Taiwan Finalizes New Toxic Chemical Substance Designations

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

Taiwan has now officially published the amendment to the Guidelines on Regulated Toxic Chemical Substances and the Management of Their Handling, finalizing regulatory changes that were first released for public consultation last year. For details on the draft amendment, please refer to the previous article. With this publication, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) has confirmed the designation of three additional substances as toxic chemical substances, further strengthening Taiwan’s alignment with international chemical management frameworks.

The finalized amendment adds Methoxychlor, Dechlorane Plus, and UV‑328 to the List of Toxic Chemical Substances. These substances were identified due to concerns related to persistence, bioaccumulation, and ecological toxicity, and their designation reflects Taiwan’s implementation of decisions adopted under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).

Additionally, updated restrictions refine the management of mercury and tetrachloroethylene, aligning Taiwan’s controls with the Minamata Convention and international regulatory practices. Notably, use of tetrachloroethylene in cleaners is now prohibited, with a phase-out mechanism provided for previously registered applications.

The final rules now in force mark a shift from policy consultation to concrete implementation and enforcement. Companies that manufacture, import, or use these substances - or that include them in downstream products - should take prompt action to:

• Review updated substance inventories and formulations
• Confirm permissible uses under the final Guidelines
• Plan for operational adjustments during the applicable transition period

The amendment will take effect on July 1, 2026. MOENV will provide a one to one and a half year transition period for existing operators to adapt and encourage the adoption of safer alternatives where possible.

References

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)