Quick Answer
Since 1 July 2019, Taiwan’s rules on restricting single-use plastic straws have barred four types of venues, government agencies, public and private schools, department stores and shopping malls, and fast-food chains, from providing single-use plastic straws for dine-in customers; takeaway is not restricted. Exceptions include biodegradable plastic straws, and straws made mainly of paper or other plant fiber with under 10% plastic that can be physically separated. When choosing straws, bubble tea shops should consider whether the venue is restricted, dine-in or takeaway, the bore needed for pearls and other toppings, cost and user experience.
Taiwan’s Plastic Straw Restrictions
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Effective date | 1 July 2019 |
| Restricted venues | Government agencies, public and private schools, department stores and shopping malls, fast-food chains |
| Scope | No single-use plastic straws for dine-in; takeaway not restricted |
| Exceptions | Biodegradable plastic straws; straws mainly of paper or plant fiber with under 10% plastic that can be physically separated; straws attached to products at the factory, etc. |
| Penalty | NT$1,200–6,000 (tickets issued directly since 1 July 2020) |
A bubble tea shop inside a department store or shopping mall is a restricted venue, so dine-in drinks need non-single-use plastic straws or straws that qualify for an exception. Overseas stores should check local laws.
PLA vs Paper vs Plastic Straws
| Comparison | Plastic straws | PLA straws | Paper straws |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Conventional plastic | Polylactic acid (a biodegradable plastic) | Paper fiber |
| User experience | Stable | Close to plastic straws | May soften after soaking a long time |
| Taiwan rules (dine-in at restricted venues) | Not allowed | Exception as a biodegradable plastic | Exception if conditions are met |
| Cost | Lower | Higher | Higher |
PLA usually needs specific processing conditions to break down, and recycling and disposal differ by location, so check local rules when choosing it.
Pearl Drinks Need Wide Straws
Tapioca pearls, large boba and taro balls need wide-bore straws; plain teas and fruit teas without toppings can use medium straws.
Tang Sugar’s Straws
| Item | Packing |
|---|---|
| Colored or black individually wrapped wide straws | 2,000 per carton |
| Colored or black individually wrapped medium straws | 4,000 per carton |
| 8×21 PLA individually wrapped medium straws | 4,000 per carton |
| 12×21 PLA individually wrapped wide straws | 2,000 per carton |
| 8×21 individually wrapped medium paper straws | 3,000 per carton |
| 12×21 individually wrapped wide paper straws | 2,000 per carton |
For details, contact us.
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FAQ
Can bubble tea shops in Taiwan use plastic straws?
Under rules in force since 1 July 2019, government agencies, schools, department stores and shopping malls, and fast-food chains may not provide single-use plastic straws for dine-in; takeaway is not restricted.
Can PLA straws be used at restricted venues?
Biodegradable plastic straws are an exception under the rules, and PLA is a type of biodegradable plastic.
What are the downsides of paper straws?
They may soften after soaking in a drink for a long time, and they cost more.
What is the fine for breaking Taiwan’s straw rules?
NT$1,200 to NT$6,000.
Where can bubble tea shops buy paper or PLA straws?
Usually wholesale from packaging suppliers; check that length and bore suit pearl drinks and that they meet local straw rules. Tang Sugar supplies straws and cups that can ship together with ingredients; contact us.
Further Reading
Sources
- Environmental Information Center (2018-06-08): Dine-in single-use plastic straws banned at four venue types from July 2019 (in Chinese)
- Legispedia: Can plastic straws still be used? (in Chinese)
- Lawbank: Rules on restricted users and implementation of single-use plastic straws (2019-05-08) (in Chinese)
- Tang Sugar product list (March 2026 edition)
