South Korea implements safety management system for biocides in home appliances.

On July 12, the Ministry of Environment and the Korea Consumer Agency signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with home appliance companies to establish an autonomous safety management system for biocides used in home appliances.  

Regulations and Industry Goals 

Starting in 2028, the home appliance industry will be required to use only approved biocidal products and label processed products under the Consumer Chemical Products and Biocides Safety Control Act. The consumer electronics industry aims to reduce the use of biocides and eliminate exaggerated claims, such as “99% antibacterial power”, associated with biocidal products.  

Cooperation and Support 

The Korea Consumer Agency will collaborate with the home appliance industry to create a safer market environment. The Ministry of Environment will support the implementation of chemical-related systems and improve safety management capabilities throughout the supply chain. Vice Minister of Environment Lee Byung-hwa expressed gratitude for the industry’s efforts to improve safety and reduce the hype about antibacterial effects. Yoon So-hyun, head of the Korea Consumer Agency, emphasized the agency’s commitment to eliminating the hype surrounding biocidal products and improving the product use environment for consumers.