KOSHA Issues MSDS Rectification Notice for Compliance

The Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) have issued a formal MSDS compliance rectification notice requiring chemical manufacturers and importers to correct and resubmit Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) that do not meet South Korea’s regulatory standards. This marks a major step toward stricter enforcement of MSDS compliance under national occupational safety laws.

The notice was published in late November 2025 after a thorough review of previously submitted MSDS documents in KOSHA’s official system.

Regulatory Background and Legal Requirements

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), administered by the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MoEL), all hazardous chemicals manufactured or imported into South Korea must be accompanied by a Korean-language MSDS that complies with national standards.

As per Article 110 of OSHA, companies must submit MSDS documents through KOSHA’s official MSDS portal to obtain an official MSDS registration number. While domestic companies may submit directly, foreign manufacturers must appoint a Korean-based Only Representative (OR) to handle submissions on their behalf.

Common MSDS Deficiencies Identified

KOSHA’s review revealed several recurring compliance gaps, including:

• Missing or unclear supplier details (manufacturer or importer)
• MSDS not prepared in Korean, contrary to regulations
• Incomplete toxicological information, especially Section 11
• Product names in MSDS not matching Korea’s chemical registration system
• Missing supporting documentation, including Letters of Compliance (LoC)

These gaps indicate that many MSDS previously accepted do not fully meet regulatory requirements.

Correction Deadline and Resubmission Process

Companies receiving a rectification notice must revise and resubmit their MSDS by 16 January 2026. While voluntary submission is encouraged before this date, KOSHA may enforce mandatory compliance afterward.

All corrected MSDS must be submitted through the official KOSHA MSDS portal to ensure consistency with substance information, registration data, and documentation standards.

Compliance Risks and Recommended Actions

Historically, MSDS compliance focused on meeting submission deadlines with limited verification. KOSHA’s intensified review highlights that incomplete or inaccurate MSDS now carry increased regulatory risk.

Companies are advised to:

• Deregister products no longer supplied in South Korea
• Prioritize corrections for products actively on the market
• Implement a phased resubmission strategy for large MSDS portfolios

Implications for Chemical Manufacturers and Importers

To maintain compliance and market access in South Korea, chemical companies should:

• Audit previously submitted MSDS for accuracy and completeness
• Update documents to meet current OSHA requirements
• Coordinate with Only Representatives where applicable
• Complete resubmissions before 16 January 2026 to avoid penalties

Proactive corrective action will ensure regulatory compliance and uninterrupted market access in South Korea.