As anyone working for a multinational company will be aware, the regulatory requirements and registration procedures for a category of products can be very different from one geographical region to another. Different national markets within major regions (Asian countries being a key example), can add further complexity to companies’ plans for product commercialisation. It is therefore of utmost importance to be well-informed of the regulatory ‘landscape’ before planning a launch into a new region. With experts in the USA, Europe and Asia, Knoell is able to support animal health clients globally and share knowledge and insights on many markets from first-hand experience.

When looking to expand the existing market for a product, there are lots of common questions companies ask. Is an assessment or prior authorisation required, and will my existing data package be sufficient if so? Which countries are best to enter in terms of market opportunities and ease of navigating the regulatory environment? If looking at multiple markets, it’s important to know whether the product classifications and data requirements are consistent – and of course, it’s always critical to find out how long it will take and the likely cost!

This article focuses on the regulation of animal feed and feed additives in Thailand and Vietnam (the two main markets in the ASEAN region), and provides comments on the different approaches and requirements.

Thailand

The Department of Livestock Development (DLD), Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC), is the main authority responsible for the management and control of animal feed in Thailand. The Division of Animal Feed and Veterinary Products Control was established within the DLD for the control of animal feed as stipulated in the Animal Feed Quality Control Act B.E. 2558. Product registration prior to export to Thailand is a requirement for the majority of feed products, and the Thai government has enacted several regulations that control the import of feed and feed ingredients into Thailand.

Animal feed means:

• Items that have been intended for use or used for the feeding of animals by way of eating, drinking, licking or taking into an animal’s body by any method or;
• Items that have been intended for use or used as ingredients for producing animal feed. Notification certificate required for import Specifically controlled animal feed means:
• Animal feed has an impact on the economy and society, or
• Posing a danger to animals, or
• Generally affecting consumers who consume meat.

Registration certificate required for import

Feed additives include amino acids, minerals, vitamins, lipids & derivatives, preservatives, probiotics, enzymes, substances used for enhancing digestibility, substances used for improving carcass and product quality, and feed additives used in coccidiosis prophylaxis in poultry production.

Under the Animal Feed Quality Control Act B.E. 2558, “specifically controlled animal feed” must be registered prior to importing into Thailand or manufacturing the feed locally. “Specifically controlled animal feed” includes:

• Animal feed has an impact on the economy and society (i.e. feed destined for animal species that are of high importance in Thai agricultural production and trade, such as chickens);
• Animal feed posing a potential danger to animals (for example that could potentially contain contaminants, toxins, infectious agents);
• Animal feed indirectly affects consumers who eat meat.