,"On November 11, 2025, South Korea’s Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment enacted a partial amendment to the Act on the Safety Management of Household Chemicals and Biocides (Act No. 21125). The amendment, effective six months after promulgation in May 2026, establishes new responsibilities for both the state and operators to enhance the safe management of household chemicals and biocides.
Articles 3-2 and 3-3 define state and industry obligations. The state is tasked with promoting safety principles across economic, social, educational, and cultural sectors, providing administrative, technical, and financial support, and disseminating accurate safety information. Manufacturers, importers, sellers, and users of household chemicals and biocides are responsible for maintaining safe facilities, employee training, technology development, and cooperation with state safety measures to prevent harm to human health and the environment.
The amendment introduces provisions allowing the Minister to extend the validity period for safety-confirmed products if additional technical measures are taken and imposes improvement orders for labeling violations. It also strengthens compliance oversight, requiring investigation of safety approval, labeling, and advertising standards, with mechanisms for recommending corrective actions.
Overall, the amendment reinforces accountability, clarifies regulatory obligations, and promotes safer production, distribution, and use of household chemicals and biocides, enhancing public health protection and environmental safety in South Korea."
Consumer News Region