As Chinese enterprises accelerate their expansion into the Asia-Pacific market, South Korea, with its sophisticated industrial system and enormous market potential, has become a focus of attention for many businesses. However, South Korea’s strict chemical management system, particularly the Chemical Registration and Evaluation Act, presents new challenges for enterprises. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the core content and operational aspects of this legal system to help enterprises successfully enter the Korean market.

Policy Background and Development History

1.1 Legislative Background

The introduction of South Korea’s Chemical Registration and Evaluation Act stemmed from a major transformation in the country’s chemical management system. Prior to 2013, South Korea primarily relied on the Toxic Chemicals Control Act to manage chemicals, which had numerous limitations. First, the scope of management was too narrow, focusing only on toxic chemicals while lacking effective supervision of other potentially hazardous chemicals. Second, management emphasis was mainly on production and use phases, with insufficient attention to other stages of chemicals’ lifecycle. Third, the risk assessment system was inadequate to timely identify and prevent potential hazards.

The major chemical leak accident at Kumho Petrochemical on September 27, 2012, became the direct catalyst for legislation. This accident injured 975 people and caused direct economic losses exceeding 55 billion won, exposing significant gaps in the chemical management system. The accident investigation revealed that enterprises had insufficient understanding of the hazardous properties of chemicals they used, inadequate emergency management measures, and regulatory authorities lacked effective supervision tools.

With the rapid development of South Korea’s chemical industry, new chemical substances continued to emerge. Statistics show that between 2010 and 2013, over 400 new chemical substances were added annually in South Korea, and the existing management system struggled to cope with this change. Meanwhile, new trends in international chemical management also significantly influenced South Korea. The implementation of the EU’s Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) provided important reference for South Korea.

Against this background, South Korea’s Ministry of Environment formulated the Chemical Registration and Evaluation Act based on extensive research and consultation. The Act established the basic principle of “No Data, No Market,” marking a new phase in South Korea’s chemical management. During the drafting process, the Ministry of Environment held 86 expert verification meetings and 12 public hearings, fully incorporating various opinions to ensure the scientific validity and operability of the regulations.

1.2 Major Revision History

Since its official implementation in 2015, South Korea’s Chemical Registration and Evaluation Act has undergone several important revisions, each addressing issues identified in practice.

The first major revision in 2018 was the most significant milestone. This revision substantially expanded the scope of management to include all chemical substances with annual production or import volumes exceeding 1 ton. This change increased the number of regulated chemical substances from about 3,000 to over 12,000. The revision also refined registration requirements and evaluation standards, adding 43 specific technical indicators. To reduce enterprise burden, the revision introduced a joint registration mechanism. Data shows that after implementing joint registration, average registration costs for enterprises decreased by approximately 40%.

The 2021 revision focused on strengthening information disclosure and supply chain management. It required registered enterprises to establish complete substance information transmission mechanisms, ensuring that upstream and downstream enterprises in the supply chain could obtain necessary safety information. An annual reporting system was also added, requiring enterprises to regularly update chemical usage information. This revision also expanded the priority management substance list, adding 127 substances of high concern, and required relevant enterprises to report usage and emission volumes quarterly.

The 2023 revision primarily addressed compliance support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Ministry of Environment established a special support fund of 200 billion won to provide registration consulting and technical support for SMEs. The revision also simplified registration procedures for low-risk substances, making certain test items optional, expected to save each SME about 20 million won in registration costs. Additionally, the revision extended registration deadlines for certain substances, giving enterprises more preparation time.

1.3 Current Implementation Status

As of early 2024, the implementation of South Korea’s Chemical Registration and Evaluation Act has achieved significant results while facing some new challenges. Regarding registration completion, over 15,000 chemical substances have been registered, with cumulative registered enterprises reaching 8,500. Domestic enterprises account for 65%, while foreign enterprises account for 35%. Among foreign enterprises, Chinese companies comprise 42%, Japanese companies 28%, European and American companies 25%, and companies from other countries and regions 5%.

