K-REACH: the MoE proposed to change the K-Reach subordinate rules

On November 2, the Ministry of Environment (MoE) in South Korea announced the revised K-REACH rules. The reason is to ensure effective implementation of the K-REACH regulation. Four main revisions were proposed:

1. Registrants can have an extended deadline when changing the tonnage band and chemical usage of the registered substances

• Currently, change registration should be completed within one month after the changes in quantities or the usage
• Since toxicological data might be required due to changes in quantities and usage, the MoE makes it possible to extend the deadline of the change registration. It needs confirmation from the MoE and registrants can extend the deadline up to 1 year

2. Aligned confidentiality approval processes between the different competent authorities

• The competent authority under K-OSHA, the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MoEL), and the MoE can now coordinate together and share the information. It is expected to ease registrants’ burden to go through different approval processes  

3. Integrated different terms for chemical Classification and Labelling used in various ministries

• This will enhance consistency of the chemical Classification and Labelling and prevent confusion   

4. The government registration fees will be exempted for SMEs if they register their substances before 2022

• This is to encourage SMEs to register their substances early and Only applicable for those who have a grace period until 2030

Affected stakeholders and implications

Registrants who need to change their tonnage band or chemical usage can have 1 year to prepare toxicological data after getting confirmation from the MoE.

SMEs do not need to pay the government registration fees if they register before 2022.

Industries can refer to the consolidated version of chemical Classification and Labelling in South Korea.

Last update: 11/17/2020