South Korea drafts regulation on microplastics generated from use of electrical products

On July 24, 2024, a total of 10 Korean lawmakers, including Rep. Lee Soo Jin, proposed a bill to the National Assembly of South Korea to partially amend the Act on Resource Circulation of Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Vehicles (hereinafter “the current act”). The revisions made include alternation of the title of the current act to the "Act on Promotion of Resource Circulation of Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Vehicles," (hereinafter “proposed amendment”) and the purpose of the law is not only to promote recycling, but also to control the use and discharge of hazardous substances to minimize their harmful effects on the environment. The act also requires for manufacturers and importers of electrical and electronic products and vehicles to comply with guidelines for improving materials and structures in order to reduce the generation of hazardous substances, including microplastics, during the use/driving of such products and vehicles.