The Act for Resource Recycling of Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Vehicles, commonly known as Korea RoHS or K-RoHS.

Korea RoHS Compliance is the South Korean version of the Europe RoHS, WEEE, and ELV directives combined. It was adopted by the National Assembly of Korea on April 2, 2007, and officially entered into force on July 1, 2008. This framework restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment and vehicles, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of these products. It aligns with European directives, ensuring a harmonized approach to responsible resource management.

Scope and Applicability: The Act for Resource Recycling of Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Vehicles

Under Korea ROHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) Compliance, various electrical and electronic equipment and vehicles are covered. This includes products such as

TVs, refrigerators, mobile devices, washers (household use only), personal computers, audio equipment, air-conditioners, printers, copiers, fax machines, batteries, medical devices, and packing materials.

The compliance requirements apply to these products to limit the presence of hazardous substances, such as

1. Lead (Pb) and its compounds - Threshold: Below 0.1% by weight
2. Cadmium (Cd) and its compounds - Threshold: Below 0.01% by weight
3. Mercury (Hg) and its compounds - Threshold: Below 0.1% by weight
4. Hexavalent chromium (Cr 6+) - Threshold: Below 0.1% by weight
5. Polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) - Threshold: Below 0.1% by weight
6. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) - Threshold: Below 0.1% by weight
7. Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) - Threshold: Below 0.1% by weight
8. Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) - Threshold: Below 0.1% by weight
9. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) - Threshold: Below 0.1% by weight
10. Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) - Threshold: Below 0.1% by weight

An amendment to Korea RoHS introduced the additional restriction of four phthalates (BBP, DBP, DEHP, and DIBP). These phthalates have been restricted in products since July 1, 2021.

What are the requirements of Korea RoHS?

To ensure compliance with Korea RoHS, manufacturers and importers of covered products must adhere to specific requirements. These include restrictions on substances and maximum allowable concentrations, labeling and marking requirements for identifying compliant products, and reporting and documentation obligations to verify compliance. Adhering to these requirements is essential for maintaining regulatory compliance and ensuring the safety of products. The Korean ROHS requirements encompass several key provisions and responsibilities for ensuring the proper management of electronic waste and end-of-life vehicles. These requirements aim to promote sustainable practices, minimize environmental impact, and protect public health.

Under the South Korean ROHS requirement, the following provisions are established:

• Establishment of an annual recycling rate: The government sets an annual target for the recycling rate of electronic waste and end-of-life vehicles, encouraging proper disposal and recycling practices.
• Declaration on compliance with the concentration limits of hazardous substances: Manufacturers and importers must declare their products' compliance with the specified concentration limits for hazardous substances, ensuring the safety and well-being of consumers.
• Provision of recycling information: Manufacturers and importers are responsible for providing clear and accurate information about the recycling process and options available to consumers, promoting responsible disposal practices.
• Mandatory recycling rate for electrical and electronic equipment: There is a compulsory recycling rate imposed on electrical and electronic equipment, ensuring that a certain percentage of these products are recycled to minimize waste generation and resource depletion.
• Recycling rate and methods for end-of-life vehicles: The recycling rate and appropriate methods for handling end-of-life vehicles are established, aiming to maximize the recovery of valuable materials and minimize the environmental impact of vehicle disposal.
• Permission of collective recycling schemes: Manufacturers and importers have the option to participate in collective recycling schemes, where multiple entities collaborate to manage the recycling and treatment of electronic waste and end-of-life vehicles more efficiently.
• Submission of recycling performance for end-of-life vehicles: Manufacturers and importers of vehicles are required to submit reports on their recycling performance, including data on the reuse, recycling, and disposal of vehicle scraps. This allows for monitoring and evaluation of their environmental impact.
• Registration of end-of-life vehicle recyclers: Recycling facilities specializing in end-of-life vehicles must be registered with the relevant authorities, ensuring they meet the necessary standards and guidelines for proper handling and treatment of vehicle waste.

Responsibilities of Manufacturers and Importers under K-RoHS

In addition to these provisions, manufacturers and importers have specific responsibilities to fulfil:

• Develop technology for recycling: They are encouraged to invest in research and development to advance recycling technologies and processes, promoting a more sustainable approach to waste management.
• Improve the materials and structures of products: Manufacturers and importers should continually strive to enhance the materials and structures of their products, making them more environmentally friendly and easily recyclable.
• Restrict the use of hazardous substances: They must adhere to the restrictions on hazardous substances, minimizing the presence of substances such as lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, phthalates, and polybrominated compounds in their products.
• Promote the use of easily recyclable products: Manufacturers and importers are encouraged to design products with recyclability in mind, considering factors such as disassembly, material separation, and the use of standardized components to facilitate recycling processes.
• Reduce waste production and implement waste collection measures: Efforts should be made to minimize waste generation during the manufacturing process and implement effective waste collection measures to ensure proper disposal and recycling.

