On 27 April 2026 Ministry of Environment (Taiwan) announced amendments to the "Regulations on Toxic Chemical Substances and Their Operation and Management," introducing enhanced controls on several hazardous substances to strengthen environmental and human health protection. The revisions, issued by the Chemical Substances Management Agency, include the classification of methoxychlor, Dechlorane Plus (declone), and UV-328 as toxic chemical substances due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential ecological and health impacts. These substances are subject to strict control measures, with certain uses- particularly for Dechlorane Plus- largely prohibited except for limited purposes such as research, testing, and education, and with defined concentration thresholds. The amendments also update regulatory measures for mercury and tetrachloroethylene to align with international frameworks, including the Minamata Convention on Mercury and global risk management approaches. Mercury controls are tightened through near-total bans on import, manufacture, and sale, with limited exemptions for essential uses. Tetrachloroethylene, recognized for its carcinogenic properties, is further restricted, including a prohibition on its use in detergents. These regulatory changes aim to reduce the risks posed by persistent organic pollutants and improve chemical management in Taiwan. The measures will take effect on 1 July 2026.
Consumer News Region