4. Labeling Requirements

Beers, RTDs, Whisky
Thailand

This section provides information on labeling requirements and the label approval process.

4.1 Mandatory Labeling Parameters

Food labeling requirements are primarily governed by MOPH Notification No. 450. For prepackaged foods with specific labeling requirements outlined in other Notifications, compliance with both those specific Notifications and the provisions of MOPH Notification No. 450 is mandatory [1]. Labeling is mandatory for all prepackaged foods, which means foods packed in containers for sale, except for the following: 

• Foods sold with immediate consumer information - Foods for which producers provide necessary information directly to consumers at the point of sale, including items sold by food hawkers, food stalls, or through electronic commerce systems. 
• Unprocessed foods - foods that have not undergone any processing. 
• Fresh foods prepared for retail - Fresh foods that have been peeled, trimmed, eviscerated, or reduced in size but are not sold directly to consumers. These may be cooled or uncooked and are packed in transparent containers, allowing the food's condition to be visible. 
• Prepackaged foods for specific services - Prepackaged foods produced and sold exclusively for use in food establishments such as restaurants, hotels, schools, academic institutions, hospitals, or similar entities, including food delivery services. 

Labels in any language, including text, images, designs, marks, brands, trademarks, or registered trademarks, must comply with the following requirements [1]: 

• Label of foods shall be placed, tagged, or presented on containers or packets of food packaging in a prominent position, size of label and containers or packets shall be proportionate. 
• The label of food shall not mislead either directly or indirectly with food and words, pictures, pictorials, invented designs, marks, or trademarks that suggest to other products. 
• The label must not be false or deceptive in a way that creates gullibility or misleads consumers about the product's essential characteristics.
• The name, composition, proportions, quantity, or properties of the food must not be presented in a false or misleading manner. 
• Words, images, designs, marks, or trademarks must not suggest the presence of ingredients that do not exist in the product or are present in insignificant amounts without measurable properties. 
• Labels must not use homophones or homographs that could be interpreted as boasting, exaggerating, or falsely claiming superior quality or properties. 
• Labels must respect Thai culture and morality and must not demean or undermine the dignity of the Thai language. 
• Labels must not promote or result in conflict, disharmony, or negative effects on society, culture, morality, traditions, or behavior, including those related to gender, language, or violence.

4.1.1 Mandatory labeling requirements for general prepacked food [1] 

Prepackaged food manufactured for sale, imported for sale, or distributed must include Thai-language labeling and adhere to the following requirements unless specific exemptions are granted by the Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA): 

1. The name of the food product (if applicable). 
2. Food Serial Number: Displaying food serial numbers involves showing the symbol or format of the food approved on the relevant product registration certification. The food registration number must appear in the format XX-X-XXXXX-Y-YYYY, with a color that contrasts against the background of the frame. The font size should not be smaller than 2 millimeters, and the color of the frame must also contrast with the label’s background [2]. The 13-digit Food Code number is divided into five groups, representing the food production or import location, the issuing agency, and the sequence number of the approved food. Details of the 13-digit food code number are provided in the accompanying image [2]. 

Figure 3. Illustration of 13-digit Food Serial Number [2] 

