Taiwan to Ban Microbeads in Cosmetics

Referring to the America Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015 which will enter into force on July 1 2017, Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration proposed that it is to ban the manufacture and import of cosmetics and other cleansing products containing microbeads from July 1 2018 and ban their sale from Jan 2020. The official notice is expected to be released before Jun 2017.

Microbeads have been widely used in soaps, toothpaste, facial cleansing, sunscreens, shampoos, bath wash and scrub creams. Although microbeads pose no harm to the human body, the reason for the ban is due to the unacceptable marine pollution associated with their usage and disposal. Microbeads have a diameter of less than 5mm and are easily flushed into sewers and often end up in oceans. Microbeads are insoluble in water and resistant to degradation and can absorb a large amount of toxic pollutants. Marine organism may eat them and can eventually make their way into the human food chain.

Wang Yinbo from Taiwan Soap and Detergent Association noted that there was an alarming lack of official data on the amount of microbeads used by the cosmetic industry and their overall impact on the environment. Wang hoped that the EPA won’t go as far as a ban but will instead restrict usage by raising taxes. Interestingly he also disclosed that microbeads which are often used as an abrasive exfoliant have questionable efficacy when compared to other methods.

Xie Heling from Taiwan Watch Institute said that “it is 100% certain that microbeads pollute the ocean. There is actually no need for government to grant a long grace period, especially for imported products and I hope to realize a total sales ban as soon as possible”.