Differences between K-REACH and EU REACH

Korea

Differences between K-REACH and EU REACH

Little Pro on 2015-12-31

Despite many similarities, K-REACH and EU REACH are different in many aspects. In this article, we have summarized the main differences between K-REACH and EU REACH to help you understand K-REACH's regulatory requirements better.

This article is no longer valid due to amended K-REACH issued in March 2018. For more info about amended K-REACH, please click here.

K-REACH EU REACH Differences

1. Registration of New Substances in Small Volumes (<1t/y )

EU REACH: REACH registration not required;
K-REACH: Simplified registration required for >=100kg/ new substances; Notification needed for <100kg/y new substances.

2. Registration of Existing Chemical Substances(>=1t/y)

EU REACH: REACH registration required for all existing substances;
K-REACH: Registration only required for designated existing substances;

3. Reporting Volume and Uses Annually (Annual Report)

EU REACH: No required;
K-REACH: Required for new substances and >=1t/y existing substances ;

4. Registration of Polymers

EU REACH: Registration of monomer or reactant;
K-REACH: Registration of polymer itself;

5. Registration of Substances for R&D Purpose

EU REACH: PPORD notification;
K-REACH: Application of confirmation of registration exemption;

6. Non-isolated Intermediates and Surface Treated Substances

EU REACH: Fully exempt;
K-REACH: Application of confirmation of registration exemption required;

7. Export-only Substances

EU REACH: The same as regular substances;
K-REACH: Application of confirmation of registration exemption; also includes substances manufactured/imported to manufacture another substance to be entirely exported;

8. Biocides

EU REACH: Does not cover biocides;
K-REACH: Covers biocides; higher data requirements for biocides registration than regular chemical substances;

9. Chemical consumer products

EU REACH: mainly registration of ingredients;
K-REACH: notification of products containing hazardous substances; and more safety and labelling standards for product of risk concern.

10. Articles that do not contain substances intended to be released

EU REACH: impacted by SVHC list, authorization list and restriction list;
K-REACH: out the scope of most K-REACH obligations such as annual report, registration and product notification; may be impacted by authorization and restriction;

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