The Ministry of Economic Affairs is to expand the scope of restrictions on exports to Russia and Belarus by adding nitrocellulose to its list of controlled items, effective from Friday next week.
Nitrocellulose, a highly flammable thermoplastic resin, is an essential component in smokeless gunpowder and ammunition propellant.
It has already been regulated by the US and the EU, the International Trade Administration said in a statement on Monday.
Photo: CNA
The inclusion of nitrocellulose comes after Taipei on March 8 added 77 items to its list of machine tools prohibited from being exported to Russia and Belarus in a bid to prevent the Russian military from using Taiwan’s high-tech products in its war in Ukraine.
Taiwan already imposes export restrictions on nitrocellulose with a nitrogen concentration in excess of 12.2 percent, but nothing below that, the trade agency said.
The decision to control exports of all nitrocellulose is necessary to prevent “a regulatory loophole,” it said.
Taoyuan-based TNC Industrial Co (台硝化工) is the only company in Taiwan that produces nitrocellulose with a nitrogen concentration below 12.2 percent, an official at the trade agency said.
The company’s thermoplastic resins are mainly shipped to the US, Japan and Vietnam for use as adhesives in metal, wood and leather products, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
In addition, the fine imposed on first-time offenders for exporting restricted items to Russia and Belarus has been increased to NT$1 million (US$30,979), the ministry said.
Meanwhile, the ministry called on businesses to comply with domestic and international export control regulations, fulfill their due diligence requirements and avoid contravening regulations, which would protect their business reputation, as well as their own rights and interests.
Ukraine’s Central Scientific Research Institute of Armament and Military Equipment said that nitrocellulose with a nitrogen concentration of only 11.5 percent is sufficient to produce smokeless gunpowder.
The information was disclosed after an inquiry by a European security research think tank in late April.
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