Thailand Ordered to Destroy PFOA and Related Substances

On February 28, 2023, the Thailand Department of Industrial Works (DIW) published the regulation on the "Management of Hazardous Substances relating to Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Its Salts, and Related Compounds" in the Royal Gazette. The regulation requires business operators to notify DIW of the inventory and progress of these substances. So far, Thailand government has released a list of hazardous substances that includes eight PFAS related compounds.

In accordance with the Hazardous Substances Act, any production, import, or possession of these substances is prohibited.

The following 8 substances in the list are classified as Type 4 hazardous substances:

• Manufacturers, importers or possessors of any hazardous substances above should submit the “Report on the remaining amount and processing plan of hazardous substances” (in Vor Or./OrKor. 33 format) to DIW before April 18, 2023;
• Manufacturers, importers or possessors of any hazardous substances above shall submit the amount of the remaining hazardous substances and destroy these substances in special incinerators by June 19, 2023 with a certificate of destruction to DIW (in Vor Or./Or Kor. 34 format); and
• Manufacturers, importers or possessors who have objections to the above provisions may submit an appeal letter to DIW within 15 days. Any acts in violation of these stipulations shall be sentenced to a maximum of 6 month’s imprisonment or be fined up to 50,000 Thai baht, or both.

The regulation shall enter into force 15 days from the date of publication in the Royal Gazette.

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