Three lists decide the type
Thai FDA uses list 4 of the Ministry of Industry notification on hazardous substances: list 4.1 names individual substances, list 4.2 names groups of substances, and list 4.3 names product groups by purpose. The compiled version was updated on 8 July 2025.
| Active ingredient | List | Type (cleaning use) |
|---|---|---|
| Anionic surfactant (e.g. LAS) | 4.2 no. 16 | 1 – except detergent powder |
| Non-ionic surfactant (not NPE) | 4.2 no. 18 | 1 – except detergent powder |
| Citric acid, lactic acid | 4.1 nos. 226–230 | 2 |
| Other acids (e.g. sulphamic, maleic) | 4.2 no. 4 | 3 |
| Alkalis (e.g. sodium hydroxide) | 4.2 no. 8 | 3 |
| Chlorine releasers (e.g. hypochlorite) | 4.2 no. 22 | 3 |
| Active not named in 4.1/4.2 | 4.3 no. 3 | 2 |
The product takes the highest type of its actives
A dishwasher tablet with a non-ionic surfactant (type 1) and sodium percarbonate (not listed, so type 2 via list 4.3) is type 2. A descaler with sulphamic acid is type 3, even if it also contains citric acid. Which ingredients count as actives matters: a builder such as sodium carbonate can move a product to type 3 if Thai FDA treats it as active.
- Enzyme-only cleaners (no synthetic chemical active) are excepted from list 4.3 no. 3.
- Rinse aids, fabric softeners and air fresheners without a disinfecting claim are not FDA hazardous substances.
- Unsure? Ask Thai FDA for a ruling: 1,000 THB per request, about 30 working days (revised manual).
This is a planning guide; Thai FDA decides the final type from the declared formula. Citric acid, sodium percarbonate and some other actives also need a content analysis for registration.