3. Manufacturer, Packer, or Importer Details
   • Include the name and address as follows (the information must be clear to ensure consumers can identify whether the entity is the manufacturer, packer, head office, or importer.): 
     • Domestic Food: The manufacturer or packer's name and address, with the option to indicate the head office. 
     • Imported Food: The importer’s name and address, along with the manufacturer’s name and country of origin. 
4. Contents of Food (Metric System)
   • For solid foods: Indicate the net weight. 
   • For liquid foods: Indicate the net volume. 
   • For semi-solid or other forms: Indicate either net weight or net volume. 
   • If applicable, display drained weight as per relevant Notifications. 
5. Main Ingredients 
   • Display the percentage by weight of main ingredients in descending order unless exempted, such as: 
     • Labels with a total space under 35 cm². 
     • Products containing only one ingredient (excluding additives or flavors). 
     • Dried, powdered, or concentrated foods that require dilution may display ingredient percentages for the diluted form, as per usage instructions. 
6. Food Allergy Information
   • Allergen refers to a substance that can trigger an intolerance reaction in individuals with specific sensitivities, even though it poses no harm to individuals without such allergies or hypersensitivities. 
   • Use the statement: 
     • "Information for food allergy: contains …" for declared allergens. 
     • "Information for food allergy: may contain …" for potential cross-contamination. 
   • Alternatively, similar phrases may be used. The text must be clear, legible, and prominently displayed. 
   • The following types and categories of food are classified as allergens or substances that may cause hypersensitivity: 
     • Cereals containing gluten: Includes wheat, rye, barley, oat, spelt, or their hybridized strains and their products, with the following exceptions: 
       • Wheat-based glucose syrups, including dextrose. 
       • Wheat-based maltodextrins. 
       • Glucose syrups derived from barley. 
       • Alcohol distilled from cereals. 
     • Crustaceans: Includes crab, shrimp, mantis shrimp, lobster, and their products. 
     • Eggs and egg products 
     • Fish and fish products: Except for fish gelatin used as a carrier for vitamins or carotenoid preparations. 
     • Peanuts and their products. 
     • Soybeans and their products, except: 
       • (a) Fully refined soybean oil and fat. 
       • (b) Natural mixed tocopherols (INS06), natural D-alpha-tocopherol, natural DL-alpha-tocopherol, natural D-alpha-tocopheryl acetate, natural DL-alphatocopheryl acetate, and natural D-alpha-tocopheryl acid succinate from soybean sources. 
       • (c) Vegetable oils derived from phytosterols and phytosterol esters from soybean sources. 
       • (d) Plant stanol ester produced from vegetable oil sterols from soybean sources. 
     • Milk and dairy products, including lactose, except lactitol derived from milk and milk products. 
     • Tree nuts and their products: Includes almond, walnut, pecan, and similar nuts. 
     • Sulphites: At concentrations of 10 mg/kg or more. 
     • Shellfish and squid: Includes products derived from shellfish and squid. 
   • Foods with allergens explicitly declared in their names (e.g., "fresh cow’s milk") are exempt from repeating allergen statements. 
7. Food Additives shall be labeled with functional classes, such as "Color," "Preservative," or "Flavor Enhancer," followed by the specific name or INS (International Numbering System) code. 
8. Flavorings, if used, must be declared with specific flavoring terms such as “natural imitation odor added,” “artificial flavor added,” or similar, as applicable. 
9. Shelf-Life Information. Display expiration or consumption dates, using: 
   • Day/Month/Year for products with a shelf life of ≤90 days. 
   • Month/Year for products with a shelf life of >90 days. If these phrases cannot be used, specify the “expiry date,” “should consume before,” or “manufactured date” clearly on the label. Dates must follow the day-month-year or month-year format, with the month shown as numbers or letters. If not in sequence, provide clear instructions to ensure consumer understanding. The terms “Manufacture” or “Expire” may also be used if compliant with specific regulations. Labels can include both English and Thai. The “Expiration Date” or “Should Consume By Date” must be equal to or later than the sale date or month of sale. 
10. Warning Statements (if applicable) 
    • Ensure all mandatory warnings are clearly presented as specified by regulations. 
11. Storage Instructions (if applicable) 
12. Cooking Instructions (if applicable) 
13. Additional Texts: Include any additional particulars specified in relevant annexes or Notifications. 
14. Special Instructions: For foods intended for infants, newborns, or individuals with specific needs, display essential usage instructions as required. 

Nutrition labeling [32] 

Nutrition labeling is mandated for: 

• Foods making nutritional claims. 
• Foods making health claims. 
• Foods using nutritional values for sales promotion. 
• Other foods specified by the Minister. 

