The views expressed in this Q&A are those of the expert who was interviewed and are not necessarily shared by Chemical Watch. ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Understanding Thailand’s new chemical law
Q&A with Piyatida (Tung) Pukclai, Dr Knoell Consult
Ahead of our annual Regulatory Summit Asia conference, we caught up with Piyatida (Tung) Pukclai, Regional Business Development Director (Asia-Pacific) at Dr Knoell Consult in Thailand, and asked her some questions about Thailand’s new chemical law that will replace the current Hazardous Substance Act.
Q: What is the significance of the classification change?
One of the most significant changes is the amendment of the chemical classification system. At present, chemicals are categorised into Type 1-4 Hazardous Substances. However, under the first draft of the Chemical Act, chemicals will be classified according to the risks they pose to health and the environment.
Under the current Hazardous Substance Act, only Type 2 and 3 hazardous substances are required to be registered, while Type 1 Hazardous Substances need a 15-digit code which can be applied for at the ministry. In contrast, under this new draft of the Chemical Act, every substance will need to be registered.
In addition, the new draft proposal covers the entire chemical life cycle and applies to single substances, mixtures, and articles.
Q: What is the new law about and what will it mean for those doing business with Thailand?
The new act will cover the full chemical life cycle – including production, import, export, transport, transit, re-import, re-export, having in possession, sales, use, treatment, disposal, and recycling.
The act also covers insurance and compensation for damages arising from chemicals as well as advertisement rules.
The new act will apply to single substances, mixtures, and articles (the current act does not cover articles) and not just controlling and licensing, but also chemical assessment as well as surveillance and monitoring.
Q: Is this expected to be business friendly? There are "public interest" organisations on some committees – what will this mean?
Yes. The new act aims to create a unified chemical management system and involve government, the private sector and the general population.
By managing and controlling chemicals according to international approaches – applying precautionary principles, risk assessment principles, and principles to increase the scope of responsibility of manufacturers to apply in order to ensure the full chemical life cycle – the new law promotes the sustainability of the chemicals business and promotes the safe use of chemicals with the involvement of all sectors. The act is not only focuses on controlling but also involves surveillance and monitoring.
Public interest is a common concern among citizens in the management and affairs of local, state, and national government. Acting in the public interest means acting for the common good of the community.