South Korea Updates GHS Classification List

38 substances have been newly classified as toxic and provided with classification and labeling information. Classification and labeling information has been updated for three previously published substances. All these substances are still considered new chemicals and require registration under K-REACH.

On May 2nd, 2019, South Korea’s National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER) announced by NIER Announcement No. 2019-8[1] the updates to the GHS Classification List, which came into effect immediately.

The classification information, pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, M factors and UN No. of 38 toxic chemical substances (Given No. 2019-1-878~2019-1-915) were newly added to the list. The 38 substance have already undergone toxicity assessment under K-REACH and were designated as toxic chemical substances by NIER Announcement No. 2019-7[2] on Apr 19th, 2019. Additional Transitional measures were provided for control of these toxic substances, including import notification, labelling, off-site impact analysis, business licensing and other relative requirements specified in CCA and its Enforcement Rules.

In addition, the classification information of three substances (Given No. 2017-1-789, 2017-1-794, 2018-1-832) were updated.

It should be noted that all these toxic substances (the 38 newly designated and the 3 previously designated) are considered new chemical substances in South Korea. Manufacturers or importers of these substances (other than the original registrants) should still apply for new chemical registration under K-REACH before manufacture or importation.

The substances details can be viewed here[3] (in hwp. format).