From the perspective of one exporting from Thailand the the United states specifically, exporting cosmetics has many underlying issues that can backfire and cause you to lose money instead of making it.
The U.S by law requires for products that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates and is responsible for a wide range of products including but not limited to medical products and tobacco, foods and veterinary medicine, which also include cosmetics and vitamins.
- Language Barrier
In Thailand most know that the main language is Thai, the FDA requires for all labeling and information on packages of cosmetics to be in English with the addition of a second language if the importing country does not have English as it’s main language.
Not only may you face problems with the language on the label but miscommunication with factories, shops, retailers, logistics companies, documents and requires the list goes on and on.
When dealing with exportation, be sure to entrust your products with a company that has a fluent bilingual team to avoid miscommunication that also can provide consultation based on company experience
2. Labeling
A cosmetic defined by the FDA is ” a product (excluding pure soap) intended to be applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance. “
So for example the usual products we think of when thinking of cosmetics; lipstick, mascara, eye-shadow etc… But also things such as creams, toothpaste, hair dyes
All products mentioned above have their own specifications that are required for labeling, all problems that are solvable and that we at Terrestrial can help with.
Each product type may have their own specific requirements for labeling which needs a great deal of preparation and consultation before mass producing the labels. To compare, toothpaste labeling requirements are different to toothpaste boxes
3. Testing
The FDA has specific rules against certain chemicals or additives to cosmetic items due to chance of allergic reaction or simply due to the type of chemical or additive of the product.
You can check out the list here: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/resources-consumers-cosmetics/cosmetics-safety-qa-prohibited-ingredients
To conclude, each individual product group or product specifically will have it’s own requirements which will require consultation and research.
At Terrestrial we can provide the information to ensure that there are no hiccups or mistakes with paperwork for your products.
Please contact us at
TERRESTRIAL CO. LTD.
189 Moo.7 T.Nongkaew A.Hangdong
Chiang Mai, Thailand 50230
TEL : (+66)052-001-667 , 090-212-0234, 093-046-4649 ( English Speaker)