TAIWAN GHS REGULATORY UPDATE
On August 26, 2026, Taiwan's Ministry of Labor (MoL) officially amended the Regulations for the Labeling and Hazard Communication of Hazardous Chemicals, covering selected articles, Appendix 1 to Article 5, and Appendices 3 and 4 to Article 12.
The amendment aligns Taiwan's workplace hazard communication framework with the eighth revised edition of the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (UN GHS Rev. 8) and updated CNS 15030 standards. It also strengthens responsibility for the accuracy of Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) supplied by manufacturers, importers and suppliers.
Key point: Most amendments have applied since August 26, 2026. The revised hazard classification and labeling requirements and the updated SDS format will apply from January 1, 2029.
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What Changed From the Draft Amendment?
The final amendment retains the main structure proposed in May 2026, including the revised hazard classes, SDS content changes, supplier responsibility and restrictions on withholding confidential SDS information. The most consequential change for implementation planning is the effective date.
The draft proposed that Appendix 1 to Article 5 and Appendix 4 to Article 12 would apply from January 1, 2028. The final amendment moves that date to January 1, 2029, giving companies an additional year to update SDS templates, revise container labels and coordinate document changes across the supply chain.
Two Effective Dates Apply
| Effective Date | Relevant Provisions | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|
| August 26, 2026 | Article 4; Article 15-1; deleted Article 16; Article 18-1; Article 23; Appendix 3 to Article 12; and related changes | New SDS concentration thresholds, correction duties and CBI restrictions are already in effect. |
| January 1, 2029 | Appendix 1 to Article 5 and Appendix 4 to Article 12 | Revised hazard classification and label elements, together with the updated SDS content and reference format, will apply. |
Companies should therefore not treat January 1, 2029 as a single effective date for the entire amendment. Several requirements affecting SDS applicability, data accuracy and confidential information are already enforceable.
Key Amendments to Taiwan's GHS, SDS and Labeling Rules
1. Scope Exemption Clarified
Article 4 replaces the previous reference to medicines with a clearer exemption for pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Food, beverages, cosmetics, manufactured articles and general consumer products for non-industrial use remain outside the scope in principle.
2. Hazard Classes and Label Elements Updated
Appendix 1 to Article 5 introduces or revises several hazard classifications and corresponding label elements to reflect UN GHS Rev. 8 and the updated CNS 15030 series. The main changes include:
adding the Desensitized Explosives hazard class;
subdividing Flammable Gases Category 1 into Categories 1A and 1B;
renaming the original “Flammable Aerosols” category to “Aerosols and Pressurized Chemicals,” and adding Chemicals Under Pressure;
removing Acute Toxicity Category 5, Skin Corrosion/Irritation Category 3 and Aspiration Hazard Category 2; and
updating selected hazard class names, signal words and hazard statements.
These classification and labeling changes will apply from January 1, 2029. Companies should map affected products against the revised CNS 15030 criteria before changing Taiwan labels or SDS classifications.
3. SDS Concentration Thresholds Revised
Appendix 3 to Article 12 lowers the concentration threshold for respiratory or skin sensitizers from 1.0% to 0.1%. It also introduces a 1.0% threshold for Aspiration Hazard Category 1.
| Health Hazard Classification | Revised Threshold |
|---|---|
| Respiratory or skin sensitizers | ≥0.1% |
| Aspiration Hazard Category 1 | ≥1.0% |
These thresholds have applied since August 26, 2026. Manufacturers, importers, suppliers and employers should review mixture composition and hazard classifications to determine whether additional products now require an SDS under the amended rules.
4. SDS Content and Reference Format Updated
Appendix 4 to Article 12 revises several SDS sections. Key changes include:
Section 3: removing the chemical properties field for mixtures;
Section 9: removing odor threshold and evaporation rate, while adding kinematic viscosity and particle characteristics;
Section 14: adding requirements for transport in bulk;
Section 16: removing the SDS preparer field; and
adjusting selected section names and explanatory text.
The revised SDS format will apply from January 1, 2029. Companies can use the transition period to compare existing Taiwan SDS templates with the new format and establish drafting, review and document-switching plans.
5. Responsibility for SDS Accuracy Strengthened
New Article 15-1 addresses obvious errors, omissions and similar defects in SDSs supplied by manufacturers, importers or suppliers. The competent authority or labor inspection authority may order the supplier to correct the SDS within a specified period.
Failure to correct the SDS by the deadline may lead to penalties under Articles 44 and 49 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, including a fine of NT$30,000 to NT$150,000. Repeated penalties and public disclosure of violations and penalty information may also apply where deficiencies remain uncorrected after notice.
Companies should therefore maintain a documented process for identifying and correcting SDS errors arising from inspections, customer feedback and supply-chain data changes, rather than relying only on the routine three-year SDS review cycle.
6. Transport-Label Verification Provision Deleted
The former Article 16 required trained personnel to verify labels and SDSs after a vehicle carrying hazardous chemicals entered a workplace and before unloading, handling, disposal or use. This provision has been deleted.
According to the authority's explanation, dangerous-goods transport classifications and the GHS framework have been coordinated, while other occupational safety and health rules continue to address hazardous-chemical unloading operations and personnel training. The deletion does not mean that companies may discontinue unloading controls or relevant training.
7. Aspiration Hazard Category 1 Added to the SDS CBI Exclusion List
Amended Article 18-1 adds Aspiration Hazard Category 1 to the hazard classes for which confidential SDS information may not be withheld. Manufacturers, importers and suppliers preparing a Taiwan SDS confidential business information (CBI) application should recheck ingredient classifications and exclude any ingredient that is no longer eligible for withholding.
How Should Companies Prepare?
Actions to Prioritize Now
Review mixtures for respiratory or skin sensitizers and Aspiration Hazard Category 1 ingredients, including their concentrations.
Determine whether the revised Appendix 3 thresholds create new SDS provision obligations for existing products.
Check whether any current or planned SDS CBI application involves Aspiration Hazard Category 1.
Establish escalation, correction and deadline-control procedures for identified SDS errors.
Clarify data-update responsibilities among manufacturers, importers, suppliers and customers in Taiwan.
Actions to Complete Before January 1, 2029
Identify products affected by the revised hazard classifications and label elements.
Conduct a gap analysis of existing Taiwan SDS templates against the amended Appendix 4.
Reconcile product classification, SDS content and container labels.
Agree document-switching dates with Taiwan importers, suppliers and downstream customers.
Retain previous and revised versions, supporting regulatory references and supply-chain notification records.
How REACH24H Can Help
REACH24H supports companies with global GHS classification, SDS and label compliance. For products supplied to Taiwan, our team can review product composition and hazard data, assess existing SDSs and labels, identify document gaps arising from the amendment, and prioritize updates for the immediate and 2029 requirements.
For an initial assessment, prepare: product composition, available hazard data, current SDSs and labels, intended uses, and the roles of relevant supply-chain parties.
Need Support With Taiwan GHS, SDS or Label Compliance?
REACH24H can help you assess affected products, review Taiwan SDSs and labels, and plan updates for the immediate requirements and the January 1, 2029 transition.
Recommended Reading
Globally Harmonised System (GHS) by Country and Region: A Compliance Overview
Confidential Business Information (CBI) Application for SDS in Taiwan Region
