The Ministry of Environment of South Korea recently submitted a notification to the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding the revision of the Designation of Restricted Substance and Prohibited Substance. This revision aims to strengthen the restrictions on the use of lead and its compounds as well as methylene chloride and its mixtures, based on the hazard assessment under the Chemical Substances Registration and Evaluation Act and international regulatory trends, to protect human health and safety. WTO member countries can comment on this revision before January 13, 2025.
Specific Revisions
Lead and its compounds and mixtures containing more than 0.009% lead (KE NO. 06-5-8)
Restriction: The use of lead and its compounds, as well as mixtures containing more than 0.009% lead, is prohibited in the manufacture, import, sale, storage, transportation, and use in paints.
Exceptions: The manufacture, maintenance, and upkeep of aircraft and their parts, as well as related activities for military supplies, are not subject to this restriction.
New restrictions on methylene chloride and mixtures containing more than 0.1% methylene chloride (KE NO. 06-5-15)
Restriction: The use of methylene chloride and mixtures containing more than 0.1% methylene chloride is prohibited in the manufacture, import, sale, storage, transportation, and use in household cleaners, sprays, and paint removers for home, construction, and furniture.
Additionally, the notification lists the specific chemical names and CAS numbers under the unique number 06-5-8 for lead and its compounds and mixtures containing more than 0.009% lead, including:
- Lead
- C.I. Pigment red 104; Lead chromate molybdate sulfate red
- C.I. Pigment yellow 34; Lead sulfochromate yellow
- Dioxobis(stearato)trilead; Bis(octadecanoato)dioxotrilead
- Fatty acids, C16-18, lead salt
- Lead 2,4,6-trinitroresorcinoxide
- Lead 2-ethylhexanoate
- Lead acetate
- Lead acetate
- Lead azide
- Lead bis(tetrafluoroborate)
- Lead chromate (PbCrO4)
- Lead dinitrate
- Lead monoxide
- Lead oxide (Orange lead)
- Lead oxide phosphonate
- Lead oxide sulfate
- Lead stearate
- Lead sulfate, tetrabasic
- Pentalead tetraoxide sulfate
- Other lead compounds
- Mixtures containing more than 0.009% of the above chemicals
This regulations will be implemented from January 1, 2026, in accordance with the Chemical Substances Control Act. This measure aims to raise environmental standards and public health protection both domestically and internationally, reflecting South Korea's proactive stance in global chemical management.
Chemradar Insights
Considering the restrictions, industries include the paint and coatings industry may be affected, which need to find lead-free alternatives and change production formulas; and the industries for household cleaners, sprays, and paint removers for homes, construction, and furniture, which need to find alternatives to methylene chloride and adjust product formulas.
In response to these restrictions, companies need to take proactive steps from product compliance assessments to the development of new materials, as well as enhancing research and development and supply chain management, to ensure ongoing compliance and sustainable development of their businesses.
