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Editor's Note: This article was originally published in April 2026 to analyze the draft partial amendments to the Chemical Hazard Assessment Results, and was updated on 1 June 2026 to introduce the finalized version.
On May 21, 2026, by NICS Announcement No. 2026-9, South Korea's National Institute of Chemical Safety (NICS) adopted the draft partial amendments to the Chemical Hazard Assessment Results, which were proposed for comments from April 22 to May 12, 2026. They take effect immediately. The updates are consistent with those proposed drafts (see previously issued article below).
Detailed information about the involved chemicals can be accessed via the reference link at the bottom of this article.
Proposed draft amendments on April 22, 2026:
On April 22, 2026, South Korea's National Institute of Chemical Safety (NICS) issued partial amendments to the Chemical Hazard Assessment Results for public comments. By NICS Notice No. 2026-37, the NICS publicizes the hazard assessment results for 79 registered new chemical substances, the modification of hazard assessment results for 34 previously listed new chemical substances and 13 previously listed existing chemical substances, the modification of given numbers for 18 previously listed existing chemicals due to the acquisition of supplementary data, and the adjustment of hazard information on one previously listed existing chemical substance. Stakeholders and industry professionals are invited to submit comments on these proposed changes by May 12, 2026.
Under the Act on Registration and Evaluation, etc. of Chemical Substances (K-REACH), hazard assessments for registered chemical substances shall be conducted. This partial amendment is proposed in accordance with Articles 18 and 21 of the K-REACH. Under these provisions, the MCEE is required to conduct hazard assessments on registered chemical substances, notify the registrants of the results, and publicly announce the chemical names, toxicity status, and major hazards to ensure transparency and public safety.
Proposed updates to Annex 1 - New Chemical Substances Hazard Assessment Results
To add hazard assessment results of 79 new chemical substances (Given No. 2026-1 ~ 2026-79), of which 15 substances are found to be hazardous.
To update hazard assessment results of 34 previously listed new chemical substances based on additional data submitted during registration modifications.
Proposed updates to Annex 2 - Existing Chemical Substances Hazard Assessment Results
To update the hazard assessment results of 13 previously listed existing chemical substances based on the acquisition of supplementary data.
To assign the given numbers of hazardous substances (Given No. 2026-1-1337 ~ 2026-1-1354) to 18 previously listed existing chemical substances due to designation (read more).
To correct the hazard information of one previously listed existing chemical substance (Given No. 2025-578), adjusting its hazard classification from "Severe eye damage/eye irritation (3.4)" to "Severe eye damage/eye irritation (3.3)".
Chemical manufacturers, importers, and downstream users operating in South Korea who manufacture, import, or utilize the specified substances are suggested to review the updated hazard assessment results to ensure ongoing compliance with hazard communication, labeling, and handling requirements under K-REACH and K-CCA.
These registered and assessed substances were issued with English names, CAS No., corresponding hazards, classification and labeling information, and a determination of whether they are "acutely hazardous to human health", "chronically hazardous to human health", and/or "hazardous to the environment". For those chemicals with a determination of their hazard type, if adopted, they will be designated and included in the List of Substances Acutely Hazardous to Human Health, Substances Chronically Hazardous to Human Health, and Substances Hazardous to the Environment.
The last updates to the Chemical Hazard Assessment Results were made on March 10, 2026 (read more).
