In March, 2025, the Chemical Safety Agency, part of South Korea’s Ministry of Environment, released a draft of the Detailed Guidelines for Extended Inspection of Hazardous Chemical Transport Containers. This draft mandates that expired containers undergo thorough testing before reuse. The policy will be implemented immediately upon finalization and will undergo triennial reviews, starting on July 1, 2025, with reviews due by June 30 every three years.

According to the draft, expired hazardous chemical transport containers are generally prohibited from use. However, operators seeking extended use must submit applications to designated institutions, accompanied by technical documentation such as structural specifications, design files, import declaration certificates, and material certifications, and undergo tiered inspections. Standard extended inspections will include five key checks: visual inspection, structural integrity, airtightness, labeling compliance, and auxiliary equipment functionality. Containers without prior inspection records will also require three additional tests: material performance, non-destructive testing, and internal pressure testing.

The technical requirements emphasize that containers must meet several safety criteria: material strength must pass formula-based verification, structural designs must include dual sealing mechanisms at discharge ports to prevent leakage, and inspections must include both pneumatic and hydrostatic pressure tests.

The guidelines apply to common container materials like metal and rigid plastic, focusing on the transport of hazardous chemicals such as toxic gases. While the new regulations aim to improve South Korea’s chemical logistics safety standards, they may increase costs for companies needing equipment upgrades. Industry stakeholders can submit feedback on the draft until April 11, 2025.

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