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Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment has announced stricter controls on several high- risk chemicals, including PFOS, PFOA, nonylphenol (NP), nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEO), and cycloterpenes. Starting June 1, 2025, these substances will be listed as toxic or of concern，with new concentration limits and use restrictions. 

PFAS Under Tighter Control 

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are, part of the broader group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) , They are known for their persistence in the environment and their ability to accumulate in living organisms., This poses risks to ecosystems and human health. Following international conventions likeIn line with the Stockholm Convention, Taiwan is now regulating over 350 related PFAS compounds. 

Stricter Limits on NP and NPEO 

NP and NPEO, which are classified as endocrine disruptors, have been banned in household cleaning products in Taiwan since 2007. Now, stricter rules will cap their use at 0.1% in cleaning products and high-risk applications, and ban the import of such products. 

Cycloterpenes Ban in Specific Applications 

Due to their toxicity and risk of bioaccumulation, cycloterpenes,  will be banned in antifouling paints, systems, and biocides.

Grace Period and Industry Guidance 

To help businesses transition, the ministry will offer a grace period of one and a half to two years. Officials also encourage industries to find safer alternatives to protect health and the environment. More details are available on the Ministry of Environment’s website or in the Executive Yuan Gazette. 

On May 6, 2025, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) published an official notice announcing updates to the Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances in China (IECSC). 

New and Registered Substances Added to IECSC 

• 44 new substances were added to the IECSC. These are chemicals that are now officially recognized as existing substances in China. This update is listed as the 2025 First Batch (Total Batch 13). 

• 37 substances, which were previously registered as new chemical substances, have now been officially added to the IECSC. This means they are no longer considered “new” and can be managed under existing substance rules. This is the 2025 First Batch (Total Batch 15). 

Revised Use Conditions for Two Substances 

• The allowed uses for 2 existing substances have been changed. This is important for companies who use or import these chemicals, as they must follow the new use conditions. This update is listed as the 2025 First Batch for Use Changes (Total Batch 1). 

These updates where made under China’s chemical management rules under MEE Order No. 12. Companies should check the updated listingss and ensure compliance with any changes. 

For more details, companies can visit the MEE website or contact their local environmental authority.