South Korea revises subordinate regulations of Chemicals Control Act to expand qualifications of hazardous chemicals managers

On October 4, 2023, the South Korean government enforced amended versions of subordinate regulations of the Chemicals Control Act, namely the Presidential Decree on the Chemicals Control Act and the Enforcement Rules of the Chemicals Control Act. The major revisions made include: (1) addition of qualifications to be accredited as hazardous chemicals managers and technical professionals; (2) extension of the term of validity (to 2028) of human resource standards applicable to business establishments with less than 30 employees; (3) modification of the timing of safety training for those who handle hazardous substances; and (4) changes to the format of the Chemicals Control Logbook. Although these regulations have already taken effect since October 4, 2023, provisions on education and training for those who handle hazardous chemicals will come into effect on January 1, 2025 according to the progress of development of educational materials and other factors.

The main changes contained in the revised presidential decree and enforcement rules are as follows.