South Korea Regulatory News

On July 8, 2025, South Korea announced the draft establishment of “Standard Quantity Thresholds for Hazardous Chemicals”.  In response to the overhaul of the toxic substance designation and manag...

On July 8, 2025, South Korea announced the draft establishment of “Standard Quantity Thresholds for Hazardous Chemicals”.  In response to the overhaul of the toxic substance designation and management framework, amendments to the subordinate legislation under the Chemical Substances Control Act are being proposed. The draft introduces specific quantity thresholds for hazardous chemicals, as delegated to the Chemical Safety Agency under Articles 19(2), 19(8), 23(12), 27(1), 27(7), and 29(1) of the enforcement rules. The goal is to establish a clear regulatory basis and update existing thresholds accordingly. 

Key Provisions of the Draft Regulation 

A. Classification-Based Quantity Thresholds 

A new reference table is introduced to determine standard control quantities based on the revised classification system under the Act on the Registration and Evaluation of Chemicals. The table covers: 

• Acute toxicity 

• Chronic toxicity 

• Physical and chemical hazards 

• Ecotoxicity 

Each group is assigned upper and lower threshold limits to reflect hazard severity. 

B. Updated and Expanded Quantity Criteria 

Existing quantity thresholds are revised to align with the updated hazard categories (acute, chronic, and ecological). A new minimum control threshold is introduced for lower-risk substances. 

Additional notes include: 

• For substances designated as accident-preparedness substances, specific thresholds listed in Annex 3 will apply. 

• For substances listed as items 282 and 557, if the material is in liquid form under standard conditions, the quantity marked with an asterisk (*) applies. 

• For entries marked ** or ***, the applicable threshold depends on whether the substance is handled in liquid or solid form. 

C. Consolidation of Existing Standards 

The quantity standards currently found in [Annex 3-2] of the enforcement rules will be migrated and integrated into a separate public notice by the Chemical Safety Agency for clarity and unified management. 

Public Comment Submission 

Stakeholders, including institutions, organizations, and individuals, are encouraged to submit feedback on this draft by July 21, 2025. Responses may be submitted online through the National Legislative Participation Center or by sending a written opinion including name, affiliation, contact information, and comments to the Director of the NICS. 

On July 6, 2025, South Korea proposed a full revision of the “Detailed Handling Standards for Hazardous Chemicals” to align with recent amendments to the Chemical Substances Control Act and the Ac...

On July 6, 2025, South Korea proposed a full revision of the “Detailed Handling Standards for Hazardous Chemicals” to align with recent amendments to the Chemical Substances Control Act and the Act on the Registration and Evaluation of Chemicals (K-REACH). These legislative changes shift the management system for toxic substance from a uniform to a differentiated framework based on chemical hazard levels. Consequently, the handling standards for hazardous substances need to be updated to reflect this new approach. 

Key Highlights of the Proposed Changes 

A. Updated Objective (Article 1 Draft) 

This regulation aims to establish specific handling guidelines and best practices for hazardous chemicals, as defined under Article 13 of the Chemical Substances Control Act and Rule 8, Annex 1 of its enforcement ordinance. 

B. New Definitions Introduced (Article 2 Draft) 

New terms are defined to clarify the scope of the regulation: 

• General Standards: Basic safety protocols that all handlers must follow, regardless of the substance’s hazard classification. 

• Substance-Specific Standards: Detailed handling requirements tailored to each hazardous chemical. 

• Core Handling Requirements: Mandatory safety measures based on a substance’s known risks. 

• Recommended Practices: Informational guidelines to support the safe handling of substances on-site. 

C. General Safety Requirements Established (Article 3 Draft) 

All handlers of hazardous substances must adhere to the following protocols: 

1. Fully understand the safety information before use. 

2. Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). 

3. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking near hazardous materials. 

4. Prevent environmental discharge through proper containment and disposal. 

5. Inform nearby personnel of potential dangers in case of spills or accidents. 

6. Dispose of any spilled or leaked chemicals in accordance with legal standards. 

Additionally, employers are responsible for ensuring immediate medical evaluation for workers suspected of exposure to hazardous substances. 

D. New Recommendations by Substance (Annex 1) 

A new annex provides guidance tailored to individual chemicals, supporting safer site-level management. 

