GHS Implementation in South Korea

Chemical Safety and Regulatory Framework - 화학물질의 분류 및 표시에 관한 세계조화시스템

Overview

South Korea has implemented GHS through comprehensive regulations covering workplace chemicals, consumer products, and industrial chemicals. The implementation ensures worker safety and environmental protection while supporting the country's advanced chemical industry.

Implementation Timeline

Regulatory Authorities

Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL)

  • Workplace chemical safety
  • Occupational Safety and Health Act
  • Worker health protection
  • Labor inspection and enforcement

Ministry of Environment (MOE)

  • Chemicals Control Act (CCA)
  • Chemical registration and evaluation
  • Environmental protection
  • Chemical inventory management

Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA)

  • Technical guidance and support
  • Chemical hazard evaluation
  • Training and education
  • Research and development

Regulatory Framework

Key Legislation

South Korea's GHS implementation involves multiple laws coordinated across different ministries to ensure comprehensive chemical safety management.

Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)

  • Article 41: Labelling requirements for hazardous chemicals
  • Article 41-2: Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) requirements
  • Enforcement Decree: Specific implementation rules
  • Ministerial Ordinances: Technical requirements

Chemicals Control Act (CCA)

  • Chemical registration and evaluation
  • Toxic chemical substance management
  • Chemical accident prevention
  • Environmental release control

Toxic Chemicals Control Act

  • Toxic substance classification and control
  • Manufacturing and import licensing
  • Distribution and use restrictions
  • Emergency response requirements

Classification and Labelling Requirements

Mandatory Classification

All hazardous chemicals in Korean workplaces must be classified and labelled according to GHS principles under OSHA requirements.

Hazard Classification

  • Physical Hazards: 16 classes following GHS Rev. 7
  • Health Hazards: 10 classes including acute and chronic effects
  • Environmental Hazards: Aquatic toxicity classification
  • Korea-Specific Classes: Additional national requirements

Labelling Elements (Korean Language)

  • Product Identifier: Chemical name in Korean and English
  • Signal Words: "위험" (Danger) or "경고" (Warning)
  • Hazard Pictograms: Standard GHS symbols
  • Hazard Statements: H-phrases in Korean
  • Precautionary Statements: P-phrases in Korean
  • Supplier Information: Company name and emergency contact

Specific Requirements

  • Target Substances: 717 substances requiring labelling
  • MSDS Substances: 2,800+ substances requiring MSDS
  • Workplace Posting: Hazard information display
  • Container Marking: All hazardous chemical containers

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) Requirements

물질안전보건자료 (Material Safety Data Sheet)

Korean MSDS must follow the 16-section GHS format with specific local requirements and Korean language content.

Key MSDS Requirements

  • Language: Korean language mandatory
  • Format: 16-section GHS structure
  • Content: Comprehensive hazard and safety information
  • Updates: When new hazard information becomes available
  • Submission: Electronic submission to KOSHA

KOSHA Submission System

  • Electronic System: Online MSDS submission portal
  • Review Process: KOSHA technical review
  • Approval: Official MSDS approval certificate
  • Public Database: Approved MSDS public access

Chemical Registration and Evaluation

K-REACH System

South Korea operates a comprehensive chemical registration system (K-REACH) similar to EU REACH for chemical safety evaluation.

Registration Requirements

  • Scope: Existing and new chemical substances
  • Threshold: 1 tonne/year manufacturing or import
  • Data Requirements: Hazard and exposure information
  • Timeline: Phased implementation by tonnage

Evaluation Process

  • Dossier Evaluation: Technical completeness review
  • Substance Evaluation: Risk-based priority evaluation
  • Risk Management: Restriction and authorization measures
  • Monitoring: Post-registration surveillance

Compliance and Enforcement

Enforcement Framework

Multiple agencies enforce chemical safety regulations with significant penalties for non-compliance.

Enforcement Measures

  • Workplace Inspections: Regular compliance audits
  • Administrative Orders: Corrective action requirements
  • Business Suspension: Operating permit suspension
  • Criminal Prosecution: Serious violation penalties
  • Product Recalls: Non-compliant product removal

Penalty Structure

  • Administrative Fines: Up to KRW 50 million
  • Criminal Penalties: Imprisonment up to 3 years
  • Business Restrictions: License suspension or revocation
  • Repeat Offenses: Enhanced penalties

Resources and Support