On August 26, 2026, Taiwan's Ministry of Labor issued Order No. 1150253048A, amending the Regulations for Labeling and General Communication of Hazardous Chemicals. This amendment formally adopts the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) Revision 8, introducing new hazard classification criteria, updated labeling requirements, and a revised format for Safety Data Sheets (SDS). The regulation mandates immediate correction of SDSs containing errors or omissions, with enforcement by the competent authority.

It also specifies detailed content and formatting requirements for SDSs, including information on chemical identification, hazards, composition, first aid, handling, storage, exposure controls, physical and chemical properties, stability, toxicity, environmental impact, transport, applicable regulations, and references. The new pictograms and SDS format will become mandatory from January 1, 2029. Certain products, such as industrial waste, tobacco, food, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmetics, finished goods, and non-industrial consumer goods, are excluded from these requirements.

The regulation also prohibits withholding information in SDSs for specific hazardous substances, including carcinogens, mutagens, sensitizers, and others classified under national standards. Concentration thresholds for hazardous components in mixtures are defined, and procedures for correcting erroneous SDSs are outlined, with penalties for non-compliance. The reform aligns Taiwan's chemical management framework with international standards and imposes significant new obligations on manufacturers, importers, and suppliers.

Impact

This regulatory change is classified as High Impact. Key reasons for high impact: - Mandatory adoption of GHS Rev. 8 for all hazardous chemicals. - New labeling and SDS format requirements become compulsory from January 1, 2029. - Immediate correction of erroneous SDSs is required, with enforcement and penalties. - Exclusion and prohibition rules for certain product categories and hazardous substances. - Defined concentration thresholds for hazardous components in mixtures.

Who is affected?

Manufacturers, importers, suppliers, distributors, industrial users, and laboratories handling hazardous chemicals in Taiwan.

Conclusion:

Stakeholders must review and update all chemical labeling and SDS documentation, adapt internal compliance processes, and ensure readiness for the 2029 deadline to avoid regulatory penalties.