South Korea Chemical Registration: K-REACH & K-BPR Guide

 

South Korea has put in place a strong set of rules for regulating chemicals and household products to keep people healthy, workers safe, and the environment protected. Any company that wants to make, bring into the country, or sell chemical products in South Korea must follow these rules. These rules are mainly managed by the Ministry of Environment in South Korea. Let's look at the main chemical regulations and what is needed to register a chemical product in South Korea. Key Regulations   Two major laws help ensure chemical safety in South Korea: Consumer Chemical Products and Biocides Safety Act (K-BPR) – This law controls the approval and use of products that kill pests or microorganisms. It makes sure these products are safe for people and the environment by requiring strict checks and approvals. Act on Registration, Evaluation, etc. , of Chemicals (K-REACH) – K-REACH requires companies to register, evaluate, and manage chemical substances made or imported into South Korea. It covers both industrial chemicals and those used in everyday products. Product Classification and Compliance   The first step in following the rules is to correctly classify the product. Products are either biocidal or non-biocidal. Biocidal products in South Korea need approval under K-BPR, which includes both approval of the active ingredient and the product itself. Non-biocidal household chemicals must meet safety standards, labeling rules, and lists of banned substances set by South Korean authorities. All products must go through a safety assessment to check for risks and ensure they don't contain banned substances. Notification and Registration   Biocidal products and industrial chemicals have to be officially registered or reported to the authorities. Detergents and cleaning products usually need to be reported rather than fully registered. Most consumer products don’t always need registration but still must meet national safety and labeling rules. Companies that don’t have a legal presence in South Korea must appoint a local representative to handle these compliance tasks. Technical Documentation and Dossier Submission   For registration, manufacturers or importers must prepare detailed technical documents. These include hazard, exposure, and risk assessments, along with supporting data like toxicology reports, effectiveness data (for biocides), and information on environmental impact, such as how quickly the product breaks down or its phosphate content. Labeling and Packaging Requirements   All chemical products must follow South Korea's labeling rules. This includes: - Clear labeling in the official language with proper hazard warnings   - Easy-to-follow safety instructions   - Child-resistant packaging and tactile warnings where needed   - Labels that are strong, easy to read, and can withstand handling and storage Staying Compliant with Evolving Regulations   South Korea’s rules are always changing, with regular updates to safety standards and requirements. Keeping up with these changes is key to avoiding fines and being able to sell products in the market. Registering chemical products in South Korea can be complicated. Freyr’s regulatory experts offer full support, from classifying your product and preparing documents to submitting the dossier and keeping up with compliance requirements. Contact Freyr today to make sure your chemical products meet South Korea’s strict rules.