Korea GHS: Revised Standards for Classification and Labeling of Chemical Substances and Material Safety Data Sheet Published

On November 12, 2020, Korean Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) published the revised Standards for Classification and Labeling of Chemical Substances and Material Safety Data Sheet^[1] by Public Notice No.2020-130. It will enter into force on January 16, 2021, the same implementation date of the revised Occupational Safety and Health Act^[2] (K-OSHA) (ChemLinked news^[3]).

MOEL issued the changes for public consultation in June 2020 (ChemLinked news^[4]). No further change is found between the technical contents in MOEL Public Notice No. 2020-130 and in its consultation draft.

The revised requirements regarding MSDS preparation, label preparation and CBI non-disclosure will be granted with grace period (1~5 years based on the tonnage) to buffer industry, which aligns with the transitional measures stipulated in Article 9 of the Supplementary Provision of the K-OSHA Enforcement Rules, including:

• >1,000 t/y: before January 16, 2022

• 100-1,000 t/y: before January 16, 2023

• 10-100 t/y: before January 16, 2024

• 1-10 t/y: before January 16, 2025

• <1 t/y: before January 16, 2026

* The English translation of the revised Standards for Classification and Labeling of Chemical Substances and Material Safety Data Sheet (MoEL Public Notice No. 2020-130) is available on ChemLinked. ChemLinked premium members can purchase one copy for $1,000 (50% OFF the original price).