Taiwan to Designate Three New Toxic Chemical Substances

By Xunyao Fu, PhD, Regulatory Affairs Lead, Supply Chain Team, UL Solutions

In a move to strengthen environmental protection and align with global chemical safety standards, Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment (MOENV) has announced a proposal to amend the "Guidelines on Regulated Toxic Chemical Substances and the Management of Their Handling.” The changes include the addition of three persistent organic pollutants (POPs) to the List of Toxic Chemical Substances and enhanced controls on mercury and tetrachloroethylene.

New Additions to the List of Toxic Chemical Substances

The Ministry plans to designate the following chemicals as toxic chemical substances due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and ecological toxicity:

• Methoxychlor: Classified as Category 1, 3, and 4 toxic chemical substance. The chemical is known for its acute ecological toxicity and resistance to degradation.
• Dechlorane Plus: Added as Category 1 and 4 toxic chemical substance. Both Methoxychlor and Dechlorane Plus will be banned except for research, testing, and educational purposes. Their control concentration is set at 0.1%.
• UV-328 (2-(2H-Benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-di-tert-pentylphenol): Added as Category 1 and 4 toxic chemical substance. The control concentration is set at full concentration, with specific permitted uses.

These updates are in response to the Stockholm Convention’s 2023 amendment, which aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of hazardous chemicals globally.

Enhanced Controls on Mercury and Tetrachloroethylene

• Mercury: Originally listed as a Category 1 toxic chemical substance in 1991, its operational restrictions and permitted uses are being revised to reflect the global trends under the Minamata Convention.
• Tetrachloroethylene: Listed as Category 1 and 2 toxic substance since 1997. In light of the U.S. EPA’s final risk management rule and Taiwan’s actual domestic usage patterns, its use in cleaning agents will be prohibited. However, entities with approved registrations may continue using the substance in dry-cleaning machines until existing supplies are exhausted.

Transition Period and Industry Support

To ensure a smooth transition, the Ministry will provide a grace period up to one and a half years for existing operators. During this time, businesses are encouraged to:

• Apply for necessary permits or approvals
• Update labeling, transport protocols and safety data sheets
• Install detection and alarm systems
• Assign qualified technical and emergency response personnel

The Ministry also urges industries to explore safer alternatives to minimize environmental and public health risks.

Public Consultation and Access to Information

The proposed amendment is open for public comment for 60 days following the official announcement. Stakeholders are invited to submit feedback or suggestions to the Chemicals Administration under Ministry of Environment.

References

Draft Amendment to Guidelines on Regulated Toxic Chemical Substances and the Management of Their Handling (in traditional Chinese only)

Guidelines on Regulated Toxic Chemical Substances and the Management of Their Handling (in traditional Chinese only)