Taiwan Tightens Air Pollution Standards for Cement Industry, Regulating Dioxins and Heavy Metals
Taiwan's Ministry of Environment has announced revised air pollutant emission standards for the cement industry, bringing hazardous pollutants like dioxins and 12 heavy metals under regulation for the first time. The new rules, aimed at international alignment and managing risks from using waste as fuel, require operators to submit raw material management plans. A grace period is available until January 1, 2029, for equipment upgrades, with non-compliance facing fines up to NT$20 million.
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- 📰 Published: May 19, 2026 at 16:16
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TAIPEI, May 19 (CNA) -- Taiwan's Ministry of Environment (MOE) announced today the revision of air pollutant emission standards for the cement industry, bringing hazardous air pollutants such as dioxins and 12 heavy metals under regulation. Operators can apply for an extension for equipment upgrades, but the deadline cannot be later than January 1, 2029. Violations could result in fines of up to NT$20 million.
In a press release today, the MOE stated that it had revised and promulgated the 'Air Pollutant Emission Standards for the Cement Industry' on the 18th. The key aspect of the amendment is to align with international standards by regulating hazardous air pollutants like dioxins and 12 heavy metals, while also adding standards for hydrogen fluoride (HF), hydrogen chloride (HCl), and carbon monoxide (CO).
Huang Wei-ming, Director of the MOE's Department of Atmospheric Environment, told CNA that there are currently 6 cement plants in Taiwan, including 4 in Yilan and 2 in Hualien. Future emission violations can be penalized under the Air Pollution Control Act with fines ranging from NT$100,000 to NT$20 million.
The MOE stated that with the active promotion of net-zero carbon emission policies, the proportion of waste being co-processed as alternative fuel in domestic cement kilns is continuously increasing. To prevent potential pollution from diverse material sources and considering the high correlation between cement industry emissions and feed composition, this amendment specifically introduces a 'Raw/Material and Fuel Screening and Usage Ratio Management Plan' system.
The MOE explained that through the traceability and management of resource-circulating materials, operators are encouraged to screen raw materials based on their own cement kiln's processing capabilities. This helps operators understand the composition of these materials and ensure compliance with emission standards from the source through screening, control, and adjustment of feed ratios.
Therefore, the MOE pointed out that considering the industry needs time for equipment upgrades and parameter adjustments, the amendment provides a buffer measure. Operators can submit their ratio management plans before October 30 this year to the local competent authority to apply for a grace period, providing reasonable time to adapt. However, the grace period cannot extend beyond January 1, 2029.
The MOE emphasized that this amendment underwent multiple cross-ministerial and industry-government-academia discussions, achieving a broad consensus. Through a dual-track approach of 'stricter end-of-pipe emissions' and 'source material composition control,' it balances the circular economy and air pollution control.
In a press release today, the MOE stated that it had revised and promulgated the 'Air Pollutant Emission Standards for the Cement Industry' on the 18th. The key aspect of the amendment is to align with international standards by regulating hazardous air pollutants like dioxins and 12 heavy metals, while also adding standards for hydrogen fluoride (HF), hydrogen chloride (HCl), and carbon monoxide (CO).
Huang Wei-ming, Director of the MOE's Department of Atmospheric Environment, told CNA that there are currently 6 cement plants in Taiwan, including 4 in Yilan and 2 in Hualien. Future emission violations can be penalized under the Air Pollution Control Act with fines ranging from NT$100,000 to NT$20 million.
The MOE stated that with the active promotion of net-zero carbon emission policies, the proportion of waste being co-processed as alternative fuel in domestic cement kilns is continuously increasing. To prevent potential pollution from diverse material sources and considering the high correlation between cement industry emissions and feed composition, this amendment specifically introduces a 'Raw/Material and Fuel Screening and Usage Ratio Management Plan' system.
The MOE explained that through the traceability and management of resource-circulating materials, operators are encouraged to screen raw materials based on their own cement kiln's processing capabilities. This helps operators understand the composition of these materials and ensure compliance with emission standards from the source through screening, control, and adjustment of feed ratios.
Therefore, the MOE pointed out that considering the industry needs time for equipment upgrades and parameter adjustments, the amendment provides a buffer measure. Operators can submit their ratio management plans before October 30 this year to the local competent authority to apply for a grace period, providing reasonable time to adapt. However, the grace period cannot extend beyond January 1, 2029.
The MOE emphasized that this amendment underwent multiple cross-ministerial and industry-government-academia discussions, achieving a broad consensus. Through a dual-track approach of 'stricter end-of-pipe emissions' and 'source material composition control,' it balances the circular economy and air pollution control.