A temporary update for K-REACH
To compensate for potential supply chain shortages that Korean companies might experience, the Korean Ministry of Environment (or MoE) drafted last week a temporary adjustment for new chemical substance registration and the rules laid out by K-REACH. These changes would only apply until 31st December 2021.
If the draft was approved, then in certain exceptional cases, new substances registration would be simplified. Meaning that starting on the date of application of these changes, only the test plans instead of the test data in itself would be required for the following endpoints: physical and chemical criteria, human health and danger for the environment.
The second side of this revision concerns applications for registration exemption for research and development purpose. According to this revision, incomplete applications could accepted.
Background: a trade war between South Korea and Japan
The background is that of the trade war that has been occurring between the two countries for several weeks now. Following a disagreement on a question relating to financial reparations for the Japanese occupation demanded to a company, Japan decided to withdraw Korea from its “white list”, a list of trusted trade partners. This decision was reciprocated by Korea.
To prevent supply chain disruptions, Korea chose to facilitate substance registration until 2021, so as to avoid shortages of substances important for the economy. A consultation is available until October.
Wish to know more more about K-REACH?
For more information, do not hesitate to contact Renaud Germain-Thomas or one of our K-REACH experts by phone: +33 1 83 64 20 54 for Europe or +1 (778) 234 1607 for North America or to contact them via our contact form, selecting "REACH Registration" as the purpose of your inquiry.
