Taiwan to Implement a New List of Legal Cosmetic Colorants

Taiwan FDA recently published a revised List of Legal Colorants in Cosmetics, which will enter into force since Jan 1 2016. This new list includes only 93 colorants, 21 fewer than the previous version. In addition the colorants are now divided into 4 categories in the new list while the previous list only contained two categories.

• Colouring agents allowed in all cosmetic products
• Colouring agents allowed in all cosmetic products except those intended to be applied in the vicinity of the eyes
• Coulouring agents allowed exclusively in cosmetic products intended not to come into contact with the mucous membranes
• Colouring agents allowed exclusively in cosmetic products intended to come into contact only briefly with the skin

The list also adds that any pigments and salts derived from the 93 colorants and non-prohibited ingredients can be used in cosmetics. For colorants excluded from this list, they are allowed to be used in cosmetics if their limits have been publicized in EU, American or Japanese legislative frameworks but shall not exceed these limits. The applicants shall submit relevant documentation to prove the colorant is permitted for use in the regions/countries at the time of applying for examination and registration. However, this rule is not applicable for the following 19 colorants:List of Legal Colorants in Cosmetics

The holder of a medicated cosmetics license containing any of these 19 colorants shall complete modification before Dec. 31 2015 and the related dossier shall be kept for future inspection.

* Please click here to see the List.