The Ministry of Environment (MOE) of South Korea recently published a draft amendment (2024-455) to the implementation regulations of the The Act on the Registration and Evaluation of Chemicals (K-REACH), clarifying specific conditions for exemptions from data submission and proposing registration exemptions for chemicals produced using recycled materials. Additionally, the amendment details the requirements for submitting necessary documents to prove that the substances are made from recycled materials.
Exemption Conditions for Data Submission
The draft amendment notes that data submission can be fully or partially exempted under any of the following conditions:
- Registrants have already submitted registration assessment results for similar chemical substances.
- Foreign governments or international organizations have published toxicity assessment results for the chemical substances.
- The MOE deems it unnecessary to submit proof in certain cases and will specify these cases through announcements.
Registration Exemptions for Chemicals Produced from Recycled Materials
Applicants need to submit one of the following documents to prove that the substance is made from recycled materials:
- For entities recycling their own industrial waste emissions: Provide a certificate of the industrial waste emitter report or a confirmation certificate of the waste management plan.
- For licensed waste management businesses: Provide a waste recycling business license.
- For operators of waste treatment facilities: Provide an approval certificate for the installation of waste recycling facilities or a report certificate of waste recycling facility installation.
- For waste management reporters: Provide a waste treatment report certificate.
Additionally, applicants may submit the following documents as supplements:
- A brief description of the recycling process, such as a process flow diagram.
- If the substance has been registered by another manufacturer or importer, documents showing registration for over three years is required.
If intermediate products are used during manufacturing, documents proving that the materials used are transported or onsite-separated intermediate products must also be provided.
Public Consultation and Effective Date of the Regulations
The MOE calls on the public, institutions and organizations to submit comments on the draft amendment through the MOE or the National Legislation Participation Center by September 13, 2024. The revised rules are expected to take effect on October 10, 2024, further promoting chemical safety management and environmental protection.
