The present state of the cosmetics supply chain in Thailand and the prospective role of Independent Quality Assurance Verifiers (IQAVs) within the supply chain

Abstract

Within the well-established European cosmetic supply chain, Independent Quality Assurance Verifiers (IQAVs) such as NATRUE and COSMOS have been nurtured, facilitating the growth of robust markets and industries. In contrast, the cosmetics supply chain in Thailand remains enigmatic and insufficiently delineated. This opacity constrains the potential for quality assurance entities to establish and perform their functions. Therefore, the disorganized supply chain and the lack of IQAVs have given rise to unethical practices, truncated product life cycles, and diminished quality within the cosmetics supply chain. To address these concerns, the current study employs a bifurcated approach: 1) examining the extant state of Thailand's cosmetics supply chain, and 2) suggesting strategic positioning for IQAVs to enhance the Thai supply chain. A series of comprehensive interviews were conducted with numerous eminent experts representing various supply chain roles. By scrutinizing stakeholders in the Thai cosmetics supply chain, the research probes the reasoning behind the shortened product life cycles and identifies essential success factors for the improvement and expansion of the industry. The study utilized the IDEF0 framework to assess the supply chain's present condition and then adopted the PESTEL analysis to discern potential strategic roles for IQAVs. In conclusion, the study suggested that Thai authorities either establish their certification standards and processes or cooperate with extant foreign IQAVs to adapt their standards to the local environment. This research contributes to an understanding of the prevailing circumstances and introduces a strategic function for IQAVs in supporting Thailand's aspiration to become ASEAN's beauty hub.