No, child labor under 14 in Taiwan is strictly prohibited under the Child and Youth Labor Standards Act (CYLSA), enforced by the Ministry of Labor (MOL). Exemptions exist only for educational or vocational training programs with MOL approval, and even then, hours and conditions are heavily restricted. Violations carry fines up to NT$1.5 million (≈US$48,000) and potential criminal liability for employers.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in Taiwan
- Prohibition of Employment: The CYLSA explicitly bans hiring children under 14 for paid work, with exceptions limited to supervised apprenticeships or cultural/artistic performances (Article 10).
- Educational Exemptions: Children aged 12–14 may engage in light work during school breaks under MOL-approved programs, capped at 2 hours daily and 12 hours weekly (Article 11).
- Strict Parental/Guardian Consent: Any permitted work requires written consent from a parent/guardian and a prior risk assessment submitted to local labor authorities (Article 12).
The 2026 amendment to the CYLSA tightens oversight by mandating digital reporting of child labor activities and increasing unannounced inspections by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Employers must also display workplace notices detailing prohibited tasks for minors. Non-compliance risks administrative penalties and reputational damage, as the MOL prioritizes enforcement in high-risk sectors like agriculture and manufacturing.