Taiwan Toxic Chemical Import Permit 2026
When Taiwan import rules list 553 or 550, approval from the Ministry of Environment is required before customs declaration.
If import rules list 553 for toxic chemicals or 550 for concerned chemicals, obtain a permit or approval from Taiwan Ministry of Environment. Confirm control status, file through FLORA, prepare SDS and disaster prevention data, then attach approval for customs. If concentration is below control thresholds, a 533/553 review number may apply.
Contents
1. Toxic and concerned chemical controls
Taiwan controls listed substances as toxic chemicals or concerned chemicals. Import operations require prior approval documents from the authority.
2. Difference between 553, 550, and 533
| Code | Applies to | Authority | Document |
|---|---|---|---|
| 553 | Listed toxic chemicals | Ministry of Environment | Permit through FLORA |
| 550 | Concerned chemicals | Ministry of Environment | Approval through FLORA |
| 533 | 553 tariff item but below controlled concentration or not listed | Ministry of Environment | 533/553 review number |
3. Two filing routes: permit vs. review number
Route 1: full permit or approval
For substances confirmed as listed toxic or concerned chemicals.
- Operator and site data
- Responsible person ID documents
- Safety Data Sheet with component total at 100%
- Disaster prevention data and layout drawings
Route 2: 533/553 review number
For 553 tariff items where concentration is below the control threshold or the substance is not listed.
- Company or business registration
- Product catalog
- Safety Data Sheet
- Declaration that other laws do not control the product
- Import declaration
Common cases take about 7 working days; validity is usually six months from issue date.
4. Four FLORA filing steps
Application system: FLORA registration system flora2.moenv.gov.tw
Confirm substance status
Search by CAS number or substance name and choose the full permit or review-number route.
Create company account
Use the company certificate to log in to FLORA and register operation site data.
Fill application and upload files
Enter CAS number, name, import quantity, use, and upload SDS, prevention data, layouts, and ID files.
Review and issuance
After review, the authority issues the permit or approval document for customs use.
5. Safety Data Sheet requirements
SDS is a key document for toxic chemical import approval. Common review points include:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Component total | Component concentrations should add up to 100%; avoid vague remainder wording. |
| Issuer | Prefer documents issued by the manufacturer or qualified professional body. |
| Language | Chinese or bilingual Chinese-English version is recommended. |
| CAS numbers | Each component should show CAS number for list matching. |
6. Special rules for hazardous industrial waste
Hazardous industrial waste imports are handled by the Resource Circulation Administration and require specific permits and international documents.
- Waste clearance, treatment, or reuse permit
- Exporting government consent under the Basel Convention
Do not disguise hazardous waste as ordinary chemicals. Violations may result in heavy penalties and criminal liability.
7. How to confirm whether a substance is controlled
- Toxic chemical quick lookup: search by CAS number or substance name on the chemical authority website.
- FLORA substance search: log in to flora2.moenv.gov.tw and check the controlled category.
- CCC import rule: check whether the tariff item lists 553, 550, or 533.
- HowBridge Logistics tool: enter product name in customs documents to see possible permit alerts.
Chemical Administration hotline: +886-2-2325-7399
8. FAQ
553 applies to toxic chemicals, while 550 applies to concerned chemicals. Both require filing through FLORA for the proper document.
It may apply when a 553 tariff item is below controlled concentration or is not a listed toxic chemical.
SDS component concentrations should total 100%, with CAS numbers and preferably manufacturer or qualified issuer support.
No. It is highly controlled and requires waste handling permits plus exporting government consent.
Use the Chemical Administration quick lookup by CAS number or substance name.
Common complete cases take about 7 working days. Complex cases may take longer, so apply 2 to 4 weeks early.
Not sure whether your goods need chemical approval?
Use HowBridge Logistics tools to enter the product name, match the 11-digit tariff code, and see import rule alerts before preparing broker data.
Check import rules View permit guide