Korea Revises Toxic Substance Rules: 26 Chemicals Assessed under K-REACH

On November 20, 2024, South Korea’s National Institute of Chemical Safety (NICS) announced updates to its toxic substance regulations with the publication of the administrative notice of Partial Revision of the Designated Notice of Toxic Substances. The revision is in accordance with the "Act on the Registration and Evaluation of Chemical Substances (K-REACH).  

Reason for Revision 

In accordance with the Act on the Registration and Evaluation of Chemical Substances (K-REACH), substances that have been assessed as high hazard are to be designated as new toxic substances. 

Key Updates in the Revision 

1. Hazard Assessments: 

• Conducted on new and existing chemical substances per Article 18 of K-REACH. 

• Criteria have been established for the designation of 26 new toxic substances, with unique numbers ranging from "2024-1-1223" to "2024-1-1248". 

• Aquatic Environment Hazards: 2024-1-1223 to 2024-1-1247. 

• Strong Toxicity from Repeated Exposure: 2024-1-1248. 

2. Revised Data: 

• The unique number "97-1-91" has been updated to reflect the name of the chemical substance. 

• "Zinc carbonate" (97-1-91) has been excluded due to its high hazard to water, but it meets the criteria for designation as a toxic substance. 

3. Interim Measures: 

• Deadlines for compliance with the Chemicals Control Act for those handling newly designated toxic substances, including import declarations, business licenses, and labeling standards. 

Opportunity for Stakeholder Input 

Stakeholders are invited to submit their opinions on the announcement by December 10, 2024. Submissions should include: 

• Specific opinions on the notice (whether it should be revised and why). 

• Name, address, and telephone number (for organizations, include the name and representative). 

Contact Information: 

• Chemical Registration and Evaluation Team 

• Tel: 032-560-7218 

• Fax: 032-568-2038 

For detailed results, refer to the "Notification of Hazard Assessment Results of Chemical Substances" on the Chemical Safety Agency website: www.kreach.me.go.kr.