In terms of industry distribution, chemical raw material manufacturing accounts for 45% of registered enterprises, fine chemical manufacturing 28%, cosmetics and daily chemical products industry 15%, and other industries 12%. Large enterprises have achieved nearly 100% registration completion rate, while SMEs’ completion rate is about 75%, indicating compliance capability differences among enterprises of different sizes.

In terms of law enforcement and supervision, the Ministry of Environment continues to increase efforts. In 2023, over 3,200 chemical compliance inspections were conducted, a 25% increase from 2022. The inspections uncovered 580 violation cases, with penalties totaling 15.6 billion won. Major violations included: failure to complete registration on time (38%), data falsification (25%), failure to update registration information timely (20%), use beyond scope (12%), and other violations (5%).

To improve management efficiency, South Korea established a comprehensive chemical management information system. This system achieves data interconnection with 15 government departments including customs and business administration bureaus, enabling full-process monitoring of chemical import, export, production, and use. The system handles over 50,000 daily queries and has over 120,000 registered users. In 2023, the system identified 865 violation leads, resulting in 312 administrative penalty cases.

In international cooperation, South Korea actively promotes multilateral collaboration. Currently, chemical management cooperation agreements have been signed with 15 countries and regions including the EU, Japan, and Canada, establishing data mutual recognition mechanisms. These agreements significantly simplify registration procedures for cross-border enterprises, expected to save approximately 87 billion won annually in duplicate testing costs. Meanwhile, South Korea actively participates in ASEAN’s chemical management framework construction, promoting unified regional standards.

Notably, some difficulties have been encountered during implementation. First is the registration cost issue, particularly impacting SMEs. Statistics show that completing full registration for one substance requires investment ranging from 35 million to 120 million won. Second is insufficient technical capability, with approximately 35% of enterprises reporting difficulty independently completing required testing and evaluation work. Third are cross-border cooperation barriers, where language and cultural differences increase compliance difficulties for foreign enterprises.

Facing these challenges, the Ministry of Environment has implemented multiple measures. In terms of economic support, 89 billion won in subsidies were distributed in 2023, helping over 1,200 SMEs complete registration. For technical support, expert advisory teams were formed to provide free consultation services, serving 3,500 enterprise instances throughout the year. For international cooperation, foreign enterprise service centers were established, providing multilingual consultation services and regularly holding training seminars.

These policy reforms and practical experiences provide important reference for Chinese enterprises to better understand and comply with South Korean chemical management requirements. Enterprises must fully recognize the importance of compliance, prepare adequately in advance, and avoid losses due to violations. They should also actively utilize various support policies to reduce compliance costs and enhance competitiveness.

Core Understanding of the Registration System

2.1 Scope Definition

The management scope of South Korea’s Chemical Registration and Evaluation Act is very broad, basically covering all industrial chemical substances. Specifically, it applies to the following categories: new chemical substances (including substances not listed in Korea’s existing chemical substance inventory); existing chemical substances with annual production or import volume exceeding 1 ton; chemicals designated as priority management substances.

It should be particularly noted that the law provides exemption clauses for certain substances. For example, substances exclusively used for research and development, impurities present in products at less than 0.1%, naturally occurring substances, etc. However, enterprises must provide sufficient evidence to prove they meet exemption conditions. In 2023, the Ministry of Environment received 2,800 exemption applications, with an approval rate of approximately 65%.

2.2 Registration Volume Classification

Registration requirements implement tiered management based on annual production or import volume. Specifically divided into four levels: 1-10 tons; 10-100 tons; 100-1000 tons; over 1000 tons. Different levels require significantly different data content and depth.

Taking 2023 data as an example, substances over 1000 tons require 47 test data items, while 1-10 ton level only requires 15 basic data items. This tiered management ensures strict control of high-risk substances while appropriately reducing registration costs for low-volume substances. Statistics show that in 2023, the registration proportions for each volume level were: 1-10 tons 45%, 10-100 tons 28%, 100-1000 tons 18%, over 1000 tons 9%.

