Safety controls moved to the center of Taiwan’s regulatory agenda Wednesday after officials confirmed the first domestic detection of banned Sudan dyes in cosmetic products. The government responded with a sweeping plan to strengthen oversight and reduce risks across the supply chain. Safety controls now guide new policy decisions.
Health Minister Shih Chung-liang announced that authorities will add Sudan dyes to regular post-market inspections. He stressed that inspectors must increase frequency and detail because the incident exposed gaps in current monitoring. He also explained that post-market reviews offer the most effective approach for complex cosmetic formulas.
Shih stated that Taiwan will require every cosmetics manufacturer to follow full Good Manufacturing Practice standards by next July. These standards aim to improve traceability and ensure consistent production quality. Officials believe that stronger factory oversight will prevent future contamination incidents.
Moreover, the government will enforce complete Product Information File registration for all cosmetics. Companies must complete this process before they can legally sell any product. Regulators said the requirement improves transparency because it forces firms to disclose ingredients, formulations and safety data.
Shih noted that global cosmetic rules rely on process management and positive ingredient lists rather than blanket border screening. He explained that customs officers cannot test every raw chemical because cosmetic production often involves hundreds of specialized materials. Taiwan’s system therefore mirrors international practice.
The investigation began when authorities traced unsafe items linked to Chinese cosmetic products sold through online channels. Inspectors discovered that local importer Eho Co. purchased raw materials from a supplier in Singapore. These materials contained Sudan dyes and entered the production lines of 14 downstream companies.
Officials confirmed that at least 20 finished products used the problematic ingredients. Retailers pulled all affected items from store shelves during the early stages of the inquiry. Regulators issued warnings to distributors and informed consumers about disposal procedures.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare will fine Eho Co. NT$5 million this week. Prosecutors will investigate whether the company knowingly violated Taiwan’s cosmetic laws. Shih said investigators want to determine if negligence or deliberate actions caused the supply-chain breach.
Industry experts warned that the incident may influence consumer behavior. Many shoppers now monitor ingredient labels more closely and favor brands with strong quality assurances. Companies may also accelerate efforts to localize sourcing and reduce exposure to foreign intermediaries.
Business groups urged regulators to provide updated guidance for small manufacturers. They argued that smaller firms need clear instructions to meet upcoming GMP requirements without disrupting production. Officials promised training programs and additional resources during the transition period.
Looking ahead, the ministry plans to expand data-sharing systems to track imported chemicals more effectively. Officials also want to improve collaboration with international regulators to prevent unsafe raw materials from entering Taiwan’s market.
Taiwan’s tightened Safety controls aim to restore consumer trust and modernize oversight standards. The country now prepares for wider compliance checks as it strengthens protections across the cosmetic industry.
