Taiwan to Regulate 269 PFAS

Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment (MoE) has announced a proposal to designate 269 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as substances of concern, marking a major step in the country’s efforts to curb the environmental and health risks linked to these persistent chemicals.

Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are widely used in industrial applications and consumer products but are known for their resistance to degradation and potential toxic effects.

Implementation Timeline

The new regulations are proposed to take effect on January 1, 2026 giving businesses over a year to assess their supply chains and prepare for compliance.

Key Compliance Requirements

If enacted, companies handling the listed PFAS will be required to comply with the following measures:

• Threshold Limits: Products must not exceed specified concentration limits for each listed PFAS.
• Mandatory Labelling: Clear labeling must be placed on products containing any of the regulated substances.
• Reporting Duties: Businesses must submit detailed reports on the types, quantities, and uses of PFAS within their operations.

Who Will Be Affected?

The proposed regulation will impact a wide range of stakeholders:

• Manufacturers of PFAS or PFAS-containing products
• Importers bringing such products into Taiwan
• Distributors and downstream users involved in handling PFAS-based materials

What Businesses Should Do Now?!

To prepare for the upcoming rules, companies are advised to:

1. Audit Product Formulations: Determine whether any of the 269 PFAS are present in materials or components.
2. Update Compliance Systems: Revise internal systems to handle new labeling and reporting workflows.
3. Plan Ahead: Ensure all documentation and traceability mechanisms are ready well before January 2026.

A Global Trend in Chemical Regulation

Taiwan’s move aligns with international regulatory trends, as regions such as the EU and the US step up efforts to control PFAS due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity.

The proposed regulation reinforces Taiwan’s commitment to environmental protection and public health, while also signaling to industries the need for cleaner, safer alternatives.

Stay Informed

Stakeholders should monitor updates from the Ministry of Environment, including any adjustments to the regulation or additional compliance guidance. Early action will reduce the risk of non-compliance and help ensure continued market access.

Reference: MoE Proposal on PFAS Regulation (Taiwan E-News)