Taiwan's Amendment to Plastic Tray and Packaging Box Restrictions to Strengthen Reduction Requirements

On 5 March 2026 Ministry of Environment (Taiwan) issued this official announcement amending Item 5 of the existing Announcement on Restrictions on the Use of Plastic Trays and Packaging Boxes, with the amendment taking effect immediately from March 5, 2026. The revised Item 5 imposes stricter and more detailed obligations on designated public and private establishments (e.g., retailers, suppliers, or producers handling specific goods) regarding the reduction of designated plastic containers (trays and packaging boxes). In addition to complying with the general reduction requirements in Item 3, establishments must now: A) Prepare and submit annual reduction plans in the prescribed format: 1) For ongoing operations: Submit by November 30 each year to the local (municipal or county/city) competent authority for the following year. 2) Chain businesses may submit consolidated plans via head office to the central authority. 3) Newly designated establishments: Submit within 2 months of notification. B) Include comprehensive details in the plan, such as: 1) Product names, quantities, periods, and materials for alternative (non-plastic) containers. 2) Reduced-weight specifications for plastic containers still used. 3) Items eliminating trays/packaging boxes. 4) From 2013 onward: Reductions excluding exemptions for eggs, cakes/bread, and fruits/vegetables. 5) Supplier/manufacturer lists for alternatives, or test reports (using FTIR, DSC, NMR, Pyrolyzer, or TGA) proving absence of PET, PS, PVC, PE, PP. 6) Test reports from accredited labs (TAF, ILAC, or MOENV-approved bodies). 7) Verification methods and supporting documents for reduction results. 8) Any other required information. C) Submit annual reduction results by March 31 each year (covering the previous year) in the prescribed format, with similar detailed contents and verification documents. D) Chain businesses may consolidate submissions. E) Local authorities review results; if deficiencies are correctable, they notify the establishment to correct within 7 days. The amendment strengthens enforcement of plastic reduction targets for designated containers by mandating detailed planning, reporting, verification, and alternative material documentation, aiming to promote resource recycling and reduce single-use plastics in commerce.