Taiwan Regulatory News

To better safeguard public health and the environment, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) announces draft amendments to the “Classification and Water Quality Standards for Surface Water Bodies,” ...

To better safeguard public health and the environment, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) announces draft amendments to the “Classification and Water Quality Standards for Surface Water Bodies,” with a strong focus on controlling per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemicals that have become a growing global concern.

The proposed amendments introduce PFAS as a regulated parameter for the first time in Taiwan’s surface water standards. Specifically, the combined limit for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), two of the most well-known PFAS is set at 50 ng/L, aligning with Taiwan’s existing drinking water quality standards. This inclusion aims to prevent PFAS contamination in water bodies from posing risks to human health and aquatic ecosystems.

PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are widely used in industrial and consumer applications such as non-stick coatings, firefighting foams, and water-repellent materials. Due to their extreme persistence, these substances do not easily break down in the environment and can accumulate in living organisms, leading to potential health risks including hormonal disruption, immune effects, and increased cancer risk.

By incorporating PFAS limits into the surface water quality framework, Taiwan joins the growing number of countries tightening PFAS controls in response to international regulatory trends. The move underscores MOENV’s commitment to align national standards with global environmental and public health priorities, following similar efforts seen in the EU, US, Japan, and South Korea.

In addition to PFAS regulation, the amendment also updates several key parameters to enhance monitoring effectiveness. These include replacing “coliform group” with “E. coli” for more accurate fecal contamination assessment, revising ammonia nitrogen standards for Class C and adding new standards for Class D waters, and adding “recreational water use” as a defined water body purpose to support growing public demand for clean, safe water recreation.

MOENV emphasized that this revision is part of a continuous, adaptive review of water quality standards to ensure relevance and scientific soundness. The updated standards will guide future management by both the central and local environmental authorities.

Detailed amendment documents are available in the attached files and can be accessed from the Executive Yuan Gazette Online (http://gazette.nat.gov.tw/egFront/) three days after the announcement.

On 4 November 2025, Taiwan's Ministry of Environment (MOENV) released a draft amendment to the List of Toxic Chemical Substances and Its Management Measures.The proposal adds the following substances...

On 4 November 2025, Taiwan's Ministry of Environment (MOENV) released a draft amendment to the List of Toxic Chemical Substances and Its Management Measures.
The proposal adds the following substances as toxic chemical substances:

• Methoxychlor (CAS No. 72-43-5)
• Chlordene (Decachlorooctahydro-1,3,4-metheno-2H-cyclobuta[cd]pentalen-2-one; CAS No. 143-50-0)
• 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-di-tert-pentylphenol (UV-328; CAS No. 25973-55-1)

The draft also specifies control concentrations and operational management measures for these substances. In addition, it strengthens management regulations for mercury and tetrachloroethylene, reinforcing Taiwan’s toxic chemical management framework.

Alignment with International Conventions

According to the MOENV, these substances are Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) known for their resistance to degradation, potential for long-range transport, and bioaccumulative nature, posing significant risks to human health and the environment.

The proposed amendment aligns Taiwan’s regulatory scope with the Stockholm Convention’s recent inclusion of Methoxychlor, Chlordene, and UV-328.

Classification details:

• Methoxychlor will be listed as a Class 1, Class 3, and Class 4 toxic chemical substance due to its bioaccumulation potential, persistence, and acute ecological toxicity.
• Chlordene will be listed as Class 1 and Class 4 due to its bioaccumulative and persistent nature (both with a control concentration of 0.1%).
• UV-328, which also exhibits bioaccumulation and persistence, will be classified as Class 1 and Class 4 toxic chemical substances, with a control concentration of 100%. Permitted uses are clearly defined, and threshold limits have been established in line with the EU’s POPs Regulation to ensure international consistency.

Both Methoxychlor and Chlordene will be prohibited from use, except for research, testing, and educational purposes, consistent with the Stockholm Convention.

Strengthened Controls on Mercury and Tetrachloroethylene

Mercury has been listed as a Class 1 toxic chemical substance since 1991. In line with the Minamata Convention on Mercury. The new amendment revises prohibited operations and allowable uses of mercury.

Tetrachloroethylene, listed as a Class 1 and Class 2 toxic chemical substance since 1997, will now be prohibited for use in cleaning agents. However, existing approved users may continue using it until their registered dry-cleaning equipment cycles are completed.

Traditional Measures and Industry Responsibilities

The MOENV emphasized that while new substances are being added to the list, the amendment also considers current domestic practices. Requirements include updated application procedures for permits and approvals, labeling, transportation, alarm and detection equipment, and the appointment of qualified technical and emergency response personnel. To facilitate adjustment, existing operators will be granted a transition period of one to one and a half years. The MOENV also encourages industries to identify safer substitute substances to reduce potential impacts on public health and the environment.

Public Consultation

For details of the draft amendment, please refer to the MOENV News Section (https://enews.moenv.gov.tw/) or visit the Executive Yuan Gazette Online (https://gazette.nat.gov.tw/egFront/) three days after the announcement. Comments or suggested revisions may be submitted to the Ministry of Environment within 30 days from the day following the public notice (Email: yilin.yu@moenv.gov.tw).

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 Me...

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 lin...

