South Korea Strengthens Chemical Safety Regulations with K-REACH and NICS Updates

South Korea has introduced key updates to its chemical safety regulations, aiming to streamline compliance processes while enhancing public health and environmental protection. The changes affect both the K-REACH (Act on Registration and Evaluation of Chemicals) framework and the National Institute of Chemical Safety (NICS) hazard assessments.

K-REACH Updates: Simplifying Chemical Substance Notifications

Effective January 1, 2025, South Korea will implement significant revisions to its K-REACH regulations, which govern the registration and evaluation of chemicals. These changes are designed to reduce compliance burdens and speed up market access for businesses.

Key Updates in K-REACH:

• New Substance Classification: A new category, "new substances of unknown hazard classification," has been added. These substances will be treated as hazardous, requiring safety precautions.
• Higher Notification Threshold: The mandatory notification threshold for new chemicals will rise from 0.1 tons per year (t/y) to 1 ton per year (t/y), reducing regulatory requirements for smaller-scale production and imports.
• Revised Notification Requirements: Starting January 1, 2025, chemical substances below the 1 t/y threshold must include additional documentation, such as hazard classification reports, QSAR studies, and international hazard assessments.
• Confidential Business Information (CBI): Companies with CBI protection must notify the Ministry of Environment if any confidential data is leaked.

Key Implementation Dates

• January 1, 2025: New notification threshold (1 t/y) officially replaces the previous 0.1 t/y limit.
• August 7, 2025: Public disclosure of newly registered chemical substances, including CAS numbers, trade names, and hazard classifications.

Impact on Businesses

• Reduced Regulatory Burden: Smaller-scale producers will face fewer mandatory reporting and testing requirements.
• Faster Market Access: Companies can introduce new chemicals more quickly and efficiently.
• Enhanced Transparency: Public disclosure of chemical data will improve regulatory clarity and consumer awareness.

For more details, visit the K-REACH regulation website.