Nutrition labeling exemptions: 

• Infant formula, follow-up formula, and other foods specified under separate Ministry of Public Health announcements. 
• Foods not sold directly to consumers, foods sold directly by cooks to consumers, or foods not intended for domestic sale. 
• Foods in small containers sold as part of a larger package. 

Formats of the nutrition labeling shall comply with either one of these following formats as provided by Appendices 1 to the MOPH Notification 445. Other formats need to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration. 

Nutritional elements required to be labeled: 

• Energy 
• Total fat 
• Saturated fat 
• Cholesterol 
• Potassium 
• Total carbohydrates 
• Total sugars 
• Sodium 

Percent Thai Reference Daily Intakes (Thai RDIs) for specific nutrients are also required to be labeled.  

Approved nutrition label formats and essential conditions for nutrition labeling are prescribed in Appendix 1 of MOPH Notification 445. The appendix specifies multiple labeling formats tailored to accommodate various packaging constraints, product types, and labeling languages. These include standard layouts, horizontal displays for limited vertical spaces, continuous text formats for small packaging areas, and dual displays for foods that require preparation or mixing. Additionally, provisions are included for labels featuring information on vitamins, minerals, and foreign languages. 

The conditions for displaying nutrition labels emphasize the importance of readability and consistency. Labels must feature a white background with visible, legible fonts matching the label’s frame. All required nutrient and energy values must be disclosed, even if the amounts are minimal. 

Appendix 1 also includes detailed instructions for calculating energy values, determining vitamin and mineral content, and applying standardized rounding rules for numerical declarations. 

Methods for determining serving sizes and the number of servings per container are outlined in Appendix 2 of MOPH Notification 445. Serving size refers to the typical amount of food consumed by an average Thai individual per occasion. These sizes are determined based on national consumption surveys and producer recommendations, aligning with reference values specified in the appendix. The number of servings per container represents how many servings are available in a single package, labeled as “__ serving(s) per __.” Foods are categorized into 14 distinct groups, such as dairy products, beverages, and ready-to-eat meals, to guide the accurate labeling of serving sizes and quantities. 

Thai Recommended Daily Intakes (Thai RDIs) is introduced by Appendix 3 of MOPH Notification 445, which serves as the benchmark for nutrient declarations on labels. These RDIs are tailored to meet the dietary needs of the Thai population, covering essential nutrients such as energy, vitamins, and minerals. 

Guideline Daily Amounts (GDA) labeling [4, 5] 

Guideline Daily Amounts (GDAs), a label format displaying the energy, sugar, fat, and sodium content per package, expressed in grams and as a percentage of Recommended Daily Intake (RDI). To benefit consumers and support preventive measures to address nutritional issues Guideline Daily Amounts (GDA) is required for certain food labels. 

The following food categories must include nutrition and GDA labeling: 

1. Snacks (e.g., chips, rice crisps, flavored seaweed, mixed snacks)
2. Chocolate and chocolate-flavored products
3. Bakery Products (e.g., crackers, biscuits, wafers, cookies, pies)
4. Semi-processed foods (e.g., noodles, rice porridge)
5. Chilled and Frozen Ready-to-Eat Meals
6. Beverages (e.g., fruit-based drinks, flavored milk, fermented milk, other milk products, soy beverages, tea, coffee)
7. Ready-to-Eat Ice Cream

GDA labeling exceptions: 

For products in returnable glass bottles or with limited label space (<65 sq.cm), mobile applications displaying nutritional information may be used, provided the information is also displayed at the point of sale. 

The Guideline Daily Amounts (GDA) for energy, sugar, fat, and sodium must follow these format guidelines: 

1. Presented in four vertically aligned cylindrical figures displaying values consecutively. 
2. Cylinder frames must be black, dark blue, or white, contrasting with the label background. 
3. Cylinder backgrounds must be white. 
4. Text and lines inside cylinders must be black or dark blue, consistent throughout. 
5. The GDA display must be clear, prominent, and easily legible on the front of the label. 