2.3 Registration Timeline Requirements

South Korea sets phased registration deadlines for different types of substances. New chemical substances must complete registration before production or import. Existing chemical substances are registered in batches based on annual production volume and hazard characteristics. Current major time points include: completion of registration for substances over 1000 tons by December 31, 2021; completion for substances over 100 tons by December 31, 2024; completion for remaining substances by December 31, 2026.

Notably, for chemicals designated as priority evaluation substances, regardless of production volume, registration must be completed within one year of designation. In 2023, 89 new priority evaluation substances were added, involving 760 enterprises. Enterprises failing to complete registration on time face fines up to 500 million won.

2.4 Data Submission Requirements

Registration data includes multiple aspects such as substance basic information, hazard information, and exposure information. Most crucial are toxicological and ecotoxicological data. According to the 2023 revised technical guidelines, enterprises can obtain required data through: laboratory testing, existing data citation, computer simulation, read-across reasoning, etc.

It’s particularly important to note that South Korea has extremely strict data quality requirements. All testing must comply with Good Laboratory Practice standards and be completed by Korean-approved laboratories. In 2023, 312 laboratories received approval qualification, with foreign laboratories accounting for approximately 20%. Data falsification or quality non-compliance will result in registration revocation and corresponding legal liability.

These core system requirements constitute the basic framework of South Korea’s chemical management. Enterprises must deeply understand various requirements, scientifically plan registration work, and ensure compliance. It’s recommended that enterprises initiate registration preparation early to avoid normal operation being affected by insufficient preparation.

Assessment Process and Technical Key Points

3.1 Hazard Assessment

South Korea’s chemical hazard assessment is a systematic work requiring comprehensive collection and analysis of substances’ physicochemical properties, toxicological characteristics, and ecotoxicological data. According to the latest revised assessment technical guidelines in 2023, hazard assessment must cover all potential hazard endpoints of substances. Physicochemical property assessment includes basic parameters such as melting point, boiling point, vapor pressure, and water solubility, which directly affect substances’ environmental migration and transformation behavior. Toxicological assessment focuses on health hazards such as acute toxicity, sensitization, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, and reproductive developmental toxicity. Ecotoxicological assessment mainly examines substances’ effects on aquatic organisms, soil organisms, and other environmental organisms.

Statistics released by the Ministry of Environment in 2023 show that among 12,500 substances completing assessment, approximately 15% were determined to be highly hazardous substances, including 3.8% carcinogenic substances, 4.2% reproductive toxic substances, and 2.5% persistent organic pollutants. Notably, South Korea’s requirements for hazard assessment are increasing yearly. In 2024, endocrine disruption effect assessment requirements were added, requiring substances with annual production exceeding 100 tons to provide relevant test data.

3.2 Exposure Assessment

Exposure assessment is key to determining actual chemical risk levels. South Korea requires enterprises to establish complete exposure assessment models based on substances’ use scenarios, usage characteristics, and exposure pathways. Workplace exposure assessment needs to consider operators’ contact methods, protective measures, and exposure time. Environmental exposure assessment analyzes substances’ diffusion patterns and accumulation effects in air, water, and soil. Consumer exposure assessment focuses on direct contact and indirect exposure during product use.

The exposure assessment technical specifications released by the Korea Chemical Safety Institute in 2023 clearly require enterprises to use standardized exposure assessment tools. Currently, Korean officially recognized assessment tools include K-CHESAR (Korea Chemical Exposure Scenario Assessment Tool) and EUSES (European Union System for the Evaluation of Substances). Statistics show that in 2023, 8,600 substances completed assessment through K-CHESAR, with approximately 25% requiring more detailed field monitoring. Particularly worth mentioning is that South Korea introduced specific exposure assessment guidelines for nanomaterials in early 2024, requiring consideration of nanoparticles’ special exposure characteristics.

