In recent years, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have become the focus of global control because of their environmental persistence, bioaccumulation and potential health risks. The European Union, the United States and other regions have also introduced relevant PFAS control regulations.

Recently, the Ministry of Environment of Taiwan, China issued the draft of Management Matters of Perfluorinated and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances and Their Operation, according to the Law on Toxic and Concerned Chemicals (TCCSCA), proposing to designate 269 PFAS as concerned chemicals, which is expected to take effect from January 1, 2026.

Scope and limit of controlled substances

The 269 PFAS controlled this time cover three categories: polymers, gases and specific chemicals, including:

1. 126 compounds: such as perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), their precursors and other perfluoro and polyfluoroalkyl compounds;

2. 113 polymers: such as fluoropolymer and perfluoropolyether;

3. 30 gases (under normal temperature and pressure): including fluorinated gases and hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs).

Note: The control concentrations of the above three types of PFAS are all set at 0.1% (weight percentage).

Graded control requirements

According to the different concentrations of PFAS, the draft establishes the requirements for gradient control:

1. The manufacture, import, sale, use or storage of PFAS acids, precursors and other listed compounds with a concentration of more than 0.1% shall be approved in advance. At the same time, monthly records shall be kept, quarterly reports shall be submitted, and the relevant requirements of labels and safety data sheets (SDS) shall be strictly observed.

2. PFAS polymers or gases with a concentration of more than 0.1% but less than 30%: The operator shall clearly mark them on the outer packaging and containers, such as fluoropolymers, perfluoropolyethers, fluorinated gases or hydrofluoroolefins.

3. PFAS with a concentration of 30% or more: the obligations stipulated in the Law on the Administration of Toxic and Concerned Chemicals (TCCSCA) will be fully applied, covering approval, recording, reporting and safety documents.

4. For enterprises that are already operating the listed PFAS: The draft requires that enterprises must declare their operating records regularly from January 1, 2026; By 2027, the labeling of containers and sites will be completed, and the safety data sheet (SDS) will be updated. At the same time, the necessary approvals for manufacturing, importing, selling, using or storing will be obtained to ensure the compliance operation.

Warm tips

The draft PFAS management issued in Taiwan, China further reflects the global attention to the control of such substances. ZRLK suggested that relevant enterprises should raise their risk awareness of their products, pay close attention to the detailed rules of the draft, investigate the use of PFAS in products as soon as possible, and prepare PFAS alternatives in advance to ensure that the products put on the market meet the regulatory requirements and avoid unnecessary economic losses. Our company has a professional technical team and rich experience in product testing, which can help you easily understand whether the products are safe and compliant. If you need it, please feel free to contact us, and our engineers will serve you at the first time!