.dft.go.th/th-th/Detail-Law/ArticleId/4669/-2551-8-2551 

    5. Mandatory TIS list

    https://www.tisi.go.th/website/standardlist/comp_thai/th 

    6. General TIS list

    https://appdb.tisi.go.th/tis_dev/p3_tis/p3tis.php?data=B

    7. TIS 603-2546 Glassware in contact with food (Standard to be purchased to access content). 

    https://service.tisi.go.th/tisi-standard-shop/item/tis/2783 

    8. TIS 655 -1-2010 Plastic containers and utensils for food, Part 1: Polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl alcohol and polymethyl pentene (Standard to be purchased to access content). 

    https://service.tisi.go.th/fulltext/655_2553_1.pdf 

    9. TIS 655-2-2011 Plastic containers and utensils for food, Vol. 2 Polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polyamide and polymethyl methacrylate (Standard to be purchased to access content). 

    https://service.tisi.go.th/fulltext/655_2554_2.pdf

    10. TIS 655-3-2011 Plastic containers and utensils for food, Part 3 Acrylonitrile-butadienestyrene and styrene-acrylonitrile (Standard to be purchased to access content). 

    https://service.tisi.go.th/fulltext/655_2554_3.pdf

    11. FDA Notification on the Explanation of the Ministry of Public Health Announcement (No. 435) B.E. 2565 issued under the Food Act B.E. 2522 on the determination of the quality or standards of plastic containers. 

    https://food.fda.moph.go.th/media.php?id=509719141557608448&name=435_Plastic.pdf 

    12. Notification of the Food and Drug Administration On the analysis of plastic containers, December 04, 2022. 

    https://food.fda.moph.go.th/media.php?id=509721043905159168&name=65_plastic.pdf 

    13. TIS 2090-2021 beer (Standard to be purchased to access content) 

    https://service.tisi.go.th/tisi-standard-shop/item/tis/5620 

    14. TIS 2088-2564 Distilled liquors (Standard to be purchased to access content) 

    https://service.tisi.go.th/tisi-standard-shop/item/tis/5566

     


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