Since 2000, regulation of the use of chemicals has been one of the most important issues in environmental legislative agendas. REACH legislation in the EU has encouraged new regulations on chemical usage in countries such as Taiwan, where the Toxic Chemical Substances Control Act has undergone amendments since 2011. This study explores dynamic relations among environmental groups, enterprises, and the law-making state. It is noted that the electronics industry, which requires the intensive use of chemicals, was in a similar position in dealing with environmental groups to support the Taiwanese version of REACH. However, the extent to which amendments to the law reflect precautionary values relies on alternating conflict and compromise between market and social forces rather than the simple goodwill of the market. The general characteristics of environmental legislation in Taiwan are also discussed.

Keywords: precautionary principle, ecological modernization, symbolic legislation, Toxic Chemical Substances Control act, electronics industry