Recently, the Ministry of Environment of China’s Taiwan Region released the draft List of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances(PFAS) and Management Measures. This draft is established based on the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act. Opinions and suggestions on the draft content can be submitted through the contact methods provided on the official website before October 3, 2025.
Background
The Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act was amended in 2019, authorizing the competent authority to announce control concentrations and graded operational quantities for chemical substances. In recent years, the ongoing review and control of certain PFAS under the Stockholm Convention have prompted intensified global management of these substances. Given the vast variety of PFAS and their potential environmental and health risks, this draft has been formulated to strengthen controls.
Key Points of the Draft
- Announcement of Controlled Substances and Operational Requirements
PFAS referred to in this announcement are substances listed in Appendices 1 to 3 with a weight percentage reaching or exceeding the control concentration. These are designated as concerned chemical substances based on management needs, specifying their operational behaviors, periodic reporting frequency, exempted uses or articles, packaging and container requirements, and record-keeping of operational methods.
- Labeling and Operational Restrictions
If the content of PFAS polymers or gases reaches the control concentration but is below 30%, the container or packaging must be clearly labeled with Fluoropolymer, Perfluoropolyether, Fluorinated Gas, or Hydrofluoroolefin. Operations are not subject to other restrictions under this Act.
Manufacturing and import activities with content reaching 30% or higher must obtain relevant permits in accordance with the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act.
- Compliance Deadlines for Existing Operators of Concerned Chemical Substances
|
Requirement |
Deadline |
|
Requirement Deadline Complete labeling of containers, packaging, operational sites, and facilities, and prepare safety data sheets |
Before January 1, 2027 |
|
Designated operational activities (e.g., manufacturing, import, sale, use, storage) must obtain approval documents |
Before January 1, 2027 |
|
Commence operational records and submit periodic reports as required |
Starting January 1, 2026 |
|
Other matters not listed in this table |
Effective from the announcement date |
- Exemptions
Substances or articles containing PFAS that are already regulated under the following laws are exempt from this Act: Pesticide Management Act, Fertilizer Management Act, Feed Management Act, Veterinary Drugs Act, Pharmacy Act, Medical Devices Act, Controlled Drugs Act, Cosmetics Hygiene and Safety Act, Food Safety and Sanitation Act, Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act, Industrial Explosives Management Act, Petroleum Management Act, Natural Gas Business Act, Atomic Energy Act, Ionizing Radiation Protection Act, Air Pollution Control Act, Environmental Agents Management Act, Waste Disposal Act, Commodity Inspection Act, Climate Change Response Act.
- Operator Responsibilities
Operators handling concerned chemical substances must properly manage PFAS to prevent their release into the environment and reduce potential hazards.
- Testing Methods
Testing methods for PFAS should follow Taiwan standards. If no standard is available, methods from the following sources may be used:
- Standard Methods for Environmental Testing (NIEA)
- Methods announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
- Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater by the American Public Health Association (APHA)
- Japanese Industrial Standards by the Japanese Industrial Standards Association (JIS)
- Methods by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
- Standard Methods by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC)
- Standard Determination Methods by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
- Testing methods recognized by the European Union
