News Details

On 12 June 2026, Taiwan’s Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs published a draft amendment to the legal inspection requirements for regulated paint and coating products. This was subsequently notified to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on 16 June 2026. Comments on the draft can be submitted until 15 August 2026 with the proposed date for entry into force set as 1 July 2027. 

The proposal updates the applicable Chinese National Standards for several existing product categories, expanding the scope of mandatory inspection to include additional coating products. These changes are intended to strengthen the product quality, safety, and regulatory oversight for both imported and domestically manufactured products. 

Updated Standards for Existing Regulated Paint Products 

The draft amendment revises the applicable inspection standards for the following products: 

• Synthetic Resin Paints for Building Use  

• Enamel Paints for Building Use  

• Water-Based Cement Paints  

• Solvent-Based Cement Paints  

• Fire-Retardant Coatings for Buildings  

The updated requirements adopt newer editions of the relevant Chinese National Standards, including corrigenda issued after the original standards were published. 

New Product Categories Added to the Inspection Scope 

The Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection proposes extending mandatory inspection requirements to: 

Chlorinated Rubber Topcoats for Building Use 

• Applicable Standard: Chinese National Standard 4919 (2018 Edition)  

Polyurethane Wood Coatings 

• Limited to transparent two-component polyurethane coatings for wood applications  

• Applicable Standard: Chinese National Standard 4942 (2019 Edition)  

These products are being added to the scope of inspection in response to concerns about high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous heavy metals found in chlorinated rubber finish paints and polyurethane wood paints. 

Applications for Type Approval or Registration of Product Certification may be submitted once the final regulation is announced. Mandatory inspection requirements for these two product categories are scheduled to take effect on 1 July 2027. 

Certification and Transition Arrangements 

Key transition measures include: 

• Revised inspection standards will apply to the five existing regulated paint categories.  

• New applicants may apply using either the revised or previous standards during the transition period, subject to the applicable deadlines.  

• Existing certificate holders may be required to update type test reports, Chinese-language labeling samples, and supporting technical documentation to demonstrate compliance with the revised standards.  

• Certificates issued under Type Approval or Registration of Product Certification are generally valid for three years.  

• Failure to complete the required certificate updates within the prescribed transition period may result in the cancellation or revocation of the certificate, in accordance with the applicable regulations.  

Labeling Requirements 

In addition to the labeling requirements specified in the relevant standards, certain products must display the following information on the product container or packaging: 

• Product name  

• Manufacturer name or trademark  

• Manufacturing date or batch number  

These additional labeling requirements apply to: 

• Solvent-based cement paints  

• Chlorinated rubber topcoats for building use  

• Polyurethane wood coatings  

Administrative Requirements 

The draft amendment also confirms that: 

• Type testing may be conducted by designated laboratories recognized by the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection.  

• Applications for Type Approval and Registration of Product Certification may be submitted to the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection or its branch offices.  

• The standard review period for certification applications is 14 working days, excluding the time required for the submission of supplementary information or samples.  

Impact on Industry 

The proposed amendment represents a significant update to Taiwan’s regulatory framework for paint and coating products. Manufacturers, importers, and distributors should review the revised standards, certification status, and labeling obligations for affected products. Companies marketing chlorinated rubber topcoats or polyurethane wood coatings in Taiwan should also prepare for the upcoming inspection requirements and certification obligations before placing these products on the market. 

Next Steps 

Stakeholders are encouraged to assess the potential impact of the proposed requirements and prepare for compliance with the revised standards and expanded inspection scope. The final implementation timeline and regulatory requirements will be confirmed upon adoption of the amendment by the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection under the Ministry of Economic Affairs.