E. Updated Hazardous Chemicals List 

The list of regulated substances has been revised and now includes new annotations for clarity and ease of use. 

F. Operational Improvements 

Minor amendments have been made to enhance the regulation’s usability and enforceability. 

Public Comments Invited 

Organizations, associations, or individuals who wish to provide feedback on the draft revision must submit their comments to the Chemical Safety Agency by July 27, 2025. Submissions should include relevant contact details and clear feedback on the proposed changes. 

On June 18, 2025, South Korea issued an official notice outlining a complete revision of the national regulation titled, “Notification on the Installation and Management of Facilities for the Manufa...

On June 18, 2025, South Korea issued an official notice outlining a complete revision of the national regulation titled, “Notification on the Installation and Management of Facilities for the Manufacture, Use, and Storage of Hazardous Chemicals”. This comprehensive amendment is part of an ongoing effort to enhance chemical safety and modernize risk management practices in line with recent legislative changes under the Chemical Substances Control Act (K-CCA). 

The purpose of the regulatory update is to subordinate newly introduced categorization of toxic substances (those with acute or chronic human toxicity, and ecotoxic substances) and specify the standards for each category. The key aspects of the amendment include:  

• Consolidation of existing notifications. 

• Establishment of differentiated facility standards based on categories. 

• Improvement of weakness and operational deficiencies in the current standards.  

Key Amendments 

This legislative revision aims to improve safety and regulatory efficiency in several critical areas: 

1. Integration of Related Notifications 

• The revised notification consolidates and restructures safety standards, shifting the focus from manufacturing and usage facilities to storage facilities.  

• This integration provides a clearer regulatory framework by aligning the rules with specific facility types and hazard classifications, ensuring consistency across different stages of chemical handling. 

2. Differentiated Facility Standards Based on Categories 

• The revised standards introduce tailored technical requirements according to the types of chemical hazards: human acute toxicity, human chronic toxicity, and ecological toxicity.  

• Facility criteria are now categorized into three detailed annexes (Annexes 1–3), each corresponding to a specific hazard class. This differentiation allows for more precise risk management and facility design based on the chemical properties involved. 

3. Improved Safety and Operational Guidelines for Chemical Handling Facilities 

• New safety protocols focus on storage-specific risks, including enhanced requirements for leakage detection, emergency response systems, spill containment, ventilation, labeling, and access control.  

• Operational guidelines have been updated to include detailed procedures for receiving, storing, and tracking chemicals.  

• A transitional grace period has been introduced for certain high-risk substances, allowing facilities time to comply with newly mandated emission control systems. 

Public Comments 

Stakeholders, including businesses, industry associations, academic institutions, and individuals, are encouraged to review the proposed amendment and provide feedback. Comments must be submitted in writing to the National Institute of Chemical Safety by July 7, 2025.  

On June 11, 2025, South Korea published a draft regulation under the Chemical Substances Control Act (K-CCA) concerning the chemical safety framework. This action follows the restructuring of the toxi...

On June 11, 2025, South Korea published a draft regulation under the Chemical Substances Control Act (K-CCA) concerning the chemical safety framework. This action follows the restructuring of the toxic substance classification system, which now differentiates regulatory levels based on hazard type—particularly between chronic human toxicity and physical hazards. 

Previously, certain chemicals were excluded from strict control if they only posed chronic health risks. However, despite not being classified as "hazardous chemicals", some of these substances still carry significant physical risks that could lead to chemical accidents or exacerbate their impact. 

Key Changes 

• Regulatory Authority Transfer: The authority for designating "Accident Preparedness Substances" will shift from the Ministry of Environment to the National Institute of Chemical Safety (NICS) via formal notice. 

• New Substance Additions:  Three substances will be added to the list of accident preparedness substances due to their physical hazard profiles: 

  • Xylene 
  • Styrene 
  • 1,3-Butadiene 

These chemicals are currently managed as toxic substances for their chronic human health effects, but the revision addresses their potential to cause or worsen chemical accidents. 

Public Comments: 

NICS is accepting public feedback on this proposal. Stakeholders can submit opinions either online or offline by June 28, 2025. 

On May 28, 2025, South Korea notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a proposed amendment to the designation and safety/labeling standards for daily use consumer chemical products under the Che...

