Taiwan consults on PFAS ban in cosmetics and unveils plan to control PFAS in industry

On 13 December 2023, the Taiwanese Ministry of Health and Welfare published a revised list of prohibited substances in cosmetics. The list will take effect on 1 July 2024. Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking feedback on perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and seven other substances included in the published revised list.

About the revised list of prohibited substances

The list of substances added to the prohibited list is as follows:

Exemptions are proposed for FDA-approved human-derived cells, tissues, and products, but zirconium and its constituents are banned from all cosmetics, including spray cosmetics.

Deadline for comments

The draft is open for public comment for 60 days (till 15 February 2024) from the date of its publication. Comments can be sent to the authority at joyin@fda.gov.tw.

Control of PFAS in industry

On 20 December 2023, Taiwan's Ministry of Environment (MoE) presented a plan to manage persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention, including PFAS such as PFOS, PFOA, and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PHFxS). It was presented in the “Seminar on the Current Status and Future Prospects of Per- Polyfluorofluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Management" at the Socrates Hall of the Chiitai University Convention Center. The plan aims to manage pollution sources, control the spread of pollutants, integrate international regulations, control industrial use, and communicate risks. The MoE will encourage the industry to reduce the use of PFASs, strengthen communication, and educate the public. The plan was outlined during a workshop on PFAS.

The MoE emphasizes the need for continuous inter-ministerial cooperation to effectively control PFAS, reduce health risks, and protect public safety, while promoting a healthy and sustainable environment.