Taipei: Taiwan will enhance its regulatory measures on cosmetic products following the discovery of banned Sudan dyes in items sold locally, as announced by Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang. The decision marks the first instance of these colorants being detected in the domestic market.
According to Focus Taiwan, the Ministry of Health and Welfare plans to incorporate Sudan dyes into its routine post-market inspections, which are designed to ensure product safety and quality after market entry. Minister Shih stated this initiative aims to prevent future occurrences and reassured the public of the ministry’s commitment to consumer safety.
In addition to the expanded inspections, the ministry will mandate Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance for all cosmetics manufacturers starting July 1 of the following year, thereby enhancing oversight on production processes. The new regulations will also require all cosmetic products to complete Product Information File (PIF) registration to be sold legally.
Minister Shih explained that the regulation of cosmetics globally relies on process control, positive ingredient lists, and GMP standards instead of comprehensive border inspections. Taiwan adopts this framework due to the vast array of raw chemicals in cosmetics, which makes customs screening impractical.
The situation was uncovered when authorities identified problematic Chinese cosmetics sold online, tracing them back to Taiwanese importer Eho Co. The company had acquired raw materials from Singapore containing Sudan dyes, which were then distributed to 14 downstream companies, affecting 20 products now removed from shelves.
The ministry has decided to impose a fine of NT$5 million (US$160,000) on Eho Co. this week. Additionally, the case has been forwarded to prosecutors to ascertain whether the violations were deliberate.