Figure 4. Format of GDAs (Guideline Daily Amounts) [4] 

Labeling for Non-Retail Food [1] 

When labeling food not sold directly to consumers, such as for re-packers, food preparation personnel, or vendors, the label must include at least the details specified in items (1), (2), (3), (4), and (9) of Section 4.1.1 above. The text on the label may be in English instead of Thai. All required information must be clearly, completely, and legibly presented on the sales documents at all times. Additionally, the label must include the phrase “Raw materials for food processing only” or a similar statement with the same meaning. 

4.1.2 Mandatory labeling requirements for beer [6] 

Every container of beer must have at least a number, letter, or mark indicating the following details clearly and easily visible: 

1. The legal name 
2. Alcohol strength in degrees or percentage by volume 
3. Net volume in milliliters or liters
4. Date, month, year of manufacture, or model code of manufacture
5. Warnings statement mentioned in Section 4.5.2 
6. Name of the manufacturer or factory that manufactured it, along with its location 
7. Registered trademarks (if any) 

In the case where a foreign language is used, the meaning must be the same as the Thai language specified above. 

4.1.3 Mandatory labeling requirements for distilled liquor (pre-mixed cocktail or soft spirit, whisky) [7] 

Every unit of distilled liquor container must have at least a number, letter, or mark indicating the following details clearly and easily visible: 

1. The product name follows the name of the distilled spirit (e.g. pre-mixed cocktail or soft spirit, whisky) and the trade name
2. Alcohol strength in degrees or percentage by volume 
3. Net volume in milliliters or liters
4. Date, month, year of manufacture, or model code of manufacture
5. Warnings statement mentioned in Section 4.5.2 below
6. Name of the manufacturer or factory that manufactured it, along with its location 
7. Registered trademarks (if any) In the case where a foreign language is used, the meaning must be the same as the Thai language specified above

4.2 Languages

Labeling of Prepackaged Food manufactured for sale or imported for sale or to sell shall have text in Thai language [1]. 

4.3 Mandatory Information on Stickers

Stickers may be used to meet labeling requirements, provided they are affixed, tagged, or displayed on food containers or packaging in a prominent position, with the label size proportionate to the container or packaging [1]. 

4.4 Product Legal Name

Product

1) Beer

The label must display the product name as “Beer” and the trade name. If the trade name includes the word “Beer” then the product name “Beer” may not be required [6]. 

2) Alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages (such as Chuhai) 

The product name follows the name of the distilled spirit (e.g. “pre-mixed cocktail” or “soft spirit”) and the trade name [7]. 

3) Whisky

The product name follows the name of the distilled spirit (e.g. whisky) and the trade name [7].

4.5 Product-specific Labeling Statements

4.5.1 Labeling statements for food in general

Mandatory Statements for Specific Foods as per Annex to Notification No. 450 [1]:

