Korea Federation of Micro Enterprises Welcomes Exemption from Mandatory Installation of Kiosks for People with Disabilities

System Revision to Address Concerns Over Fines
"Proactive Administration Reflecting On-the-Ground Realities"

The Korea Federation of Micro Enterprises has welcomed the Ministry of Health and Welfare's move to exempt small business owners from the obligation to install kiosks for people with disabilities.

On August 29, the federation issued a statement saying, "We positively evaluate the government's decision to reflect the realities faced by small business owners through the revision of the enforcement ordinance of the Act on the Prohibition of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities and Remedies for Their Rights. We have consistently called for a deferral of the law's application in order to reduce the excessive burden on small business owners."

Korea Federation of Micro Enterprises

According to the current enforcement ordinance of the Act on the Prohibition of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities, all new kiosks purchased since January 28 of this year must be accessible to people with disabilities, and existing machines must be gradually replaced starting next year. Violations can result in fines of up to 30 million won, which has raised concerns among small business owners about potential disadvantages.

In response, the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on the previous day a legislative notice of a partial amendment to the enforcement ordinance of the Act on the Prohibition of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities and Remedies for Their Rights, which proposes to exclude small business owners from the obligation to install kiosks for people with disabilities.

The Korea Federation of Micro Enterprises stated, "This amendment is the result of consultations between the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and reflects the challenges faced in the field as an achievement of proactive administration. We will submit our opinions during the legislative notice period and strive to ensure that the voices of small business owners are reflected until the enforcement ordinance is finalized."