China Regulatory News

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 a...

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.  

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...

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. 

China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has introduced new rules the ‘Administrative Measures for Monitoring and Evaluation of Cosmetic Safety Risks‘, which are set to take effe...

China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has introduced new rules the ‘Administrative Measures for Monitoring and Evaluation of Cosmetic Safety Risks‘, which are set to take effect on 1 August 2025. The purpose of the new measures  is to to strengthen supervision of cosmetics and standardize safety risk monitoring and assessment.

Key Points: 

Start Date: The rules will take effect on 1 August , 2025. 

What’s Covered:

• Checks on ingredients, finished products, and how they are made and sold.
• Monitoring for any side effects or safety issues when people use them. 

Who’s Responsible:

• Cosmetic companies (brands, manufacturers, and sellers) must track and report safety risks.

What Will Happen

• Safety Checks: The government will collect data from tests, customer complaints, and inspections. 
• Risk Levels: Products with high risks levels may be recalled or banned.
• Public Updates: Safety reports will be shared to help consumers make informed choices. 

What Companies Must Do 

• Follow quality control rules and report any safety problems. 
• For new ingredients or special claims (such as "anti-aging"), extra safety tests are needed. 
• If companies don’t comply, they could face warnings, fines, or other penalties. 

Why This Matters 
These rules aim to prevent problems before they happen, making cosmetics safer for everyone. Companies should prepare now to comply with the new system. 
The official announcement can be accessed on the NMPA website here. 

China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) is seeking public feedback on draft indicative lists of long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), their salts, and related compounds. These subs...

China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) is seeking public feedback on draft indicative lists of long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), their salts, and related compounds. These substances are widely used in industrial applications, such as the production of non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foams. They are known for their environmental persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and suspected adverse health effects.

The proposed lists were developed in cooperation with the Stockholm Convention Secretariat and are part of China’s efforts to implement control measures for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Convention.

Draft Chemical Lists Linked to the Stockholm Convention

The MEE has prepared a draft list of these long-chain PFCAs and related substances. The list is part of the MEE’s work under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, to which China has been a party since 2004. This international agreement aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of harmful chemicals. The government is encouraging businesses and experts to provide feedback on the draft list before 19 May 2025.

Potential Impact on Industry

If these chemicals are added to China’s control list, manufacturers may need to adapt their processes. This could affect how companies source materials or produce goods that rely on these chemicals.

What Companies Should Do

• Check whether their products use these chemicals, especially C9–C21 PFCAs.

• Review how the proposed rules might affect them.

• Send written feedback to the Environmental Convention Implementation Centre.

• Visit the official MEE website here for full details.

The Lists in the Consultation Include:

1. An indicative list of long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), their salts and related compounds.

2. A updated list of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) its salts and related compounds.

3. A updated list of perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), its salts and related compounds.

Next Steps for Companies

Stakeholders are encouraged to provide input early on. Early participation may help shape the final rules, request exceptions, or suggest a longer transition periods. Companies should also monitor updates from the upcoming global meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention, scheduled for late April to early May 2025.

The Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) has reviewed the draft Hazardous Chemicals Safety Law of the People's Republic of China. To encourage public participation in the le...

The Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) has reviewed the draft Hazardous Chemicals Safety Law of the People's Republic of China. To encourage public participation in the legislative process, a public consultation on the draft law was launched on December 26, 2024.

The Draft Hazardous Chemicals Safety Law establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework covering the planning and design of hazardous chemicals, as well as safety in production, storage, use, business operations, and transportation. It also outlines registration requirements for hazardous chemicals, emergency response measures, and legal responsibilities.

Key Provisions of the Draft Law

• Mandatory Training: Employees in hazardous chemical units must undergo education and training and pass an assessment before starting work.

• Lifecycle Management: Hazardous chemicals must be electronically tracked and monitored electronically throughout their lifecycle using identification and information management systems.

