South Korea chemical safety institute revises list of biocidal substances eligible for deferred approval

On July 12, 2024, the National Institute of Chemical Safety (NICS), an agency operating under the Ministry of Environment (MOE) of South Korea, notified a draft amendment to the Designation of Existing Biocidal Substances Eligible for Deferred Approval (NICS Public Notice 2024-60). The proposed amendment adds three new biocidal substances to and removes six substances from the list of existing biocidal substances for which a deferred approval period is granted upon requests from business operators.

In South Korea, biocidal substances that are manufactured in or imported to the country to be approved before being sold or distributed within the country. However, in the case of Existing Biocidal Substances, a deferred approval period can be granted if business operators (companies) apply for and the substance is designated as an Existing Biocidal Substance Eligible for Deferred Approval. During this period, manufacturing or importing is allowed without approval.