KCMA Final Notice on MSDS Submission Deadline -Compliance Required by January 16, 2026

On November 17,2025, the Korea Chemicals Management Association (KCMA) released an official notice reminding all chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors that the extended deadline for submitting Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) will end on January 16, 2026. Companies that handle regulated chemical substances must complete their MSDS filings before this final cut-off date.

Strengthened Requirements Under Korea’s Chemical Safety Framework

According to the KCMA’s announcement, MSDS submission is a mandatory requirement under South Korea’s reinforced chemical-safety regulations. Any company involved in the production, import, or distribution of controlled substances is obligated to register and submit updated MSDS documentation to ensure compliance with the national safety standards.

Who Must Comply

The requirement applies to:

• Domestic manufacturers handling regulated chemical substances.
• Importers bringing controlled chemicals into Korea.
• Distributors supplying chemicals within the Korean market.

The KCMA emphasizes that both existing and newly regulated chemicals fall under this obligation.

Impact on the Industry

Failure to meet the submission deadline may result in:

• Regulatory penalties or fines.
• Restrictions on business operations.
• Delays in product distribution and potential supply chain disruptions.

These enforcement measures form part of South Korea’s stricter compliance framework under l the Act on Registration and Evaluation of Chemicals (K-REACH) and related chemical-control regulations

KCMA Recommendations

The KCMA advises companies to take the following steps ahead of the deadline:

• Review their full chemical inventory to confirm which substances require MSDS submission.
• Ensure that MSDS documents follow the latest regulatory format and contain up-to-date hazard and safety information.
• Contact the KCMA or authorized chemical-safety consultants for support if any uncertainties remain regarding classification or submission procedures.

Urgency for Timely Compliance

With the deadline approaching, the KCMA stresses that businesses should not delay. Early submissions will help prevent last-minute bottlenecks and ensure uninterrupted chemical handling and distribution throughout 2026.