• Safety Data Sheets (SDS) & Labeling: Manufacturers and importers of hazardous chemicals are required to provide SDS and labels for their products, with penalties for non-compliance.

• Exemptions for R&D and Small-Scale Use: Hazardous chemicals in small low quantities, minimal release, and limited exposure during research, trial production, and market trials are exempt from registration.

• Prohibited Activities: No entity or individual may carry out activities involving chemicals whose hazardous properties have not been determined.

Public Consultation and Feedback

The draft law is available for public review on the NPC official website and the National Database of Laws and Regulations. The public can submit feedback online or by mail to the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee at No. 1 Qianmen West Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100805. Submissions should be clearly marked as relating to the “Draft Hazardous Chemicals Safety Law Consultation.”

The consultation period will last 30 days, offering stakeholders across industries, regulatory bodies, and the general public an opportunity to shape the future of hazardous chemical safety regulation in China.

For official details and to submit feedback, please visit the NPC official website.

On November 28, 2024, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation published GB/T 45091-2024, a national standard outlining restricted substances in recycled plastics. Effective from June 1, 2...

On November 28, 2024, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation published GB/T 45091-2024, a national standard outlining restricted substances in recycled plastics. Effective from June 1, 2025, the standard provides guidelines for classification, requirements, and testing to ensure material safety.

Development and Scope

The standard, titled "Plastics – Requirements for Restricted Substances in Recycled Plastics," was developed by the Plastic Recycling Branch of the China Synthetic Resin Association (CPRRA).  The drafting process progressed rapidly from its initiation in April 2024 with a public consultation on the draft completed by August 2024.

The standard covers recycled plastic pellets and finished products made from waste plastics through processes such as screening, sorting, crushing, washing, and extrusion or modification. It also covers recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle flakes. However, it excludes recycled plastics derived from hazardous waste sources such as medical waste, pesticide packaging, and radioactive materials, as well as recycled plastics intended for food contact or pharmaceutical packaging applications.

Key Provisions

The standard defines "restricted substances" as materials that are prohibited or restricted by law, regulation, or standard in recycled plastics . These substances are not necessarily classified as hazardous or harmful chemicals, but are restricted to ensure the safety, environmental sustainability, and performance of recycled plastics.

Restricted substances are divided into two categories:

1. Voluntarily Declared Substances:

   • Manufacturers or importers are required to declare that recycled plastics, whether domestically produced or imported, do not contain certain restricted substances.

2. Regulated Substances with Specific Limits:

   • The standard mandates monitoring and adherence to specific limits for substances classified as restricted under regulatory oversight.

For more details, visit the National Public Service Platform here.

On December 13, 2024, China’s Department of Food Safety Standards and Risk Monitoring and Assessment announced that two substances, have passed the safety assessment for use in food contact material...

On December 13, 2024, China’s Department of Food Safety Standards and Risk Monitoring and Assessment announced that two substances, have passed the safety assessment for use in food contact materials (FCMs) as new varieties. The safety evaluation was conducted by an expert review organized by the relevant regulatory body in accordance with the requirements of the Food Safety Law of the People's Republic of China.

Background Information

Under China’s Food Safety Law, any substance intended for use in food contact materials and articles must undergo a rigorous safety evaluation before approval. This ensures that materials meet strict standards for safety and suitability for contact with food.

Newly Approved Substances

The safety evaluations resulted in the approval of the following two substances:

1. 1,3,5-Trimethyl-2,4,6-Tris(3,5-Di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)benzene (CAS No 1709-70-2): Approved as an additive for use in carbon monoxide-ethylene-propylene terpolymer plastic materials and products.

2. Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (CAS No 147398-31-0): Approved for use in polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) plastic materials and products intended to come into contact with food. However, its use is subject to the following conditions:

• It cannot be used in applications where the temperature exceeds 100°C.

• It must not be used in the manufacture of food contact materials and products intended for infants.

• The material must comply with GB 4806.6-2016, China's national food safety standard.

For further information, please refer to the complete announcement and attached documentation here.