South Korea
Provinces
Batteries
Provinces
Batteries
EEE
Packaging
About
Batteries
About
Batteries
About
EEE
About
EEE
About
Packaging
About
Packaging
Batteries
EEE
Packaging
Batteries
EEE
Packaging
Extended producer responsibility for batteries in South Korea
Under the Resource Recycling Act (2008 amendment), producers of portable batteries (alkaline, manganese, NiMH, lithium-ion) must fund collection and recycling.What the program includes
- Collection points (retail, community bins).
- Mandatory recycling quotas per battery chemistry.
- Fee-based contributions to PROs specialising in batteries.
Who must register
Manufacturers and importers of portable batteries.Threshold
No volume or turnover threshold—obligation is product-based.EPR registration procedure in South Korea
- Join a designated Battery PRO.
- Deploy collection infrastructure.
- Submit quarterly collection data.
- Pay annual service fees.
Authorized representative
Foreign battery producers appoint a local importer or agent as representative.Reporting deadline
Quarterly submissions by end of each calendar quarter.Who assumes responsibility?
- Producers/Importers: finance bins, collection logistics.
- PRO Operator: manage network, partnerships.
- Recyclers: process batteries, recover materials.
- Duties of each group who is responsible.
- Sites/Stores: host bins, track volumes.
- PRO: aggregate data, coordinate transport.
- Recyclers: comply with environmental standards, issue certificates.
Duties of each group who is responsible
- Sites/Stores: host bins, track volumes.
- PRO: aggregate data, coordinate transport.
- Recyclers: comply with environmental standards, issue certificates
Extended producer responsibility for EEE in South Korea
Since 2003, the Act on Resource Circulation of Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Vehicles (the “EEEV Act”) extends EPR to televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, PCs, mobile phones and other EEE.What the program includes
- Mandatory take-back and recycling targets (55–70% by weight) set per product category.
- Approved collection networks and treatment standards published by MoE.
- Producer Responsibility Schemes (individual or via PRO).
Who must register
All manufacturers and importers placing designated EEE on the Korean market, regardless of volume.Threshold
No de minimis threshold—EPR obligation is universal for covered products.EPR registration procedure in South Korea
- Apply via KECO’s EEEV portal.
- Provide detailed product listings, annual shipments, model numbers.
- Choose compliance route (individual or PRO).
- Pay fees proportionate to market share and weight.
- Sign service agreements with licensed recyclers.
Authorized representative
Foreign producers must designate a Korea-based authorized representative to manage EEE data, reporting and liaison with MoE and recyclers.Reporting deadline
- Plan submission by 31 October (collection targets).
- Performance report by 30 June (actual recycled volumes).
Who assumes responsibility?
- Producers/Importers: collection network, recycling fees, reporting.
- MoE: oversight, target-setting, enforcement.
- Licensed Recyclers: collection, treatment, data submission.
Duties of each group who is responsible
- Producers: register, calculate fees, engage recyclers, submit plans/reports.
- MoE: review submissions, enforce compliance.
- Recyclers: collect, process, certify recycled volumes
Extended producer responsibility for packaging in South Korea
Producers of packaging - metal cans, glass bottles, cartons, PET and synthetic-resin packaging - must finance and operate take-back, collection and recycling systems under Article 16 of the Act on the Promotion of Saving and Recycling of Resources (“Resource Recycling Act”).What the program includes
- Mandatory recycling ratios (typically 70–80%) set annually by the Ministry of Environment (MoE) for each material type.
- Quality & structure evaluation and eco-design guidelines (e.g. colourless PET, easy-separation labels) under Articles 9-2 to 9-4.
- Producer-funded “Recycling Business Mutual Aid Associations” (sectoral PROs) to aggregate fees and organise collection.
Who must register
All producers, importers or sellers placing covered packaging on the Korean market who meet both:- Annual Korean sales ≥ KRW 2 billion (approx.).
- Annual production + import weight ≥ 50 tonnes.
Threshold
The dual threshold (turnover & weight) applies; smaller operators below both may opt in voluntarily for reputational benefit.EPR registration procedure in South Korea
- Determine liability via KECO’s onlinetool.
- Join the relevant PRO (e.g. packaging PRO).
- Submit: company details, turnover proof, packaging data.
- Pay annual contributions scaled to material weight & recyclability rating.
- Undergo packaging quality evaluation within 60 days.
Authorized representative
Foreign producers must appoint a Korea-based representative (importer or specialised agent) to handle registration, reporting and fee payment.Reporting deadline
Annual report due 31 March, covering: tonnes placed on market, recycled volumes, PRO contributions.Who assumes responsibility?
- Producers/Importers: financial & operational accountability.
- MoE: policy, target-setting, enforcement.
- KECO: registration portal, performance verification.
- PROs: fee collection, logistics coordination.
Duties of each group who is responsible
- Producers: register, design for recyclability, submit Action Plan, meet targets.
- PROs: administer fees, contract recyclers, aggregate data.
- MoE/KECO: audit compliance, publish annual performance.
- Local governments: enforce collection and separation rules
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