Exposure assessment quality control has also been significantly strengthened. The Ministry of Environment requires assessment institutions to have ISO 17025 certification qualification, and assessment personnel must undergo special training and obtain qualification certificates. Throughout 2023, 865 assessors were trained, with a certification pass rate of 72%. Meanwhile, an exposure data quality audit system was established, with third-party institutions verifying assessment results. In 2023, 1,200 verification projects were conducted, with a quality non-compliance rate of 8.3%.

3.3 Risk Characterization

Risk characterization comprehensively analyzes hazard assessment and exposure assessment results to determine actual chemical risk levels. South Korea uses Risk Quotient (RQ) as the main assessment indicator, which is the ratio of Predicted Environmental Concentration (PEC) to Predicted No-Effect Concentration (PNEC). When RQ≥1, it indicates unacceptable risk requiring risk control measures.

According to the 2023 risk assessment annual report, among substances completing risk characterization, approximately 18% had RQ values exceeding 1, requiring strict risk management measures. By industry, electronic chemical manufacturing had the highest proportion of high-risk substances at 23%, followed by coating manufacturing at 19%, and dye and pigment manufacturing at 16%. Analyzing exposure pathways, inhalation exposure accounted for 45% of high risks, skin contact 32%, and environmental release 23%.

3.4 Assessment Report Preparation

Assessment reports are core documents for chemical registration evaluation and must be prepared strictly according to the latest guidelines issued by the Korean Ministry of Environment. The report content includes substance identification information, hazard assessment results, exposure assessment data, risk characterization conclusions, and risk management recommendations. The 2023 technical guidelines particularly emphasized the importance of uncertainty analysis, requiring detailed explanations of data gaps, assumptions, and limitations of assessment methods.

The report quality management system continues to improve. The Ministry of Environment has established a graded review system for assessment reports, classifying substances into three levels: A, B, and C. Level A represents high-risk substances requiring comprehensive expert committee review; Level B represents medium-risk substances focusing on key data review; Level C represents low-risk substances mainly requiring formal review. In 2023, 3,800 assessment reports were reviewed, with Level A substances accounting for 15%, Level B for 45%, and Level C for 40%. The review failure rate was 12%, with major issues including insufficient data completeness, inappropriate assessment method selection, and inadequate conclusion justification.

To improve report preparation quality, the Korea Chemical Safety Institute regularly organizes training and experience exchange sessions. In 2023, 42 training sessions were held, training 2,300 enterprise representatives and consulting agency personnel. Meanwhile, an assessment report model library was established, collecting over 300 typical cases for enterprise reference. In 2024, an online assisted preparation system will be launched to improve report preparation efficiency and standardization through intelligent means.

It should be particularly emphasized that Korea maintains high requirements for confidentiality and intellectual property protection of assessment reports. Enterprises can apply for confidentiality of trade secret information but must provide sufficient justification. In 2023, 1,500 confidentiality applications were processed, with an approval rate of 85%. Unauthorized disclosure of confidential information will face penalties of up to 200 million Korean won. Meanwhile, to prevent duplicate testing and resource waste, enterprises are allowed to share existing assessment data through agreements, but must pay reasonable compensation. In 2023, 460 data sharing agreements were reached, involving approximately 28 billion Korean won.

Compliance Management Practical Guidelines

4.1 Preliminary Preparation Work

Preliminary preparation for Korean chemical compliance management is a systematic project requiring significant enterprise investment in human resources and resources. According to the enterprise compliance guidelines issued by the Korean Ministry of Environment in 2023, preliminary preparation work includes the following key elements: First is building a professional compliance team equipped with personnel having backgrounds in chemistry, toxicology, regulations, and risk assessment. Statistics show that large enterprises average 8-12 full-time compliance personnel, medium enterprises 4-6, and small enterprises require at least 2 full-time personnel. In 2023, the average salary of compliance personnel in the Korean chemical industry reached 75 million won annually, reflecting the urgent market demand for professional talent.

