Taiwan Regulatory News

On November 18, 2025, Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment announced a revision to its “Hazardous Substances Prohibited from Groundwater Injection” regulations, officially adding perfluoro octane su...

On November 18, 2025, Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment announced a revision to its “Hazardous Substances Prohibited from Groundwater Injection” regulations, officially adding perfluoro octane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) to the list of substances banned from discharge into groundwater. This measure aims to strengthen the protection of water resources and public health given the persistent and hazardous nature of PFAS substances.

PFOS and PFOA Now Prohibited in Groundwater

• The Ministry of Environment cited the environmental persistence of PFAS and associated health risks as the key reasons for the regulatory update.
• According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), PFOS is classified as a Group 2B possible carcinogen, while PFOA is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen.
• The revised regulation sets the allowable limit for PFOS and PFOA in wastewater injected into groundwater at non-detectable levels.

Legal Enforcement and Industry Responsibilities

• The Water Pollution Control Act already prohibits the injection of wastewater into groundwater.
• Any wastewater containing hazardous substances, including PFOS and PFOA, could result in criminal liability.
• The revision serves as a reference for regulatory enforcement and reinforces the principle of preventive protection for water resources.

Key Points for Industry and Public Awareness

• Taiwan is strengthening its environmental protection framework against persistent organic pollutants.
• PFAS chemicals, including PFOS and PFOA, are now officially banned from groundwater injection.
• Industries are urged to review their compliance and ensure that their wastewater does not contain any banned hazardous substances.
• Official documentation and details were made available on the Government Gazette website three days after the announcement.

On November 21, 2025, Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed the detection of the banned colorant Sudan 4 (CI 26105) in imported cosmetic ingredients. The FDA has ordered all affected...

On November 21, 2025, Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed the detection of the banned colorant Sudan 4 (CI 26105) in imported cosmetic ingredients. The FDA has ordered all affected products to be removed from the market and urged manufacturers and distributors to strengthen supply chain control to reinforce regulatory compliance and ensure the safety in of cosmetic products.

Sudan 4 Recognized as Hazardous and Banned in Cosmetics

• Sudan 4 (CI 26105) is a synthetic azo dye that is prohibited for use in all cosmetics under Taiwan’s Cosmetic Hygiene and Safety Act.
• The dye is associated with potential carcinogenicity and poses health risks when applied to the skin.
• Regulatory limits require that Sudan 4 must not be detectable in any cosmetic product.

Regulatory Measures and Enforcement

• All products containing Sudan 4 must be withdrawn from sale immediately.
• Manufacturers and distributors are required to review their supply chains to ensure that their raw materials are free from prohibited substances.
• Violations of the Cosmetic Hygiene and Safety Act may result in fines ranging from NT$20,000 to NT$5 million, as well as the mandatory recall and destruction of non-compliant products.

Consumer Safety Guidelines

• Consumers are advised to stop using any cosmetic products suspected of containing Sudan 4.
• Medical attention should be sought if skin irritation, redness, itching, or other adverse reactions occur.
• Consumers are encouraged to choose products that are legally registered and have clear ingredient sources to minimize health risks.
• Adverse reactions can be reported through the FDA’s Post-Market Quality Management System: http://qms.fda.gov.tw/tcbw/ or by calling the hotline: 02-2521-5027.

On 30 October 2025, Taiwan's Ministry of Environment (MOENV) announced draft amendments to the “Classification and Water Quality Standards for Surface Water Bodies”, introducing new measures to pr...

On 30 October 2025, Taiwan's Ministry of Environment (MOENV) announced draft amendments to the “Classification and Water Quality Standards for Surface Water Bodies”, introducing new measures to protect public health and the environment. The amendments is the first inclusion of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as a regulated parameters in Taiwan’s surface water standards.

PFAS Included as New Regulated Pollutant

The proposed amendments set a combined concentration limit for of 50 ng/L for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), aligning with Taiwan’s existing drinking water quality standards. This inclusion aims to prevent PFAS contamination of water bodies and mitigate risks to human health and aquatic ecosystems.

PFAS, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” are widely used in industrial and consumer products such as non-stick cookware, 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 setting PFAS limits in 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.

Other Key Amendments

In addition to PFAS regulation, the draft amendment also updates several key parameters to enhance monitoring effectiveness. These include:

• Replacing “coliform group” with “E. coli” for more accurate detection of fecal contamination
• Revision of ammonia nitrogen standards for Class C and adding new standards for Class D waters
• Introduction of “recreational water use” as a defined water body purpose to support growing public demand for clean, safe water recreation.

The MOENV emphasized that these revisions are 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.

The draft documents will be available through 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.