Voluntary Recall System for Children's Products to Be Implemented Next Month

Ministry of Environment Approves Amendment to Environmental Health Act
Recall of Products Containing Harmful Substances
Fines for Using Non-Certified Emission Reduction Devices

A 'voluntary recall system' will be introduced for hazardous children's products containing harmful substances.

The Ministry of Environment announced that the revised Enforcement Decree of the Environmental Health Act, which stipulates the procedures for businesses to voluntarily recall children's products containing environmental hazardous factors exceeding the standards or improperly labeled, was approved at the Cabinet meeting on the 30th.

If the voluntary recall is completed, penalties can be reduced or exempted, and the basis for this is also included in the Enforcement Decree.

The voluntary recall system for hazardous children's products was introduced following the revision of the Environmental Health Act in July last year. Children's products refer to all items used by children under the age of 13, including toys and disposable diapers.

The four environmental hazardous factors restricted for use in children's products are di-n-octyl phthalate, diisononyl phthalate, tributyltin, and nonylphenol.

The revised Environmental Health Act and Enforcement Decree, which regulate the voluntary recall system, will take effect on the 17th of next month.

Han Hwa-jin, Minister of Environment, is attending the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 30th. Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

At the Cabinet meeting that day, the revised Enforcement Decree of the Atmospheric Environment Conservation Act was also approved, requiring certification from the National Institute of Environmental Research when importing aged diesel vehicle emission reduction devices (DPF), low-emission engines, and idling restriction devices.

Importing, supplying, or selling uncertified devices may result in imprisonment for up to seven years or a fine of up to 100 million won. Manufacturing or importing devices different from the certified specifications will incur a fine of up to 3 million won.

Intermediating the sale of uncertified devices or acting as a purchasing agent will result in fines ranging from 3 to 5 million won, and using uncertified devices knowingly will incur fines between 1 and 2 million won.