Food Categories and Required Warning Texts 

1. Foods Packed with Quality Control Materials
   • "Consist of [packing material]" (e.g., moisture absorption packet). 
   • Text in red, at least 3 mm in size, on a white background. 
2. Foods Containing Aloe Vera
   • Warnings: 
     • "Should not be consumed by children."
     • "Not a medical food." 
     • "Stop consumption if unusual symptoms occur." 
   • Display prominently in red text (minimum 2 mm) within a contrasting rectangular frame. 
3. Foods Containing Ginkgo Biloba
   • Warnings: 
     • "May slow blood clotting." 
     • "Should not be consumed by children and pregnant women." 
4. Foods with Aspartame 
   • Warning: "Phenylketonuria disorder. This product contains phenylalanine." 
5. Chia Seed and Foods Containing Chia Seed 
   • For pure chia seed or powder: 
     • "Daily intake is no more than 15 g and should be taken with 1-2 glasses of water." 
   • For foods with chia seeds:
     • "Contains chia seed." 
6. Foods with Phytosterols and phytosterol esters or Phytostanol and phytostanol esters 
   • Near product name:
     • "Fortified with plant stanol/sterol consisting of [amount] gram per [serving size]." 
   • Prominent warnings in red within a rectangular frame: 
     • "Daily intake of plant stanol/sterol is no more than 2 grams." 
     • "Consume fruits and vegetables to maintain normal carotenoid levels." 
     • "Continuous consumption may decrease vitamin E levels." 
     • "Patients should consult a physician before use." 
     • "Children and pregnant women should not consume." 
7. Jerusalem Artichoke/Sunchoke 
   • Warning: "Consumption of products in large amounts may cause indigestion." 
8. Dried Chiangda Vegetables (Gymnema inodorum) 
   • Warnings: 
     • "Children, pregnant women, and people with hypoglycemia should not consume." 
     • "Diabetic patients should consult a physician before use." 
     • "Should not be consumed continuously for more than one month. 

4.5.2 Labeling statements for alcoholic beverages 

The display of warning messages on the labels of alcoholic beverages is exempt from the Ministry of Public Health's announcement on the display of labels of food in containers as stated in Section 4.5.1 [8]. 

Labels on alcoholic beverage containers are required to display the following warning messages: 

• Sale of Liquor to whom at age less than the completion 20 years of age is prohibited - [In Thai language: หา้มจ าหน่ายสุราแกบ่ ุคคลซึ ่งมอี ายุต ่ากว่า ๒๐ ปีบริบูรณ์] 
• Drinking liquor will decrease ability in vehicle driving - [In Thai language: การดืม่ สุราท าใหค้ วามสามารถในการขบั ขีย่ านพาหนะลดลง] 
• Person whose age less than the completion 20 years should not drink - [In Thai language: บุคคลซึ ่งมอี ายุต ่ากว่า ๒๐ ปีบริบูรณ์ไม่ควรดืม่ ] 

The above is to be printed in Thai using bold characters with a font height of not less than 5 millimeters, placed in a frame that is separated from other text. The color of the frame and text must contrast with the background color of the label and surrounding content. [8]

Note: these translations are the exact ones provided by Thailand in its WTO notification.

4.6 Authority Approval

General Food

The following food labels must be submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval prior to use [1]: 

1. Labels for controlled foods as prescribed. 
2. Labels for other foods specified by the Minister. 

The label approval process will take place concurrently with the product registration process. In addition to product samples, the certificate of analysis, and supporting documents for product registration, entrepreneurs must include product labels in the registration dossier submitted to the FDA. The FDA requires four sets of complete documentation [2]. 

The following forms can be used to apply for food label permission: 

• Application form to request permission to use food labels [9] 
• Application form to request food label details amendment form for food labels that are permitted [10] 

Category

Alcoholic beverages

Labels shall be evaluated and approved by the Excise Department during the process of obtaining a Liquor Import License. Details are specified in Section 7.5 of this guidebook. 

Product

1) Beer

Same as Category – Alcoholic beverages. 

2) Alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages (such as Chuhai) 

Same as Category – Alcoholic beverages. 

3) Whisky

Same as Category – Alcoholic beverages. 

4.7 Additional Notes on Labeling

General Food

4.7.1 Trademark [1] 

A label displaying a trademark must include the terms "Brand," "Trademark," or "Registered Trademark" prominently and legibly alongside the brand or trademark. This designation can be presented in English or symbols representing equivalent meanings, as appropriate. 

