Taiwan
CNS 15030 Standards

How is GHS implemented
in Taiwan?

Taiwan implements the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) through the Standards on Classification and Labeling of Chemicals - General Rules CNS 15030 and Standards CNS 15030-1 to CNS 15030-29 on Specific Chemical Hazards. Its purpose is to clearly establish the risks associated with chemical products, both for workers and for the general public.

What are CNS 15030 Standards?

Taiwan formally adopted the eighth edition of the GHS through the Chinese National Standard CNS 15030 on Classification and Labeling of Chemicals - General Rules; and chemical hazards are detailed in a Standard ranging from CNS 15030-1 to CNS 15030-29.

The entry into force of SGA 8 took place in different stages, becoming mandatory in all aspects since 2016.

In Taiwan, the primary authorities overseeing the implementation of GHS 8 are the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI), working in coordination with the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) and the Ministry of Labor (MoL).

The CNS 15030 series of Standards apply to hazardous chemical products in general, although certain categories of products such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, articles, tobacco and fire extinguishers, among others, are excluded.

What are the most relevant points of CNS 15030 Standards?

• Both the SDS and label must be written in Chinese. The secondary language may be English.
  • The SDS should follow the 16-section model of GHS.
  • An emergency telephone number should always be provided.
• The SDS should be updated every 3 years and old SDS should be kept for the same period of time to present in case of inspections.
• The CNS 15030 also includes Flammable Gas hazards, Category 1A and 1B and Aerosols all categories.
• You may request to protect confidential business information (CBI). However, a Taiwanese company will always have to be the applicant and substances containing the following hazards are not eligible for CBI: Acute toxicity (categories 1, 2 and 3); Skin corrosion/irritation, Severe eye damage/irritation; Skin/respiratory sensitization; CMR; STOT single and repeated exposure category 1.
• Minimum labeling requirements include: product name; manufacturer's name, address and phone number; H and P phrases; word of warning
  • Whenever there are hazardous ingredients listed in the Toxic and Concerned Chemicals Substances Control Act (TCCSCA) that exceed the concentration limit to be shown on the SDS and labeled, their CAS number, their Chinese and English name, and the percentage by weight, should be indicated on the label next to the word “toxic” or “chemicals of concern”.
  • The size of the label depends on the size of the package. If the container is smaller than 100 ml, the label can be simplified by placing only the name, pictograms and warning word.

What other chemical regulatory requirements apply in Taiwan?

• The Taiwan TCCSCA entered into force on January 1, 2020, and stipulates that manufacturers/importers of both existing and new chemical substances, must register such substances before manufacturing and/or importing them into Taiwanese territory if the following conditions are met:
  • Existing chemical substances: They are those listed in the Taiwan Chemical Substance Inventory (TCSI) and require:
    • Stage 1 Registration: if they are manufactured/imported in a quantity exceeding 100 kg/year. This registration must be done within a maximum of 6 months since the substance was manufactured/imported.
    • Standard registration: according to the schedule of existing priority chemical substances.
  • New chemical substances: These are those not listed in TCSI and require:
    • Low volume registration: if they are manufactured/imported in a quantity less than 100 kg/year. This registration must be made no later than 90 days after manufacture/import.
    • Standard registration: if they are manufactured/imported in a quantity exceeding 1 ton per year.
    • Simplified registration: if they are manufactured/imported in a quantity between 1 to 100 tons per year.
  • Only manufacturers, importers and representatives of third-party companies can register in Taiwanese territory, so non-Taiwanese companies will have to appoint a representative.
• Pesticides are governed by the Law on the Management of Agropesticides of May 23, 2018. The regulatory entity is the Ministry of Agriculture. Both manufacturers and importers, must register them prior to handling.
• Cosmetics are collected under the Cosmetic Hygiene and Safety Act, in force since July 1, 2024. The regulatory entity is the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA). Professionals who manufacture/import, sell or give away cosmetics, must notify them in advance before performing any of the aforementioned actions.
• Detergents are defined, according to the Ministry of Environment (MOENV), in accordance with the provisions of Regulation (EC) 648/2004 of the European Union. It is important to take into account the restrictions published in the TCCSCA and by the MOENV on the importation of cleaning agents containing certain chemical components (e.g., nonylphenol).

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