Taiwan proposes controls on six chemicals, targeting food-safety risks, bisphenols, and industrial misuse

TAIPEI, Taiwan, 20 July 2026 — Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment (“the Ministry”) has proposed bringing six chemicals under its “chemicals of concern” regime, potentially creating new approval, reporting, recordkeeping and labelling requirements for manufacturers, importers, sellers, users and storage operators.

The proposal covers C.I. Pigment Red 3, Para Red, bisphenol B, bisphenol F, 2-methyl-4-(methylthio)-2-morpholinopropiophenone (MMMP), and gamma-butyrolactone (GBL). The Ministry said the controls are intended to address food-safety risks, endocrine-disrupting concerns and improper use of industrial chemicals.

Food-related pigments face approval and warning requirements

C.I. Pigment Red 3 (CAS 2425-85-6) and Para Red (CAS 6410-10-2) would be designated as chemicals of concern because of potential food-safety risks.

Taiwan is proposing a 30% control concentration for both substances. At or above that threshold, companies manufacturing, importing, selling, using or storing the chemicals would need prior approval, monthly reporting, transaction-level operating records, compliant labels and safety data sheets.

Containers and packaging would also need to display the Chinese warning “Prohibited for use in food and feed.”

The Ministry cited previous alerts involving these pigments under the EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed and said the proposed controls are intended to prevent their entry into food and feed supply chains.

Bisphenol B and bisphenol F would be regulated from 1%

The proposal would also classify bisphenol B (CAS 77-40-7) and bisphenol F (CAS 620-92-8) as chemicals of concern at concentrations of 1% or more.

Companies handling either substance at or above this threshold would be subject to prior approval, monthly reporting, operating-record requirements, labelling and safety data sheet obligations.

The Ministry pointed to growing international scrutiny of bisphenols, including the inclusion of bisphenol B on the EU Candidate List of substances of very high concern and concerns over the potential endocrine-disrupting properties of bisphenol F.

The proposal is particularly significant for companies that have moved away from bisphenol A by substituting other bisphenols. Products using bisphenol B or bisphenol F could now face additional regulatory obligations in Taiwan even where those substances were adopted as BPA alternatives.

MMMP would require an industrial-use warning

MMMP (CAS 71868-10-5) would be controlled at concentrations of 90% or more.

Manufacture, import, sale, use, and storage at or above that threshold would require prior approval, monthly reporting, individual operating records, compliant labeling, and safety data sheets.

Containers and packaging would also need to carry the Chinese statement “For industrial use only.”

The ministry said MMMP has legitimate industrial applications but has also been identified as a new psychoactive substance. The draft refers to concerns including reproductive toxicity, hallucinations, and impaired fertility resulting from improper use.

GBL would be subject to tiered controls

Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) (CAS 96-48-0) would be regulated through a two-tier system intended to preserve legitimate industrial uses while strengthening controls on higher-concentration material.

At concentrations of 20% or more but below 90%, products would need to comply with labelling and safety data sheet requirements, including the Chinese statement “For industrial use only.” Other broader operating controls under the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act would not apply within this concentration range.

At 90% or more, manufacture, import, sale, use, and storage would require prior approval, monthly reporting, operating records, labeling, and safety data sheets.

Online sales restrictions would follow designation

Once formally designated, the six substances could not be sold through online platforms or other channels where the identities of the parties cannot be verified.

The Ministry said violations could result in fines of up to NT$300,000. More severe criminal penalties may apply where unlawful activity results in death or harm to human health.

Compliance deadlines extend into 2028

Under the proposed timetable, affected operators would need to begin keeping operating records and filing periodic reports from 1 January 2027.

Existing operators would have until 1 July 2028 to complete required labelling for containers, packaging, operating locations and facilities, prepare required safety data sheets and obtain necessary approval documents for manufacture, import, sale, use or storage.

Other requirements not specifically covered by the transition timetable would apply from the date of the final designation.

The proposal is open for a 60-day consultation period, beginning the day after publication in Taiwan’s official gazette.

Implications for industry

Companies should begin screening products and supply chains for the six chemicals and determine whether applicable concentration thresholds would trigger approval, reporting, labelling, or recordkeeping duties.

The proposed 1% threshold for bisphenol B and bisphenol F could be particularly important for plastics, epoxy resins, food and beverage packaging and can-lining applications where these substances may be used. Companies that previously substituted bisphenol B or bisphenol F for bisphenol A must now also screen for these chemicals in their products.

Manufacturers, importers and sellers supplying food and beverage or animal-feed applications should also review potential exposure to C.I. Pigment Red 3 and Para Red, particularly where pigments could migrate into food or feed. Companies handling MMMP or GBL should assess whether concentrations reach the proposed thresholds and whether industrial-use labeling or pre-approval obligations would apply.

With reporting obligations proposed to begin in 2027 and broader compliance deadlines extending to 1 July 2028, affected companies have time to prepare—but supply-chain screening and concentration assessments may need to begin well before the rules are finalized.