News Details

On 27 April 2026, the Ministry of Environment of Taiwan (MOENV)  announced amendments to the Regulations on Listed Toxic Chemical Substances and Their Operational Management through the Chemicals Administration.  

These amendments add three persistent organic pollutants (POPs), namely methoxychlor, dechlorane plus, and UV-328 to the control list. They also strengthen mercury control measures and tighten the regulatory framework for tetrachloroethylene.  

The update bring Taiwan’s chemical management framework into alignment with the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and the Minamata Convention on Mercury, introducing strict bans, concentration, limits, and phased compliance requirements for existing operators. The amendments will take effect on July 1, 2026. 

New Toxic Substances Added to Taiwan’s Control List 

The Ministry of Environment has added the following substances as toxic chemical substances under Taiwan’s Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act: 

Methoxychlor 

• CAS No.: 72-43-5 / 30667-99-3 / 76733-77-2 / 255065-25-9 / 255065-26-0 / 59424-81-6 / 1348358-72-4  

• Classified as Category 1, 3, and 4 toxic chemical substance.  

• Control concentration: 0.1%  

Dechlorane Plus 

• CAS No.: 13560-89-9 / 135821-03-3 / 135821-74-8  

• Classified as Category 1 and 4 toxic chemical substance. 

• Control concentration: 0.1%  

• Restricted to research, testing, and educational use only.  

UV-328 (2-(2H-Benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-di-tert-pentylphenol) 

• CAS No.: 25973-55-1  

• Classified as Category 1 and 4 toxic chemical substance.  

• Control concentration: full concentration (all levels regulated).  

• Subject to specific transitional thresholds under international POPs regulatory frameworks.  

Regulatory Alignment with International Conventions 

Taiwan’s latest amendment aligns domestic chemical control with global environmental agreements: 

• Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): Adds methoxychlor, dechlorane plus, and UV-328 to the Annex A elimination list.  

• Minamata Convention on Mercury: Strengthens mercury phase-out and restricts most industrial applications.  

Mercury Controls Further Tightened 

Mercury (CAS No. 7439-97-6) is already listed as a Category 1 toxic substance in Taiwan. The updated regulation introduces stricter measures: 

• General prohibition on manufacturing, import, and sale. 

• Limited exemptions for: Essential industrial uses without viable alternatives. 

• Continued alignment with international mercury reduction targets. 

Tetrachloroethylene Usage Restrictions 

Tetrachloroethylene (CAS No. 127-18-4) , a Category 1 and 2 toxic chemical substance, is further restricted due to carcinogenicity and environmental persistence: 

• Prohibited use in cleaning products.  

• Limited continued use in dry-cleaning systems under controlled conditions until equipment cycle completion. 

• Reference alignment with the risk management approach of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

Compliance Timeline for Industry Operators 

The Ministry of Environment provides transition periods depending on existing operations: 

• Existing operators: 1 to 1.5 years grace period  

• New operators: no transitional period  

Required compliance measures include: 

• Operational recordkeeping and emission tracking  

• Hazard prevention and emergency response planning  

• Packaging, labelling, and safety data sheet updates  

• Installation of monitoring and alarm systems  

• Appointment of technical and emergency response personnel  

• Registration, permitting, and notification updates  

Regulatory Impact 

The amendment significantly strengthens Taiwan’s chemical management system by: 

• Expanding POPs control in line with global standards. 

• Increasing restrictions on legacy industrial chemicals. 

• Enhancing transparency and operational safety requirements. 

• Accelerating industry transition toward safer chemical alternatives.