Reference source : CHEMNAVI
Human Health Amendment Chemical Evaluation Chemical control act Hazardous Substance List Chemical Compliance Deadline Import Chemical Notification Manufacture downstream user
On 12 June 2026, the Korean National Institute of Chemical Safety (NICS) released a draft amendment to the “Designation Notice of Acute Human Hazardous Substances, Chronic Human Hazardous Substances, and Ecotoxic Substances.” Comments can be submitted until 2 July 2026.
The proposal was issued pursuant to the Act on Registration and Evaluation of Chemicals (K-REACH). It also establishes transitional measures for compliance with obligations under the Chemicals Control Act (CCA).
Key Changes Proposed
The amendment revises the names of several existing hazardous substances listed in the Annex and updates the entry identified as No. 2021-1-1077. In addition, the NICS is proposing the inclusion of 38 newly designated hazardous substances, which would create new entries ranging from No. 2026-1-1355 to No. 2026-1-1392.
The detailed substance list has been published separately on the NICS website as part of the amendment package.
Implementation Timeline
The amendment will enter into force three months after its official publication. Companies handling substances newly designated under the amendment will be required to comply with a phased set of obligations under the Chemicals Control Act.
Key compliance deadlines include:
Chemical substance confirmation, hazard labelling, import notification, and seller notification obligations by 1 July 2027.
Compliance with hazardous chemical handling standards by 1 January 2028.
Submission of Chemical Accident Prevention and Management Plans and acquisition of relevant business permits or notifications by 1 January 2029.
Compliance with hazardous chemical facility installation and management standards by 1 January 2031.
Industry Impact
The proposed amendment expands the regulatory scope of substances classified as hazardous to human health in South Korea. Manufacturers, importers, distributors, and downstream users should review the newly designated substances and assess the potential impact on classification, labelling, import procedures, facility management, and chemical accident prevention requirements in order to ensure timely compliance with upcoming deadlines.
The full amendment notice and annexed substance list are available through the NICS regulatory information portal here.