Taiwan Toxic Chemical Import Permit 2026
When import rules list 553 (toxic or concerned chemicals), apply with the Chemical Administration, Ministry of Environment and obtain a review number through the FLORA system. The process: confirm control status, log in to FLORA, prepare SDS and disaster prevention data, then attach the approval for customs after review. If the content is below the controlled concentration, you may apply for a 533/553 review number instead.
🔴 Goods listing 550 are ozone-depleting substances and fluorinated greenhouse gases controlled under the Montreal Protocol (such as HFC refrigerants and Halon fire extinguishing agents), governed by regulations authorized under the Air Pollution Control Act. They are handled by the Department of Atmospheric Environment or the Climate Change Administration, Ministry of Environment, through a separate e-permit system, and imports are prohibited in principle — this is not the same matter as 553.
Last updated: 2026-05-27 · HowBridge Logistics editorial team · Reviewed by an AEO customs broker partner
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 | Montreal Protocol controlled substances: ozone-depleting substances and fluorinated greenhouse gases (HFC refrigerants, Halon fire extinguishing agents, etc.) | Department of Atmospheric Environment, Ministry of Environment (general controlled substances) / Climate Change Administration (HFCs) | Consent document, filed through the Montreal Protocol e-permit system; imports are prohibited in principle, with exceptions only for specific uses |
| 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 are issued in about 7 working days, and validity is usually 6 months from the issue date. Also note this is two layers of documents: the central authority (Chemical Administration, through FLORA) issues the import/export review number, while the operation permit (Classes 1-3) or approval document (Class 4) for toxic or concerned chemicals is issued by the municipal or county (city) authority — these are not the same document, and you need both to clear customs.
4. Four FLORA filing steps
The 4 steps below apply to 553 (toxic or concerned chemicals). Filing system: FLORA registration system, flora2.moenv.gov.tw. Montreal Protocol controlled substances listed under 550 do not go through FLORA — use the authority and system described in the previous section instead.
1Confirm substance status
Search by CAS number or substance name and choose the full permit or review-number route.
2Create company account
Use the company certificate to log in to FLORA and register operation site data.
3Fill application and upload files
Enter CAS number, name, import quantity, use, and upload SDS, prevention data, layouts, and ID files.
4Review 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
- FLORA registration system
- Montreal Protocol Controlled Substances E-Permit System (550)
- Resource Circulation Administration
- Taiwan import permit guide
Chemical Administration hotline: +886-2-2325-7399
8. FAQ
This page is a general guide. Actual import rules, review codes, and application procedures are subject to the latest Ministry of Environment and Taiwan Customs notices.
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