Ministry of Environment Announces Draft Amendments to the List and Management of Toxic Chemical Substances

The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) announces a draft amendment to include

Methoxychlor 72-43-5

Chlordene (Decachlorooctahydro-1,3,4-metheno-2H-cyclobuta[cd]pentalen-2-one)143-50-0

2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-di-tert-pentylphenol (UV-328) 25973-55-1

as toxic chemical substances. The draft also specifies control concentrations and operational management measures for these substances. In addition, management regulations for mercury and tetrachloroethylene are being strengthened to enhance Taiwan’s toxic chemical management framework.

According to the MOENV, Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are characterized by their resistance to degradation, potential for long-range transport, and bioaccumulative nature, posing significant risks to human health and the environment. The United Nations established the Stockholm Convention to eliminate, restrict, or reduce POPs globally. This amendment aligns Taiwan’s regulatory scope with the Stockholm Convention’s recent inclusion of Methoxychlor, Chlordene, and UV-328.

Methoxychlor, due to its bioaccumulation potential, persistence, and acute ecological toxicity, will be listed as a Class 1, Class 3, and Class 4 toxic chemical substance. Chlordene, which is bioaccumulative and persistent, will be listed as Class 1 and Class 4, both with a control concentration of 0.1%. In accordance with the Stockholm Convention, both substances will be prohibited from use except for research, testing, and educational purposes.
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.

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.

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 allow sufficient time for adjustment, existing operators will be granted a transition period of one to one and a half years. The ministry also encourages industries to identify safer substitute substances to reduce potential impacts on public health and the environment.

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).