South Korea opens public consultation on partial amendment of Regulations on Classification and Labeling of Chemical Substances.

On May 30, 2024, the National Institute of Chemical Safety (NICS) in South Korea issued an administrative notice regarding the partial revision of the Regulations on Classification and Labeling of Chemical Substances. Here are the key details:

1. New Hazard Classification and Labeling for Toxic Substances:

As a result of hazard studies conducted under the Act on Registration and Evaluation of Chemical Substances, new hazard classification and labeling were established for both new and existing toxic substances.

Specifically, 11 types of toxic substances, including “phosphorus trifluoride”, will be newly classified and labeled with unique numbers ranging from “2024-1-1213” to “2024-1-1223.”

2. Revised Classification and Labeling for Existing Hazardous Chemicals:

Existing hazardous chemicals that require changes based on additional data will have their classification and labeling revised.

This includes:

Revision of the classification and labeling for three toxic substances (KE numbers “2017-1-785”, “2018-1-837” and “2021-1-1068”).

Addition of pictograms (GHS 9) corresponding to hazard to the aquatic environment for one type of toxic substance (KE number “97-1-145”).

Specific indication of the CAS number for sub-isomers of two toxic substances (KE numbers “2017-1-762” and “2022-1-1095”).

* The KE number refers to a unique identifier assigned to existing chemical substances in South Korea.

3. Implementation Obligations:

Individuals and organizations required to label hazardous chemicals must comply with the revised regulations under the Chemical Substances Control Act (as specified in Article 16 of the Act).

4. Submission of Comments:

Stakeholders interested in commenting on this notice can submit written feedback to the Director of the National Institute of Chemical Safety (Chemical Registration Evaluation Team) no later than June 19, 2024.

The submission should include:

A. Opinions on whether or not the notice should be revised and the rationale for the position.

B. Name (or name of organization and representative), address, and phone number.

C. The full text of relevant amendments to the “Regulations on Classification and Labeling of Chemical Substances” can be submitted via the Chemical Substances Safety Board website.