The Ministry of Environment (MoE) in South Korea has announced late pre-registration criteria on 23 February. Existing substances are chemicals that have been circulated in South Korea before 1991 or nominated by the MoE after the hazards assessment. The initial pre-registration was 30 June 2019.

Late pre-registration is allowed when:

• A company is manufacturing/importing existing substances more than one tonne per year for the first time in South Korea
• The existing substances that the ministry has added to the inventory recently
• The importers initially notified the existing substance but OR will proceed with full registration

Companies that have done pre-registration can continue to manufacture or import chemicals without registration. The first full registration deadline is December 2021, for existing chemicals manufactured or imported more than 1000 tonnes per year and CMR substances manufactured or imported more than 1 tonne per year. 

Last update: 18 March 2021