On May 28, 2025, South Korea notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a proposed amendment to the designation and safety/labeling standards for daily use consumer chemical products under the Chemical Products Safety Act. The revision aims to strengthen mandatory safety standards and streamline regulatory measures based on updated risk assessments. 

Key Changes: 

• Product Category Removal: Tattoo ink products will be removed from the list, as they will be transferred to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as of June 14, 2025. 

• Labeling Improvements for Reusable Products: Moisture absorbers with refillable containers will require clearer labeling and updated precautionary wording. 

• New Safety Warnings for Combustible Items: Products such as scented candles and air fresheners that involve combustion must include specific usage warnings. 

• Child-Resistant Packaging Notices: Liquid products that may qualify for child-resistant packaging due to pH changes during use must include recommended warnings. 

• Clearer Substance Management and Labeling: The chemical names of substances subject to regulation and analysis will be standardized for improved clarity and compliance. 

Public Feedback: 

WTO opens public feedback period of 20 days since the notification date. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to submit their opinions on the proposed changes by June 17, 2025. 

On May 19, 2025, South Korea notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of proposed amendments to the “Special Act on Imported Food Safety Control” aimed at strengthening consumer safety by regul...

On May 19, 2025, South Korea notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of proposed amendments to the “Special Act on Imported Food Safety Control” aimed at strengthening consumer safety by regulating the use of recycled materials in imported food-contact items such as utensils and packaging. Although Korea’s Food Sanitation Act already regulates the use of recycled materials in domestically produced food-contact items, there are currently no safety standards for recycled materials used in imported items. This gap poses a potential health risk torec consumers. The proposed amendment introduces a system to ensure that recycled materials used in imported utensils, containers, and packaging comply with Korean food safety standards. 

Key Provisions 

1. Mandatory Safety Certification for Recycled Materials (Article 10-3) 

• Importers of food-contact products made with recycled materials must obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) to verify that the materials meet the safety criteria under the Food Sanitation Act. 

• Importers must submit the required documentation and may be asked to provide additional safety data. 

• If approved, the MFDS will issue an official certification. 

• Certifications obtained through false or misleading means will be revoked. 

2. Ban on Non-Certified Recycled Material Imports (Article 10-4) 

• It is strictly prohibited to import or sell any food-contact articles made with recycled materials that have not received official MFDS approval. 

3. Enforcement and Penalties (Article 42 Amendment) 

• Violators who import or distribute non-certified recycled products will be subject to regulatory penalties under the revised Article 42. 

On May 16, 2025, South Korea launched the construction of the nation’s first dedicated animal-free testing facility, with the aim of promoting ethical scientific practices and improving chemical saf...

On May 16, 2025, South Korea launched the construction of the nation’s first dedicated animal-free testing facility, with the aim of promoting ethical scientific practices and improving chemical safety assessments. The facility is being built at the headquarters of the Korea Environment Corporation (K-ECO) in Incheon and is scheduled for completion in October 2026. 

This project supports the global shift towards alternatives to animal testing, aligning with similar moves by the EU and the United States. It will also contribute to South Korea’s national goal of replacing over 60% of toxicity testing with alternative methods by 2030. 

Key Contents  

1. Facility Overview: 

• Size: 7,499㎡, with 4 floors above ground and 1 basement level. 

• Budget: ₩33.4 billion (approximately $24 million). 

• Focus: Testing using human cells, artificial organs, 3D models, and AI simulations. 

2. Functions and Services: 

• Perform non-animal toxicity assessments. 

• Operate a training center for researchers. 

• Host international conferences and workshops. 

• Support certification and provide technical guidance for private testing labs. 

 3. Legal and Policy Support: 

• Based on Korea’s Chemical Substances Control Act. 

• Government policy promotes animal alternatives as a first option. 

Awareness and Engagement Activities  

To coincide with the launch, the Ministry designated May 16–23 as "Animal-Free Testing Awareness Week". Activities include: 

• May 16: Government–industry roundtable on alternative testing. 

• May 20: Expert workshop in Seoul covering: 

• Current government strategies. 

• Case studies from private labs. 

• Research updates and mental health support for animal researchers. 

This facility is expected to reduce dependence on animal testing, lower costs, and improve the accuracy and speed of testing. South Korea aims to become a global leader in ethical, science-driven toxicology and chemical safety.