Substance inventory review is crucial preliminary work. Enterprises need to thoroughly inventory all chemical substances produced, imported, and used, verifying their registration status in Korea’s existing chemical substance directory. This work typically takes 3-6 months and involves coordination among multiple departments including production, procurement, and R&D. 2023 data shows that a medium-sized chemical enterprise typically needs to review 600-800 chemical substances, with approximately 15% potentially having compliance risks. Particularly noteworthy is that even low-content impurities must be included in management scope; in 2023, multiple enterprises were penalized for neglecting impurity management.

Additionally, enterprises need to establish chemical information management systems. According to 2024’s latest requirements, systems must have functions including substance identification, data tracking, document management, and early warning. Currently, there are 15 certified system suppliers in the Korean market, and enterprises can choose suitable solutions based on their scale. A standard management system investment costs between 100 million and 500 million won, with maintenance costs about 15% of the investment amount.

4.2 Registration Material Preparation

Preparation of registration materials is the most complex and time-consuming aspect of compliance work. Based on substance annual production volume and hazard characteristics, enterprises need to prepare different levels of technical documentation. For substances exceeding 1000 tons, a complete registration dossier typically contains 2000-3000 pages of documents, involving 47 test data items, with an average preparation time of 18-24 months. 2023 data shows that preparing a complete registration dossier costs between 300-800 million won, with testing fees accounting for 60-70% of total costs.

Substance identification materials are fundamental to registration materials. Enterprises must provide detailed chemical structure information, purity specifications, impurity composition, and other data. Particularly noteworthy is that Korea has very strict requirements for spectral analysis data, requiring use of officially approved instruments and qualified analysis personnel. In 2023, 189 laboratories obtained substance identification qualification, with average spectral analysis fees between 500,000-800,000 won per item.

Obtaining toxicological and ecotoxicological data is both crucial and challenging. Enterprises can obtain required data through laboratory testing, purchasing existing data, or computer simulation. In 2023, Korea had 312 approved testing laboratories, including 248 domestic institutions and 64 foreign institutions. A long-term toxicity test typically takes 6-12 months and costs between 50-200 million won. To reduce costs, enterprises can consider joint registration to share data costs. In 2023, 185 joint registration consortia were formed, averaging 40% test cost savings per consortium.

4.3 Key Points for Assessment Response

Chemical assessment is a crucial post-registration phase requiring enterprises to actively cooperate with authority reviews. The assessment process typically lasts 3-6 months, during which enterprises need to promptly respond to assessment opinions and supplement necessary test data or explanatory materials. In 2023, the Ministry of Environment conducted 2,800 assessment projects, with approximately 35% requiring supplementary materials, mainly involving exposure scenario descriptions and risk control measures.

Enterprises must establish dedicated assessment response mechanisms with designated personnel responsible for interfacing with assessment institutions. When receiving supplementary material notices, responses must be completed within specified timeframes (typically 30 working days). If genuine difficulties exist, extensions may be applied for, but not exceeding 30 days. 2023 statistics show that enterprises achieving 85% timely response rates had significantly higher assessment approval rates than average.

Notably, Korea is strengthening on-site inspection efforts. In 2023, 780 on-site inspections were conducted, focusing on enterprises’ exposure control measures and risk management system implementation. Problems were found in 23% of inspected enterprises, mainly including substandard protection facilities and inadequate operational procedure implementation. Therefore, enterprises must ensure assessment materials match actual conditions when preparing them.

4.4 Continuous Management Requirements

Chemical compliance management is an ongoing task, with enterprises required to fulfill multiple obligations after registration and assessment approval. First is annual reporting obligations; enterprises must submit previous year’s production, import, and usage reports to the Ministry of Environment by March 31 each year. Reports include substance quantity changes, use changes, new exposure scenarios, and other information. In 2023, 28,500 annual reports were received, with about 8% having data quality issues requiring resubmission.