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.

On 17 September 2025, Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment (MoENV) announced draft amendments to the Regulations Governing Water Pollution Prevention Measures and Testing Reporting Management. The re...

On 17 September 2025, Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment (MoENV) announced draft amendments to the Regulations Governing Water Pollution Prevention Measures and Testing Reporting Management. The revision aims to strengthen water quality protection through   digitalized monitoring, stricter accountability for operators, and enhanced transparency to prevent data falsification.

Key amendments

1. Data-driven and Smart Management
   Enterprises or sewerage systems with permitted daily discharge volumes of 10,000 tons or more will be required to install independent electronic meters and automatic water quality/quantity monitoring devices at critical points of their wastewater treatment facilities. Monitoring data must be transmitted directly to the authorities, shifting management from passive inspection to proactive oversight.

2. Stricter Responsibility for Operators and Service Providers
   A new definition for “automatic monitoring service agencies” has been introduced. Enterprises or sewerage systems must register their contracted service providers. If falsified data is detected and confirmed during the contract period, the responsible agency’s name will be publicly disclosed, and the enterprise will be required to change service providers.

3. Direct Data Transmission to Prevent Fraud
   Improvements to the automatic monitoring and data transmission system include standardized communication formats and direct transfer of raw monitoring data. This ensures reliability and integrity of reported information.

The Ministry stated that these changes will strengthen deterrence against illegal pollution and create a fairer compliance environment for law-abiding enterprises.

The draft amendments are open for public comment within 60 days of the announcement.

On 5 September 2025, Taiwan’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announces that it will hold three regional seminars from October 1 to 8, 2025 to guide employers and occupationa...

On 5 September 2025, Taiwan’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announces that it will hold three regional seminars from October 1 to 8, 2025 to guide employers and occupational safety personnel on workplace environmental monitoring, exposure assessment practices, and reporting via the OSHA monitoring and exposure management system.

Under Taiwan’s regulations, employers are required to develop monitoring plans before conducting workplace environmental measurements and report both the plans and results to the OSHA system 15 days before and 45 days after sampling, respectively. These seminars aim to help organizations improve the quality of their monitoring plans, familiarize themselves with the system’s operation, and understand newly added functionalities.

Seminar details:

• New Taipei City – October 1, 13:30–16:30, Taiwan Cultural & Creative Training Center (B401, Banqiao) Register

• Taichung – October 3, 13:30–16:30, ITRI Taichung Learning Center (402, Zhongke Building) Register

• Kaohsiung – October 8, 13:30–16:30, China Productivity Center Kaohsiung Service Office (Fifth Classroom) Register

Each session is free of charge and limited to 50 participants per location. Attendees completing the full session will receive 3 hours of occupational safety and health continuing education credit, registered according to their professional status.

The seminars will cover:

• Practical steps for executing workplace environmental monitoring

• Legal requirements and exposure standards

• Classification of physical and chemical hazards and sampling equipment

• Developing monitoring plans and proper record-keeping

For inquiries, contact Mr. Lin at Pro2E Information Co., Ltd., tel: (02) 2741-3239, email: oemd@pro2e.com.tw.

OSHA encourages all occupational safety and health personnel and those responsible for workplace monitoring to participate and improve their compliance and monitoring skills.

On 9 September 2025, Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment (MEO) announced that nationwide drinking water tests for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are in compliance with national limits. A...

On 9 September 2025, Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment (MEO) announced that nationwide drinking water tests for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are in compliance with national limits. At the same time, the ministry issued guideline values for six additional emerging contaminants to strengthen water quality management. The new substances include germanium, thallium, boron, microcystin-LR, DEHP (a plasticizer), and the total sum of 20 PFAS compounds.

Previous PFAS Regulation Efforts

In November 2024, Taiwan revised its drinking water quality standards to include PFAS limits, becoming one of the first countries in Asia to adopt such measures. Under the updated standards, PFOA + PFOS must not exceed 50 ng/L and PFOS + PFHxS must not exceed 70 ng/L. Since the start of 2025, testing has been conducted at 130 large-scale water treatment plants, covering 91% of the national water supply, with all results meeting the standards.

Test Results Confirm Compliance Nationwide

Analysis shows that:

• For PFOA + PFOS, over 96% of samples were either undetected or at less than one quarter of the standard. Only isolated cases in central Taiwan reaching about half the limit.
• For PFOS + PFHxS, 98% of samples fell below a quarter of the limit, confirming that PFAS levels in drinking water are generally safe nationwide.
• Observed patters also show surface water sources tending to have lower PFAS concentration than groundwater, and that the northern, southern, and eastern regions exhibit particularly low concentrations.

Rolling Updates in Line with International Trends

According to the Ministry, guideline values for emerging contaminants will be continuously updated, following expert consultation and international trends such as the EU Drinking Water Directive.

The newly introduced guideline for ‘total PFAS (20 compounds)’ is 100 ng/L. Local environmental agencies and water utilities have been instructed to integrate these new values into their monitoring regimes.

The Ministry also noted that future updates will follow international developments, with the National Environmental Research Institute enhancing testing methods and capacity, including total organofluorine screening techniques, to ensure Taiwan’s drinking water remains safe and aligned with global standards.