Quick answer
Thailand leads ASEAN cosmetics OEM, with Vietnam and Indonesia growing in value skincare and halal-certified lines. Typical MOQ is 1,000-5,000 units per SKU, FOB USD 0.70-6.50 per unit filled, lead time 60-110 days including stability testing. The real timeline driver is not filling, it is regulatory registration in your market.
Country fit
| Country | Best for | MOQ | FOB (50 ml cream, jar + carton) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | ISO 22716 GMP skincare, serums, sunscreen, export-ready docs | 1,000 units | USD 1.60-6.50 |
| Vietnam | Value skincare, cleansers, sheet masks | 3,000 units | USD 0.70-2.80 |
| Indonesia | Halal-certified lines, colour cosmetics, haircare | 5,000 units | USD 0.90-3.40 |
Specs to lock before quoting
- Formula: stock formula, modified stock or bespoke; INCI list fixed before artwork.
- Actives: claimed percentage and supplier of each active, with certificate of analysis.
- Packaging: jar/bottle/tube material, pump type, decoration, PCR content, compatibility test.
- Stability: 3-month accelerated plus challenge test (PET) before launch quantities.
- Claims: which claims need in-vitro or in-vivo studies and who pays for them.
- Batch codes: lot, PAO/expiry format, and responsible person address on label.
Compliance
- EU: Regulation 1223/2009, CPNP notification, EU Responsible Person, PIF and safety assessment (CPSR).
- UK: SCPN notification and a UK Responsible Person.
- US: MoCRA facility registration and product listing, plus OTC monograph rules for sunscreen.
- Manufacturing: ISO 22716 GMP audit report; halal (MUI/BPJPH) where marketed as halal.
- Ingredient bans and limits differ per market, so review the INCI list per destination.
Quality control plan
- Approve a lab sample, then a pilot batch on production equipment, not lab beakers.
- Microbiology, pH, viscosity and heavy-metal testing per batch with certificate of analysis.
- Packaging compatibility and drop/leak test on the filled final pack.
- Pre-shipment AQL 2.5 on fill weight, label placement, batch coding and carton condition.
Landed cost example
| Line | USD / 5,000 units 50 ml cream |
|---|---|
| FOB at USD 2.10 | 10,500 |
| Sea LCL freight + insurance | 1,300 |
| Duty, destination charges, registration amortised | 1,900-4,500 |
| Landed cost per unit | USD 2.74-3.26 |
FAQ
How long until I can sell in the EU?
Plan 4-6 months: formula lock, stability, safety assessment, CPNP notification, then production.
Can I own the formula?
Bespoke formulas can be assigned to you in the development agreement. Stock formulas normally cannot.
Is a factory GMP certificate enough?
No. It is the entry ticket. You still need your own safety assessment and notification as brand owner.
Work with TUSKO
We handle factory selection and GMP audits, formulation and packaging management, testing, inspection and consolidated shipping under one purchase order and one price, with our fee already built into the landed cost. Send your brief or INCI list to contact@tuskoconsulting.com or WhatsApp Business @tuskoconsulting and we reply within 12-24 hours.