Fines to Be Imposed on Brokers and Purchase Agents of DEF Neutralization Devices

Fines imposed for brokering or facilitating sales
of devices that reduce emission control performance

From now on, anyone who brokers the sale or facilitates the purchase of products that reduce the function or performance of automobile emission-related parts, such as diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) neutralization devices, will be subject to fines.

The Ministry of Environment announced that a partial amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Clean Air Conservation Act, which includes these measures, was approved at a Cabinet meeting on the 24th and is expected to take effect as early as the end of this month.

Previously, following the revision of the Clean Air Conservation Act in March, those who imported or sold problematic products could face up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 10 million won. In addition, under this latest amendment, those who broker the sale or facilitate the purchase of such products can also be fined up to 5 million won.

A truck is parked near Peace Park in Mapo-gu, Seoul, where the shortage of diesel exhaust fluid continues on the 10th. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

The fines are set at 3 million won for a first offense, 4 million won for a second offense, and 5 million won for a third or subsequent offense.

DEF is used in diesel vehicles to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides and other substances that cause fine particulate matter, and must be replenished when depleted. DEF neutralization devices prevent DEF from being injected, thereby causing air pollution.

An Sechang, Director General of Climate and Carbon Policy at the Ministry of Environment, stated, "Following this amendment to the enforcement decree, we plan to actively crack down not only on sellers of DEF neutralization devices but also on businesses that broker their sale."