What are the requirements of Korea WEEE?

The Korea WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Section of the Resource Recycling of Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Vehicles Act focuses specifically on electronic waste and places responsibilities on manufacturers and distributors of electrical and electronic equipment:

• Manufacturers and distributors are accountable for managing the future waste generated by their products in the Korean market.
• They are required to comply with local "producer compliance schemes" (PCS), which are systems established for the collection and treatment of electronic waste. These PCS must recycle e-waste in accordance with the standards set by the Ministry of Environment.
• Violations of the Korea ROHS requirements can result in fines imposed on manufacturers, distributors, or PCS by the Minister of Environment, emphasizing the importance of compliance with waste management regulations.

What are the requirements of Korea ELV?

The Korea ELV (End-of-Life Vehicle) Section of the Resource Recycling of Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Vehicles Act addresses the recycling and treatment of end-of-life vehicles:

• Manufacturers, importers of vehicles, and vehicle scrap managers are included within the ELV scope and have obligations related to the proper handling and disposal of end-of-life vehicles.
• Recycling facilities must adhere to specific guidelines, including shredding residues and separating and handling hazardous substances in a responsible manner.
• Periodical reports on recycling, reuse, and disposal of vehicle scraps must be submitted to the Ministers of Environment and Land, Infrastructure, and Transport for monitoring and assessment purposes.

By implementing these provisions, responsibilities, and regulations, the Korea ROHS requirements aim to ensure the effective and sustainable management of electronic waste and end-of-life vehicles throughout their lifecycle, promoting resource conservation and environmental protection.

What are the latest developments in Korea RoHS?

On November 24, 2020, a significant amendment to the Enforcement Ordinance on the Recycling of Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Vehicles Act (K-ROHS) was published in South Korea's Official Gazette, known as Decree No. 31184. This amendment introduces notable changes and additions to the regulations. The amendment includes the addition of 23 new products to the list of items that are subject to restrictions on the use of hazardous substances. These newly added products encompass a range of items, including

dehumidifiers, scanners, toasters, electric kettles, electric water heaters, electric frying pans, hair dryers, treadmills, security cameras, food dryers, electric massage machines, foot baths, sewing machines, video game machines, wireless routers, bread makers, navigation display devices, fryers, beam projectors, coffee makers, hot pots, dehydrators, and vending machines.

Furthermore, the amendment brings about the following changes:

• Improvement of penalties for violations of hazardous substance restrictions: Penalties for non-compliance with restrictions on hazardous substances have been strengthened, aiming to ensure stricter enforcement and adherence to the regulations.
• Expansion of exemptions for Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE): The amendment expands the list of exemptions for Electrical and Electronic Equipment. This includes military equipment, large fixed industrial equipment, large fixed facilities, and medical equipment in the category of EEE exempted from restrictions on hazardous substance use, recycling, and take-back obligations. This allows for more flexibility in certain sectors while maintaining the overall objectives of the regulations.

Additionally, domestic standards listed in Annex 2 have been updated to align with revised international standards concerning exemptions to restrictions on hazardous substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE). The revised standards in Annex 2 ensure compliance with international guidelines and harmonization with global practices. The amendment took effect from January 1, 2021, and the relevant details regarding restrictions for hazardous substances are outlined in Annex 1-2, while Annex 2 covers exemptions.

Resource Recycling System in South Korea:

South Korea has established a robust resource recycling system to manage the end-of-life disposal of electrical and electronic equipment. This includes the development of collection and recycling infrastructure to facilitate the proper disposal and recycling of these products. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme plays a crucial role, requiring manufacturers and importers to take responsibility for the recycling and proper treatment of their products at the end of their lifecycle.

Conclusion:

Embracing the Act for Resource Recycling of Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Vehicles also known as Korea RoHS Compliance is crucial for the electronics industry to contribute to a sustainable future. By adhering to the legislative requirements, implementing efficient resource recycling systems, and overcoming compliance challenges, stakeholders can actively participate in responsible resource management. Together, we can create a greener, more sustainable world while meeting regulatory obligations and promoting corporate social responsibility.