Taiwan’s restrictions on PFOA, PFOS, and nonylphenols substances take effect soon
Taipei, Taiwan, 13 May 2025 — The Ministry of Environment (MOE) has announced a sweeping update to its List of Toxic Chemical Substances and Their Operational Management, adding 357 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 40 nonylphenol-related substances. The move marks a significant tightening of chemical controls in Taiwan and brings new compliance obligations for manufacturers and importers.
The newly listed substances include five PFOS substances, 352 PFOA substances and related salts, 12 nonylphenols, and 28 nonylphenol polyethoxylates.
PFOS and PFOA Controls
PFOA and PFOS are part of the PFAS family, a group of highly persistent chemicals linked to environmental and health risks. Internationally, these substances are regulated under the Stockholm Convention, where PFOA is prohibited and PFOS is restricted.
Unlike the EU and several U.S. states that regulate PFAS as a chemical class, Taiwan continues to regulate individual substances. Under the revised framework, companies that manufacture, import, or otherwise handle PFOA or PFOS will be required to meet new operational and management requirements, with different compliance timelines depending on the activity and substance involved.
Nonylphenols Face Wider Restrictions
Nonylphenol and nonylphenol polyethoxylates — classified as endocrine disruptors — have already been banned in detergent products. The new amendment extends restrictions further.
From 1 December 2026, these substances will be prohibited, unless manufacturers can ensure they are collected, treated, and disposed of without contaminating wastewater. The ban applies to their use in household and industrial cleaners, textile and leather treatment, metalworking, and pulp and paper manufacturing.
Limited exemptions will remain, including uses in research, pharmaceuticals, resins, antioxidants, stabilizers, and certain industrial applications such as paints, coatings, adhesives, and printing inks.
Companies manufacturing, importing, or distributing nonylphenol (CAS 25154-52-3, 84852-15-3) or nonylphenol polyethoxylated alcohols (CAS 9016-45-9, 26027-38-3) — or mixtures containing more than 5% of these substances — must comply immediately. Mixtures containing 1–5% will be subject to staggered deadlines.
Business Impact
The expanded listings introduce new regulatory burdens for chemical suppliers operating in Taiwan and are expected to accelerate a shift toward products with minimal or no PFAS and nonylphenol content. However, it remains unclear whether the rules will directly affect articles — finished products where chemicals are not intended to be released — or imported goods containing these substances.
Together with Taiwan’s earlier ban on 147 PFHxS substances, the latest action signals a broader policy objective to phase out PFAS and related chemicals. Companies placing products on the Taiwanese market are advised to review the updated requirements and begin adjusting formulations, product designs, and supply chains to prepare for compliance.
| Regulatory & compliance activities | PFOS | Nonylphenols at concentration > 5% | Nonylphenols at concentration from 1% to 5% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example | 1 June 2025 | Immediately | 1 June 2025 |
| Obtainment of liability insurance for the use and handling of the chemicals | 1 December 2025 (6 months after the announcement) | Immediately | 1 December 2025 |
| Submission of the hazard prevention and response plan; Labelling of containers, packaging, operation sites and facilities, and preparation of safety data sheets; Preparation of emergency response which identifies detection equipments |
1 June 2026 | Immediately | 1 June 2026 |
| Completion of training for employees |
1 December 2026 | Immediately | 1 December 2026 |
| Completion of installation of safety measures and detection equipment | 1 December 2026 | Immediately | 1 December 2026 |
| Obtain necessary permits and approvals of the use of PFOS | 1 December 2026 | 1 December 2026 | 1 June 2027 |