Taiwan Updates Toxic Chemical Substance List

On 24 Jan 2013 Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) announced several changes made to Taiwan's toxic chemical substances list (TCSL). DIBP has been changed from Class 4 to Class 1 and Class 2 toxic chemical substances. Arsenic pentoxide has been added to Class 2 and Class 3 toxic chemical substances. TCEP and another two toxic chemicals have been added to Class 2 toxic chemical substances. So far, EPA has regulated 302 toxic chemicals in total.

The change made to the Taiwan TCSL is a signal that the Taiwan EPA will strengthen the control over substances of chronic toxicity. The companies involved in the rubber and paint industry would face a raised production cost in the near future.

For the 5 toxic substances, the recording of toxic chemicals handling and release quantity shall start since 1 Jul 2013. Before 1 Jan 2014, the hazard prevention and response plans should be submitted to the competent authority for approval, with the actual implementation starting since 1 Jul 2014.

Besides, the relevant marks concerning the containers, packages and workplace and the MSDS should also be revised accordingly before 2014.

By 1 Jul 2014, the following items should be accomplished:

• Submission of setting and operating plans for the emergency equipment, detection and alarm devices

• Mandatory application requirement for permits (for manufacture, import and sale), registration documents (for use and storage) and approval documents

• Setup of detection and alarm devices

• Setup of professional technical management personnel

The DIBP should be handled as Class 4 toxic chemical substance before the relevant deadlines.

Table. Details of the TCSL updates on 24 Jan 2013