Change management is also important. When substance production volume exceeds registered levels, uses change significantly, or new hazard information is discovered, enterprises must promptly report to authorities and update registration materials. In 2023, 3,600 change applications were processed, with volume increases accounting for 45%, use changes 35%, and hazard information updates 20%. Average change application review period was 45 working days, with fees between 500,000 to 3 million won depending on change content.

Additionally, enterprises need to conduct regular compliance audits to evaluate management system effectiveness. Audits should cover substance inventory updates, data records, label management, emergency response, and other aspects. In 2023, about 60% of large and medium enterprises hired third-party institutions for independent audits, with audit service fees typically between 20-50 million won. Typical issues found in audits include incomplete file maintenance, inadequate internal training, and delayed change management.

Safety information transmission is another important obligation. Enterprises must ensure supply chain upstream and downstream timely access to substance hazard and risk information. Besides providing Korean safety data sheets, detailed exposure scenario descriptions must be developed based on actual conditions. In 2023, the Ministry of Environment conducted special inspections of safety information transmission at 1,200 enterprises, with a 78% compliance rate. Major non-compliance reasons were untimely information updates and incomplete content.

Exemption and Simplification Policies

5.1 Exemption Situation Analysis

Korean chemical management regulations have established a relatively complete exemption mechanism aimed at reducing enterprise compliance burden. According to the 2024 revised “Chemical Substances Registration and Evaluation Act,” exemption situations mainly include: R&D purpose exemptions, low-risk substance exemptions, and special use exemptions. Statistics show that in 2023, the Korean Ministry of Environment approved 1,850 exemption applications, a 15% increase from 2022.

R&D purpose exemptions apply to laboratory research substances not exceeding 1 ton annual usage. Enterprises need to submit detailed research plans explaining substance use, usage location, and safety control measures. In 2023, R&D exemption applications reached 860, with a 92% approval rate. Notably, 2024 added pilot-scale R&D exemption provisions, raising the annual usage limit to 5 tons, but requiring stricter risk control plans.

Low-risk substance exemptions mainly target naturally occurring substances, low-hazard polymers, and specific impurities. According to 2023 data, 2,360 substances obtained low-risk exemptions, with natural substances accounting for 45%, polymers 38%, and specific impurities 17%. When applying for low-risk exemptions, enterprises must provide sufficient scientific evidence proving substance low hazard, with average review periods of 45 working days.

5.2 Simplified Procedure Application

Simplified procedures are important supporting measures in Korea’s chemical management system. Different degrees of simplified requirements can apply based on substance characteristics and enterprise scale. In 2023, 3,200 enterprises enjoyed simplified procedures, a 22% increase from 2022, averaging 40% compliance cost savings.

Data requirement simplification is the main form. For substances with 1-10 tons annual production, some toxicological test data can be waived; for 10-100 tons substances, alternative methods or computer simulation data are allowed. In 2023, 4,500 substances completed registration through data simplification procedures, saving enterprises approximately 85 billion won in testing fees.

Small and medium enterprises enjoy special simplification policies. Based on enterprise size, registration deadlines can be extended 6-24 months, with 50-70% fee reductions. In 2023, 1,850 SMEs received simplification support, averaging 85 million won compliance cost savings per enterprise. However, simplified procedures do not apply to high-hazard substances, and enterprises must strictly follow simplification conditions.

5.3 Policy Preferential Conditions

Korea has established multiple preferential policies to encourage enterprise proactive compliance. Qualifying enterprises can receive technical support, fee subsidies, and deadline extensions. In 2023, chemical management preferential policy expenditure reached 120 billion won, benefiting 5,600 enterprises.

