On March 10, 2026, Korea’s National Institute of Chemical Safety (NICS) released Announcement No. 2026-2, confirming the adoption of the revised Designation of Accident-Preparedness Substances, which officially adds three new chemicals to the list. This update is intended to enhance control over high-risk substances and reduce the likelihood of chemical accidents.
Reason for the Revision
This revision aligns with a prior decision dated September 26, 2025. Under the updated provisions, companies that had already begun manufacturing or importing these substances before that date—and had completed chemical confirmations in line with Article 9 of the Chemicals Control Act (K-CCA)—will be considered compliant with the accident-preparedness substance confirmation requirements after September 26, 2025.
Newly Designated Substances
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Xylene (CAS No. 1330-20-7, 95-47-6, 106-42-3, 108-38-3)
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Styrene (CAS No. 100-42-5)
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1,3-Butadiene (CAS No. 106-99-0)
Accident-preparedness substances are chemicals that pose significant risks due to properties such as high acute toxicity or strong explosiveness, making them capable of causing severe incidents or large-scale damage. As a result, companies handling these substances must implement appropriate preparedness measures.
For businesses starting production or import after September 26, 2025, compliance with the Letter of Confirmation (LOC) requirement is mandatory. This includes verifying whether their products contain any of the listed substances and submitting the necessary reports before initiating manufacturing or import activities.
The revised announcement came into force on March 10, 2026. In line with South Korean regulatory practices, it will be subject to review every three years to ensure continuous improvement in chemical safety management.
