What's the difference between Korea's K-REACH and EU REACH

May 15, 2025 Leave a message

Korea's K-REACH has the following differences from EU REACH:
Different registration requirements for small-tonnage new substances
EU REACH: For new substances with an annual production of less than 1 ton, REACH registration is not required.
South Korea K-REACH: For new substances with an annual production of 100 kg or more, simplified registration is required, and new substances with an annual production of less than 100 kg are required to be notified.
Different registration requirements for existing chemical substances
EU REACH: All existing substances with an annual production of 1 ton or more are required to be registered under REACH.
South Korea K-REACH: Only designated existing substances are required to be registered.
Different annual reporting requirements
EU REACH: Annual reporting of tonnage and use information of chemical substances is not required.
South Korea K-REACH: Annual reporting of tonnage and use information of new substances and existing substances with an annual production of 1 ton or more is required.
Different registration requirements for polymers
EU REACH: Register monomers or reactants of polymers.
South Korea K-REACH: Register the polymer itself.
Registration of substances for R&D purposes is different
EU REACH: Notification is done through PPORD.
South Korea K-REACH: Registration exemption confirmation is required.
Non-isolated intermediates and surface treatment substances are different
EU REACH: Fully exempted.
South Korea K-REACH: Registration exemption confirmation is required.
Only export substances are different
EU REACH: Same requirements as regular substances.
South Korea K-REACH: Registration exemption confirmation is required, also for substances manufactured/imported for the purpose of manufacturing another substance that is fully exported.
Biocides are managed differently
EU REACH: Biocides are not covered.
South Korea K-REACH: Biocides are covered, and data requirements for biocides registration are higher than for regular chemical substances.
Consumer chemicals are managed differently
EU REACH: Mainly registration of ingredients.
South Korea K-REACH: Notification of products containing hazardous substances is required, and there are more safety and labeling standards for risky products.
Articles that do not contain intentionally released substances are managed differently
EU REACH: Affected by the Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) list, the Authorization List and the Restriction List.
Korea K-REACH: Most of the time, they are not covered by K-REACH obligations, such as annual reporting, registration and product notification, but may be affected by authorizations and restrictions.

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