2025 Regulatory Insights: Navigating Industrial Chemical Regulations in APAC
As 2025 begins, industries worldwide face a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. Emerging trends, stricter compliance requirements, and new opportunities are redefining the global market, bringing both challenges and strategic possibilities for businesses.
Our “2025 Regulatory Insights” series offers an in-depth look at critical updates and practical strategies to help you navigate these changes with confidence.
In the industrial chemicals sector, heightened safety standards, expanding frameworks and mounting sustainability demands are reshaping the industry’s dynamics. This article delves into key trends, compliance deadlines, and actionable solutions to ensure your business stays competitive and fully aligned with regulatory requirements.
-
China: Legislative Progress on Environmental Risk Management of Chemical Substances Under New Pollutants Treatment
China continues to prioritize the environmental risk management of chemical substances, as emphasized by the Action Plan for New Pollutants Treatment and the Legislative Work Plan of the State Council in 2024. The Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) has been working with the Ministry of Justice to advance the “Regulation on Environmental Risk Management of Toxic and Hazardous Chemical Substances” (Draft). The final regulation will introduce differentiated management measures for new and existing chemical substances based on environmental risks.
Compliance Alert:
Stay ahead of regulatory changes in 2025. Assess your compliance requirements early to minimize risks, especially those affecting your supply chain.
-
China: Proposed “Law on Hazardous Chemicals Safety (Draft)” Expected to Impact Chemical Handling in 2025
In 2024, China released a draft of the “Law on Hazardous Chemicals Safety” for public consultation. The law, once enacted, will impose stricter safety management requirements for entities involved in the production, storage, use, and transport of hazardous chemicals. Key measures include safety condition reviews, license management, emergency response protocols, and online monitoring of major hazard sources.
Compliance Alert:
Companies must conduct self-assessments and ensure full implementation of safety production measures to avoid potential legal and financial risks from non-compliance.
-
China: New Mandatory National Standard for Road Transport of Dangerous Goods to Take Effect in 2025
China’s Vehicle Mark for Road Transportation Dangerous Goods (GB 13392-2023) standard will come into effect on April 1, 2025. This new regulation mandates specific labeling for vehicles transporting dangerous goods. (Transport of Dangerous Goods)
Compliance Alert:
Review the content and marking criteria of the GB 13392-2023 standard to ensure compliance before the mandatory implementation date.
-
Taiwan Region: Potential Update to Prohibited Chemical Substances List in 2025
Taiwan Region is expected to update its list of prohibited chemical substances in 2025, impacting industries such as cosmetics, medical devices, and electronics. These changes may align with international standards such as the EU REACH regulation. (Taiwan Region TCCSCA/OSHA)
Compliance Alert:
Monitor closely updates to the Taiwan Region’s prohibited substances list. Adjust formulations and supply chains as needed to ensure compliance with new restrictions.
-
Korea: Changes to K-REACH New Substance Notification Requirements in 2025
As of January 1, 2025, the tonnage threshold for new substance notifications under K-REACH has increased from 0.1 tons/year to 1 ton/year. Additionally, Korean authorities are set to implement more detailed classifications for existing toxic substances, including their acute human toxicity, chronic toxicity, and environmental risks. (K-REACH)
Compliance Alert:
For substances previously registered under the lower tonnage threshold, or those that require new notifications, companies should ensure they meet the updated requirements. Pay attention to the classification and validation rules from Korean authorities.
-
India: BIS Certification Requirement for Electrical Appliances Starting March 2025
India has issued the 2024 Quality Control Order (QCO) for household, commercial, and similar electrical appliances, requiring BIS certification for products entering the market. The QCO will come into effect on March 17, 2025. (India BIS FMCS)
Compliance Alert:
Ensure your electrical appliances are BIS-certified before export to India to avoid market entry delays and disruptions. Review the Indian standards and complete certification in advance.
How REACH24H Can Help
At REACH24H, we specialize in navigating the complexities of regulatory compliance for industrial chemicals across APAC and beyond. With our team of experts, we provide tailored solutions, including regulatory consultation, compliance management, and market access strategies. Contact us for further assistance today.