Technical support mainly includes free consultation, training, and data sharing. In 2023, the Ministry of Environment organized 2,800 expert consultations, trained 15,000 enterprise personnel, and established shared databases containing 12,000 standard spectra. SMEs can use government-provided assessment tools and technical guidelines free of charge.

Financial support continues to increase. 2024 added compliance equipment renovation subsidies, offering up to 50% investment subsidies. Meanwhile, enterprises in joint registration receive 30% government subsidies for data purchase costs. In 2023, total subsidy disbursements reached 68 billion won, averaging 12 million won support per enterprise.

Compliance Recommendations and Development Trends

6.1 Common Issues and Countermeasures

In chemical compliance practice, enterprises frequently encounter various challenges. According to Korea Chemical Safety Institute 2023 statistics, most consulted issues include: substance identification difficulties, high data acquisition costs, and unclear assessment standards. These issues require targeted solutions.

Regarding substance identification, enterprises should strengthen supplier communication to obtain accurate composition information timely. For complex mixtures, professional institutions can be hired for analysis and identification. In 2023, approximately 35% of registration failures related to inaccurate substance identification, causing average 3-6 month delays.

For data acquisition issues, enterprises should actively seek joint registration opportunities to reduce costs through data sharing. Meanwhile, alternative methods and existing data can be fully utilized to avoid duplicate testing. In 2023, data sharing saved 42 billion won in testing fees, averaging 45% cost savings per consortium.

6.2 Compliance Cost Analysis

Chemical compliance costs are complex, requiring systematic enterprise planning. According to 2023 enterprise survey data, total compliance costs mainly include: human resources (25%), testing fees (35%), system construction (15%), consulting services (15%), and daily operations (10%).

Regarding human resource costs, annual costs per full-time compliance personnel are 70-90 million won, with large and medium enterprises averaging 6-8 person full-time teams. Testing fees vary by substance characteristics and quantity level, with complete test packages costing 300-800 million won. System construction typically requires 100-500 million won, with maintenance fees about 15%.

By enterprise scale, large enterprises average 1.5 billion won annual compliance expenditure, medium enterprises 500-800 million won, and small enterprises 200-300 million won. However, through reasonable planning and policy preferences, enterprises can reduce costs by 20-30%. Enterprises are advised to establish dedicated compliance budgets and regularly evaluate investment-output effectiveness.

6.3 Future Policy Trends

Korean chemical management policy is developing toward stricter, more systematic directions. According to the Ministry of Environment’s 2024-2026 plan, future policy priorities include: expanding management scope, raising technical requirements, strengthening regulatory enforcement, and promoting international cooperation.

Regarding management scope, new materials, composite substances, and special-use chemicals will be gradually included. Starting 2025, nanomaterials will implement specialized management systems requiring more detailed characterization data. 2026 will begin implementing microplastic assessment requirements, involving cosmetics, cleaners, and other fields.

Technical requirements continue to increase, especially in hazard identification and risk assessment. 2025 will introduce new assessment technical guidelines, adding endocrine disruption, immunotoxicity, and other new assessment endpoints. Meanwhile, enterprises must adopt more advanced testing methods and assessment tools.

Regulatory enforcement is strengthening with stricter penalty standards. 2024 has already increased violation penalties to maximum 500 million won. 2025 will establish credit rating systems, with violation records affecting enterprise financing and bidding qualifications. Enterprises are advised to prepare early for compliance.

Conclusion:

As Korea’s chemical management system continues to improve, enterprises face new opportunities and challenges. Long-term, proactive compliance is not only a legal requirement but an important means to enhance enterprise competitiveness. Enterprises are advised to focus long-term, continuing investment in: strengthening talent development, enhancing technical capabilities, improving management systems, and promoting international cooperation. Meanwhile, closely monitor policy dynamics, actively participate in industry exchange, and jointly promote chemical management level improvement. Through standardizing chemical management, enterprises can not only avoid compliance risks but also establish good images in environmental friendliness and social responsibility, laying foundations for sustainable development.