K-REACH: South Korea Relaxes Requirements for Chemical Registration

Relaxed requirements for chemical registration under K-REACH took effect in South Korea in April. With this change, the government aims to lighten the burden that registration places on companies. The new requirements respond to supply shortages caused by the conflict in the Middle East. The regulation is temporary and remains in effect until December 31, 2027.

The special regulation took effect on April 10, but it applies only to certain substances. The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (MOTIE) determines the specific substances it covers in consultation with the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment (MCEE). Companies that import and/or manufacture these substances may now submit “Test Data Submission Plans” in lieu of hazard assessment data during substance registration. These substitute dossiers enable companies to describe how they intend to obtain the missing hazard and property data. This approach allows substance registration despite missing data. The test data must then be submitted within a specified time.

More Flexibility for Corporate Operations

This regulation allows companies, for example, to switch suppliers more quickly. The process used to lead to delays because obtaining data from suppliers or consortia typically takes longer than three months.

The government views the regulation as a special measure valid until December 31, 2027. It is intended to be applied whenever supply shortages are imminent, including:

During war or international conflicts
When trading partners impose trade restrictions
In similar circumstances that affect imports

With these measures, the government aims to help companies tap into new sources of raw materials more quickly and maintain stable production. Companies that significantly depend on raw materials from abroad are particularly affected, such as those in the petrochemical, paints and coatings, and plastics sectors.

We are familiar with chemical legislation in South Korea. If you have any questions, please contact us at sales@kft.de or use our contact form.