BCF review: Navigating Chemicals Regulation in China and Korea

by Emily Bradley, Regulatory Affairs Executive 

With increasing regulatory challenges in the Global Chemicals market and more requests for guidance from members, on the 20^th June 2019 BCF held its first-ever ‘Navigating Chemicals Regulation in China and Korea’ workshop, hosted by the Chemical Inspection & Regulation Service (CIRS). The training was well-received by members and primarily focused on current and upcoming regulation for importing chemicals into China and Korea, specifically focusing on China REACH and K-REACH.

The day kicked off with an introduction from CIRS, with Austin McCabe giving an overview on China REACH. The presentation included a general introduction of the process, including registration requirements and post notification obligations, followed by regulatory requirements for the safe management of hazardous chemicals in China.

The next area of focus was the ‘Framework of Korea Chemical Regulation and K-REACH’, also known as ‘The Act of Registration and Evaluation of Chemicals’, which came into force 1^st January 2015. In both areas presented, enforcement was also a key point, highlighting the potential consequences of non-compliance, which includes large fines.

Finally, an EU REACH vs China REACH vs Korea REACH comparison was given by Bryan Zhou of CIRS, highlighting the differences between the three and providing a better understanding of what is and isn’t required when importing chemicals into China or Korea compared to the EU.

Overall it was an informative day, with members giving positive feedback and requesting future training events for other relevant countries. For any members that have an interest in chemicals regulations globally, the BCF runs a Global Chemicals Group which you are welcome to join.  It is a hands-on meeting with all attendees inputting knowledge to aid understanding of the differences within global regulations.

If members have other training needs in these areas, please contact wayne.smith@bcf.co.uk