South Korea Confirms Final MSDS Submission Deadline

The Korea Chemicals Management Association (KCMA) has issued a final notice reminding chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors that the mandatory submission of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) must be completed by 16 January 2026. This announcement marks the conclusion of South Korea’s phased transition period for MSDS compliance.

Regulatory Background and Legal Basis

MSDS submission is a core requirement under South Korea’s strengthened chemical safety framework, implemented in accordance with the Industrial Safety and Health Act, overseen by the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MoEL). All regulated chemical substances placed on the Korean market must be accompanied by an MSDS prepared in Korean and submitted through the official electronic system.

Scope of the Final Submission Requirement

The January 16, 2026, deadline applies to chemical substances that were previously subject to extended grace periods, particularly those manufactured or imported in annual volumes below one tonne. After this date, all applicable substances must have a valid MSDS submission number to remain legally compliant.

Companies Required to Submit MSDS

The obligation applies broadly to:

• Domestic chemical manufacturers
• Importers introducing chemicals into South Korea
• Distributors supplying chemical products within the market

Both existing substances and newly regulated chemicals are covered under this requirement.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Companies that fail to submit MSDS by the deadline may face:

• Administrative penalties or fines
• Restrictions on manufacturing, importing, or distribution activities
• Increased regulatory inspections and enforcement actions

Authorities have indicated that enforcement will intensify once the final deadline passes.

KCMA Guidance for Industry Preparation

KCMA advises affected companies to:

• Review chemical inventories to identify substances requiring MSDS submission
• Update MSDS documentation to ensure accuracy and regulatory alignment
• Submit MSDS well ahead of the deadline to avoid system congestion
• Seek expert or regulatory support where classification or submission issues arise

Proactive compliance will help minimize regulatory risks.

Final Phase of Korea’s MSDS Transition Program

The January 2026 deadline represents the final step in South Korea’s move toward comprehensive MSDS coverage for all regulated chemicals. Following implementation, authorities are expected to focus on compliance audits and enforcement to ensure the accuracy and completeness of submitted safety data.

Source: Korea Sets Final MSDS Date