4.7.2 Text Presentation [1] 

The color of the background label and the color of the text shall be contrasted which effect to legible text. Texts on the label shall be prominent and readily legible; the size of the letters and space of the label shall be proportionate and shall follow the provision in Table 7 below: 

Table 7. Requirements for font size, label placement [1] 

Category

Alcoholic beverages

Prohibited Text on Labels and Packaging [12] 

Labels and packaging of alcoholic beverages must not include: 

1. Messages Unfair to Consumers or Harmful to Society: 
   • False or exaggerated claims. 
   • Misleading information about the product's origin, condition, quality, or characteristics. 
   • Content that promotes illegal or immoral acts or undermines national culture. 
   • Messages that cause societal division or disrupt unity. 
2. Messages Encouraging Alcohol Consumption or Boasting About Alcoholic Beverages: 
   • Claims suggesting consumption leads to social, sexual, or physical success. 
   • Use of athletes, celebrities, artists, singers, or actors in any messages or images. 
   • Cartoon images, unless they are trademarks registered prior to the regulation's enactment. 
   • Statements encouraging consumption for charity donations or participation in recreational activities (e.g., music, sports, contests). 

Exemptions: These prohibitions do not apply to three-tiered liquor, alcoholic beverages produced or imported for export purposes, and alcoholic beverages manufactured or imported for testing, analysis, or research with clear non-commercial intent. 

Excise stamps for imported alcoholic beverages 

Imported alcoholic beverages are subject to specific regulations concerning excise stamps, as outlined by the Excise Department under the Ministry of Finance. All alcoholic beverages must bear excise stamps as proof of tax payment, and importers are required to apply for these stamps before bringing alcoholic beverages into Thailand. Excise stamps must be affixed to each bottle or container of alcoholic beverage, in compliance with Section 64, paragraph two of the Excise Tax Act B.E. 2560 (2017) [11, 13]. 

4.8 References

1. MOPH Notification No. 450 B.E. 2024 regarding labeling of food in containers 

https://food.fda.moph.go.th/media.php?id=657392349080592384&name=P450_EN.pdf 

2. Thailand FDA - Manual requesting permission for food products 

https://food.fda.moph.go.th/media.php?id=512631002603069440&name=Manual_product.pdf

3. MOPH Notification (No. 445) B.E. 2566 (2023) Re: Nutrition Labelling 

https://food.fda.moph.go.th/media.php?id=689363893683888128&name=P445_EN.pdf

4. MOPH Notification (No. 394) B.E.2561 (2018) Re. Food products Required to bear Nutrition Labelling and Guideline Daily Amounts, GDA Labelling 

https://food.fda.moph.go.th/media.php?id=509411275630059520&name=No.394.pdf 

5. MOPH Notification (No. 446) B.E. 2566 (2023) Re: Food products Required to bear Nutrition Labelling and Guideline Daily Amounts, GDA Labelling (No.2) 

https://food.fda.moph.go.th/media.php?id=585712415111520256&name=P446_EN.pdf

6. TIS 2090-2021 beer

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

7. TIS 2088-2021 Distilled liquor 

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

8. Notification of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee Subject: Criteria, methods and conditions regarding packaging, including warning messages, for alcoholic beverages produced or imported. 2024 

https://ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/documents/49203.pdf

9. Application form to request permission to use food labels 

https://food.fda.moph.go.th/media.php?id=511790082206867456&name=21-Sb3.pdf

10. Application form to request food label details amendment form for food labels that are permitted 

https://food.fda.moph.go.th/media.php?id=511790082617909248&name=22-Sb4.pdf

11. EXCISE ACT B.E. 2560 (2017) 

https://lawelcs.excise.go.th/img/Excise_Act_EN.pdf

12. Announcement of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee on the criteria, methods and conditions regarding labels of alcoholic beverages 2015 

https://ddc.moph.go.th/uploads/ckeditor/c74d97b01eae257e44aa9d5bade97baf/files/lawalc/004_1alc.PDF

13. Requesting excise stamps for liquor products imported into the Kingdom for sale 

https://www6.excise.go.th/portal/ExciseTax/manual/BB_035.pdf