Taiwan Restricted Cosmetic Ingredients: 2026 Boric Acid Ban and Key Updates

Taiwan restricted cosmetic ingredients list marks a pivotal change for manufacturers. In April 2025, Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) published a draft amendment to the List of Restricted Ingredients in Cosmetic Products, signaling significant changes for cosmetic manufacturers and importers. The revised regulation, expected to take effect on July 1, 2026, introduces a full ban on boric acid and tightens controls on numerous other ingredients.

Regulatory Changes

According to the TFDA’s announcement, the proposed amendment includes:

Complete removal of boric acid and its compounds from all cosmetic formulations
Termination of its previously permitted use (0.1%) in non-medicated toothpaste and mouthwash
Additional restrictions on 34 hair dye-related ingredients
Revisions to the regulatory status of 74 existing ingredients

Non-compliance with the updated requirements may result in penalties ranging from NT$20,000 to NT$5 million, with the possibility of business suspension or license revocation under Article 6 of the Cosmetic Hygiene and Safety Act in Taiwan.

Implications for Industry

These changes extend beyond formulation. They require proactive risk management across regulatory, supply chain, and quality systems. Businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or distributing cosmetic products in Taiwan should:

Assess formulations for banned or restricted substances
Confirm raw material compliance with updated ingredient limits
Revise Product Information Files (PIFs) and associated documentation
Prepare reformulation plans for affected rinse-off products

Regulatory Basis for Boric Acid Removal

Boric acid is considered a reproductive toxicant and is poorly metabolized by the human body. The ban aligns Taiwan’s regulation more closely with the EU’s SVHC framework and reflects a broader commitment to consumer safety.

Cisema’s Support for Compliance in Taiwan

Cisema’s Taiwan team offers specialized support for navigating these regulatory updates, including:

Ingredient compliance reviews and documentation updates
Supplier and factory audits for raw material verification
Regulatory strategy and submission support
Ongoing quality and compliance oversight

To maintain market access and reduce compliance risk, early preparation is critical.

Learn more about our Quality Control and Cosmetic Regulatory & PIF Management services to ensure your cosmetic products comply with Taiwan’s regulatory requirements.