News Details
South Korea Strengthens Chemical Safety Regulations with Amended Enforcement Decrees of K-REACH and CCA
On July 29, the South Korean approved amendments to the enforcement decrees of the Act on the Registration and Evaluation of Chemical Substances (K-REACH) and the Chemical Control Act (CCA), set to take effect on August 7, 2025. These regulatory changes, overseen by the Ministry of Environment, aim to enhance public safety while streamlining chemical management systems.
Key Updates under the K-REACH Amendment:
Hazardous substances will now be categorized into three distinct types: acute human toxicity, chronic human toxicity, and ecotoxicity, replacing the previous single classification system.
The definition of acute toxic substances is being expanded to include criteria such as skin corrosion (Categories 1B & 1C) and specific target organ toxicity from single exposure (STOT-SE).
Chemical data disclosure will be broadened for materials not related to business confidentiality, promoting transparency and safe usage.
Key Updates under the CCA Amendment:
Consumer-use exemptions: Individuals using hazardous chemicals for personal consumption, or selling them directly to consumers, will no longer be subject to strict handling requirements like wearing protective gear.
Delegation of responsibilities: Foreign manufacturers can now assign local agents to handle mandatory chemical verification procedures, reducing administrative burdens for importers.
Regulatory Impact:
These amendments aim to balance public health and industry efficiency by applying risk-based management standards and reducing unnecessary compliance burdens. Greater transparency in chemical information is also expected to foster safer chemical use without compromising business trade secrets.
We acknowledge that the above information has been compiled from MoE(South Korean Ministry of Environment).
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