Recently, the Ministry of Labor in South Korea, under Article 108(3) of the Industrial Safety and Health Act and Clause 153 of the enforcement rules, officially issued Announcement No. 2025-162, disclosing 72 new chemical substances manufactured and imported in the first quarter of 2025. The hazards, risks, annual manufacturing and import volumes, and measures to prevent worker health damage related to these substances were detailed. Manufacturers and importers of new chemical substances are required to submit a report on the hazards and risks to the Ministry of Labor 30 days before manufacturing or importing these materials.
Among the 72 new chemicals disclosed, 32 substances, including 2-methylpiperidine, were identified with acute toxicity, reproductive toxicity, skin corrosivity/irritation, and other hazards and risks. The Ministry of Labor has notified manufacturers and importers of these substances to implement necessary measures in the workplace, such as requiring workers to wear personal protective equipment and installing local exhaust ventilation systems.
Workplaces handling hazardous and risky chemical products must display Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and affix warning labels on product containers and packaging that indicate hazards, risks, and precautionary measures. Additionally, companies must provide relevant training to workers handling chemical products.
Based on the increasing number of foreign workers in industrial sites, the Ministry of Labor and the Occupational Safety and Health Corporation also produced and distributed chemical safety materials in 17 languages to help foreign workers prevent accidents by understanding graphic symbols on warning labels, ensuring their safety and health.
Further Information
