Taiwan: New list of PFAS substances subject to approval

 

The Ministry of Environment announced the draft of “List of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Related Management Measures” on 5 August 2025. It contains PFAS substances subject to a planned approval.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are considered potential threats to the environment and human health, as they may persist or transform into long-lasting substances, leading to environmental contamination. A total of 269 PFAS have been proposed for designation as “concerned chemical substances” under Article 24, Paragraph 2 of the “Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act”.

The management measures for PFAS are intended to ensure the traceability of chemicals and transmission of information within the supply chain, without imposing restrictions on their intended uses. Highlights of the announcement are as follows:

1. PFAAs, precursors, and related PFAS: At handling concentrations of 0.1% or above, manufacturers, importers, sellers, users, and storage operators must obtain approval documents, maintain monthly records and submit quarterly reports, and properly label the chemicals.
2. Gaseous and polymeric PFAS: At handling concentrations of 30% or above, manufacturers and importers are required to obtain approval documents, maintain monthly records and submit quarterly reports, and properly label the chemicals. For concentrations between 0.1% and less than 30%, only labeling is required.

Among further requirements are:

• Based on the handler’s obligation to disclose the composition of chemicals and the principle of graded management of chemical substances, handlers shall label containers or packaging with “fluoropolymer”, “perfluoropolyether”, “fluorinated gas”, or “hydrofluoroolefin” if a concentration of polymeric or gaseous PFAS exceeds the control concentration standard, but is less than 30% by weight. Other handling is not subject to the Act.
• Handlers who have already handled PFAS prior to the official announcement made by the central competent authority declaring them as chemical substances of concern must complete all relevant regulatory tasks within the given deadline.
• Substances already controlled by other laws and regulations shall be handled in accordance with the said laws or regulations and shall not be subject to the Act.
• The testing methods for PFAS shall be in accordance with national standards. Where national standards are not available, standard environmental testing methods and methods recognized by the United States, Japan, or the European Union may be used.

To find out more about chemical compliance in Taiwan and about requirements for PFAS, do not hesitate to contact the Product Compliance Institute.