What’s Happening in South Korea?

What’s Happening in South Korea?

With so many changes happening in South Korea, it can be hard to keep up. Here is a brief outline of the most recent changes:

1. Restricted Chemical Substances List Update

As of May 8, 2018, the Ministry of Environment (MOE) is consulting on the addition of the following substance onto the Restricted Chemical Substance List. This substance poses a high human exposure risk in indoor places.

Given No.

Korean Name

English Name

CAS No.

Restricted Conditions

06-5-13

4,4′메틸렌비스(2-클로로아닐린) 및 이를 0.1% 이상 함유한 혼합물

4,4’-methylenebis(2-chloroaniline) (mixture containing 0.1% or more of this substance)

101-14-4

Manufacture, importation, sales, keeping, storage, transportation and use for waterproof flooring for building purpose are prohibited

If this substance is officially approved as a restricted chemical, companies must comply with the Chemical Control Act (CCA). As outlined in the Act, companies will be required to obtain written permission by the MOE before the manufacturing and importation of this chemical and any products containing this substance at 0.1% or more.

2. K-REACH Annual Reporting Deadline Has Passed

As of June 30, 2018, the deadline for the submission of an annual report under K-REACH has passed. This obligation applies to all manufactures, importers, or sellers of all new chemical substances (regardless of tonnage) and existing chemical substances ≥ 1 ton/year of the previous year (Jan 1 – Dec 31). Companies are required to report the volume and use of the substance to the Ministry of Environment (MOE) before the June 30^th deadline. Overseas manufacturers can appoint an Only Representative (OR) to proceed with annual reporting on their behalf.

With K-REACH currently undergoing amendments, this will be the last year companies are required to submit annual reports. The newly amended K-REACH will be adopting a pre-registration system and forgoing the current annual reporting method.

If you believe your product falls under such obligations and are unaware of how to meet these requirements, please contact Nexreg for more information.

Stay tuned for more information on the newly amended K-REACH regulation.