South Korea launches voluntary reporting period for K-REACH violations – offers penalty exemptions

The South Korean Ministry of Environment (MoE), in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), has launched an 8-month voluntary reporting period, starting from February 28, 2025. This initiative is aimed at companies that have failed to meet the registration, change registration, or prior notification requirements under K-REACH. 

Purpose 

• The purpose of this voluntary reporting period is to collect data on chemical safety and enhance regulatory compliance, ensuring that companies align with K-REACH laws.  

• The ultimate goal is to protect public health and the environment from exposure to harmful chemicals. 

Key requirements 

• Companies that have manufactured or imported chemicals before February 27, 2025, without complying with K-REACH, are subject to the voluntary reporting. 

• To voluntarily report, companies must submit relevant documents (including manufacturing and import details) via the Chemical Substance Information Management System (kreach.me.go.kr). 

Benefits of voluntary reporting and future inspection 

• Companies that voluntarily report violations and take corrective actions will be exempt from severe penalties such as imprisonment of up to 5 years or a fine of up to 100 million KRW.  

• They will also not face surcharges based on sales, and ongoing investigations or prosecutions will be considered with more leniency. 

• The MoE will conduct thorough on-site inspections after the voluntary reporting period ends, and any violations found will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the regulations.