South Korea Proposes K-REACH Amendments to Improve Transparency and Efficiency

On February 5, 2025, a group of 13 congressmen in South Korea proposed amendments to the Act on Registration and Evaluation of Chemical Substances (also known as K-REACH). The purpose of this new proposal is, first, to improve the transparency of the chemical registration process, especially in the process of joint submission and its cost sharing. Secondly, it aims to enhance the efficiency of the Only Representative (OR) appointment system by addressing gaps related to the transfer of responsibilities when the OR is changed.  

Key Amendments and Changes 

1. Fair and Transparent Cost Allocation for Joint Registration: 

• The amendments propose a clear and fair framework for cost sharing for joint registrations of chemicals. 

• Costs will be allocated based on objective criteria, taking into account the interests of each party and the specific manufacturing or import volumes. 

• The proposal ensures transparency by requiring clear and verifiable evidence for all cost allocations. 

2. Dispute Resolution for Registration Conflicts: 

• If disputes arise during the joint registration process the parties will be able to seek mediation from the Ministry of Environment. 

• This will ensure that disputes over shared registration materials or costs are resolved in a fair and transparent manner. 

3. Protection for Latecomer Registrants: 

• To protect the interests of latecomer registrants, the amendments propose a formal process to resolve issues that cannot be settled through negotiation. 

• This protection will ensure that latecomer registrants who joined the joint submission at a late stage are not unfairly burdened with excessive fees or delays in the registration process. 

4. Clarification of the OR System for Foreign Manufacturers: 

• The amendments will address gaps in the law by providing clarity regarding the transfer of responsibilities when a foreign manufacturer changes their Only Representative. 

• The responsibilities of the previous OR, including completed registrations, will be transferred to the new OR to ensure continuity in the registration process. 

• Foreign manufacturers must report the change to the Ministry within one month. 

Public Feedback and Status of the Proposal  

• Public feedback was accepted from  February 7 to February 21, 2025.  

• The proposal is still under committee review. When there are further updates regarding this amendment, GPC will continue to update the news.