New regulations for batteries to come into force soon

This article was published by the Taiwan Headlines on August 30, 2006. According to the Environmental Protection Administration, batteries that contain mercury levels exceeding legal standards will be banned, starting September 2006.

The Environmental Protection Administration's surveys show that more than 40 percent of batteries on the market exceeded the legal standard. A majority of these batteries were imported from China or other unidentified sources. The mercury contained in these batteries could cause severe damage to the environment.

For example, a regular battery buried in the ground could contaminate one square meter of soil. Just one lithium corn cell (the kind of battery used in calculators) could contaminate up to 600 tonnes of water - the amount of water consumed by a person in a whole lifetime.

According to the Environmental Protection Administration, these batteries often come with toys, home appliances and stationery, and are mostly sold in places such as night markets and hypermarkets. Starting September 2006, the administration will actively boost inspections in these locations.

Sepcifically, starting September 2006, all batteries sold on the market will have to secure prior approval from the Environmental Protection Administration, and their mercury content must not exceed 5 parts per million (ppm).

Also starting September 2006, all battery packaging must show information about their mercury contents.

Starting December 2006, the Environmental Protection Administration will require all battery manufacturers to put labels on their products (except for those that are already on the market). These labels will state that the mercury contents of the batteries fall within the required range.

The administration estimates that more than 90 percent of batteries sold in Taiwan will be regulated by the aforementioned new regulations. Retailers who violate the regulations will be fined between NT$1,200 and NT$6,000.

Most importantly, manufacturers and importers of illegal batteries will be fined NT$60,000 to NT$300,000. The Environmental Protection Administration can also demand the products be removed immediately from store shelves.