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On October 14, 2025, the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) of Taiwan proposed an amendment to the List of Prohibited Ingredients and Testing Methods for Environmental Pesticides, adding Methoxychlor (CAS No. 72-43-5) as a newly banned substance.

Alignment with Global Bans and POPs Listing

Methoxychlor, an organochlorine insecticide, has been banned in most developed countries due to its bioaccumulative properties and harmful effects on the nervous, endocrine, and reproductive systems. In May 2023, the 11th Conference of the Parties (COP-11) to the UN Stockholm Convention officially listed Methoxychlor as a Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP).

National Action to Protect Health and Environment

To align with international management trends and safeguard public health and the environment, Taiwan’s EPA has drafted this revision to explicitly prohibit Methoxychlor from being manufactured, processed, imported, exported, sold, or used in any environmental pesticide products.

This is the fourth revision to the regulation since it was first established on June 5, 2006. The most recent version, updated in July 2022, included 82 prohibited substances. Methoxychlor will become the 83rd entry once the amendment is finalized. Other provisions and microbial restrictions in the annex remain unchanged.

On September 19, 2025, the Department of Resource Recycling under Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment recognized 14 organizations for promoting sustainable and circular procurement of textiles. In line with international circular economy trends, the Department encourages public and private institutions to purchase uniforms and group apparel made from single-material textiles that can be recycled and reused.

Suppliers are requested to provide take-back programs, repair services, and product warranties to improve resource circularity and ensure materials can be recycled and reused.

Integrating Chemical Safety into Sustainability Goals

Sustainability in textiles also requires chemical compliance. The Department emphasizes reducing hazardous substances in clothing and adopting green design principles, aligning with international regulations such as the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which from 2027 will mandate recyclability, repairability, and safer chemical usage for textiles and other products from 2027.

By promoting circular textiles and the use of recycled fibers, the initiative also indirectly supports compliance with chemical management laws and encourages safer material use throughout the product lifecycle.

Cross-Sector Participation and Supplier Collaboration

Participating organizations span telecommunications, aviation, finance, retail, research, and public institutions, collectively procuring recyclable polyester garments. Supplier partners provide technical support to ensure garments meet both circularity and chemical safety standards.

Next Steps: Strengthening Circular and Chemical Management

Looking ahead, the Department plans to expand circular procurement, encourage the voluntary use of recycled fibers in manufacturing, strengthen recycled material certification, and implement digital tracking systems for sustainable textiles. These measures aim to enhance both chemical safety and sustainability, supporting a robust local circular textile ecosystem centered on Taiwan’s green brand (gMIT).

For more information, institutions and suppliers can visit the Ministry of Environment’s Textile Circular Zone here or the Taiwan Textile Industry Development Association’s eco-textile platform here.