South Korea has increased the number of phthalates restricted in children’s products from six to seven with the addition of diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP).

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) issued Notice Number 2021-131 in July 2021. This strengthens restrictions relating to phthalates under the Common Safety Standard for Children’s Products and subject to certification pursuant to Article 17(3) of the Special Act on Children’s product Safety, children’s products subject to confirmation pursuant to Article 22(2), and children’s products subject to supplier conformity verification pursuant to Article 25(2).

Following the issuing of Notice 2021-132 of July 19, 2021, the following phthalates are now restricted in children’s products used by or for children under the age of 13:

• Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP)
• Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
• Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
• Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)
• Di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP)
• Diisononyl phthalate (DINP)
• Di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP)

They are restricted to no more than 0.1% (sum) but stakeholders should be aware it does not apply to inaccessible components.

The provisions in the notice come into effect on January 1, 2022.

SGS Childcare Product Services
SGS offers a wide range of services to ensure that products comply with relevant standards for childcare articles and children’s equipment. They provide consulting, training, product development, testing, audit and inspection services to ensure that products comply with strict regulations worldwide, demonstrating the safety and quality of juvenile products being brought to the market. After all, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s Childcare Product Services. [www.sgs.com/en/consumer-goods-retail/toys-and-juvenile-products]

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For further information contact:

Dr HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: (+852) 2774 7420
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail

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