According to a notification submitted to the World Trade Organization (WTO) by the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards in February of this year, South Korea plans to adopt revised adhesive safety standards in April. Following a 60-day consultation period, the proposed effective date for the standards is December 2013 or later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The main changes in the revision will be twofold. The use of PHMG (polyhexamethylene guanidine) and PGH (oligo(2-(2-ethoxy)ethoxyethyl guanidinium chloride)) will be restricted to household chemicals. Furthermore, regulations regarding ingredient composition and hazard labeling will be incorporated into the new revised standard, which will also include stricter regulations on \"toxicity\" labeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This standard requires manufacturers or importers of household chemical products containing adhesives to obtain product safety certification. Each product model must be certified by a testing laboratory designated by the agency. Manufacturers or importers must also declare to the safety product certification body before the product is put on the market or cleared through customs to obtain market access permission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Last year, South Korea notified the WTO of its legislative plan to restrict the use of the same substances in air fresheners, deodorants, and other household chemical products.
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