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During September to December of 2017, 72 household products from 45 companies were found in breach of national safety and labelling standards in South Korea. In Feb/early Mar, the Ministry of Environment (MoE) ordered the ban and recall of 53 household products from the market. The other 19 products require rectification.
The 53 products have been listed on the hazardous Products Sales Prevention System (http://www.koreannet.or.kr) on 9 Mar, including 7 cleaners, 1 synthetic detergent, 6 coating agents, 3 anti-rust additives, 3 anti-fogging agents, 5 adhesives, 12 colorants/decolorants, 7 air fresheners, 5 deodorants and 4 insect repellents. Run by the Korea Chamber of Commerce, listing on the system means a ban from sales in stores and supermarkets. In addition a ban on sale through ecommerce will also be overseen by the Korea online shopping association.
For the 53 household products, breaches are mainly for
Containing prohibited substances, such as PHMG, MIT, etc. (12 products)
hazardous ingredients content exceeding limits in safety standards (25 products)
without self-check before sale in the market (16 products)
In addition, 19 household products require rectification of labeling e.g. omitting self-check number or some matters needing attention on labels.
According to K-REACH Article 49, the sale of risk concerned products which do not meet safety or labelling standards can result in imprisonment for no more than seven years or fines up to 200 million won.
All the breaches will be published on the living environment safety information system (http://ecolife.me.go.kr). The MoE will continue investigations and market surveillance on household products, strengthen safety standards and work to eliminate consumer safety concerns about household products.
