On March 17, 2025, South Korea’s Ministry of Environment (MoE) introduced a draft amendment to the Designated Quantities of Toxic, Restricted, Prohibited, and Permitted Substances under the Chemical Substances Control Act and its enforcement rules. The proposal, now open for public consultation until April 11, 2025, aims to strengthen chemical safety management and reduce the risk of chemical accidents.

Background

New Toxic Substance Management Requirements

Following the January 24, 2025, amendment to the Designated Toxic Substances Notice (Chemical Safety Administration Notice No. 2025-2), 26 new toxic substances have been added. To assist businesses in preparing Chemical Accident Prevention and Management Plans, the MoE will introduce designated quantity thresholds, clarifying regulatory compliance standards.

Stronger Regulations on Chrysotile

Under the December 5, 2024, revision to the Designation of Restricted and Prohibited Substances (MoE Notice No. 2024-253), chrysotile, previously categorized as a restricted substance, has now been fully prohibited. This change aligns legal classifications with an outright ban on its production, import, and use.

Key Revisions

1. Establishing Designated Quantities for 26 Toxic Substances

• Entries 1368 to 1393 will be added to the regulatory appendix.
  

• Each entry specifies the substance name, unique identification number (KE NO.), CAS number, and regulatory threshold quantities (tonnes) for accident prevention planning.
  
  

2. Full Ban on Chrysotile

• Chrysotile (KE NO. 06-5-7) will be removed from the restricted substances list.
  

• It will be reclassified under the prohibited substances list as KE NO. 06-4-27, banning all production, import, and use.
  
  

Implementation and Next Steps

The amendments will take effect once finalized. The MoE has invited public comments via its official website, stating that all feedback will be reviewed before implementation. These regulatory updates are a crucial part of South Korea’s goal to achieve “zero chemical accidents”, ensuring stricter risk management to protect public health and environmental safety.

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