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.Who must register for EPR in South Korea
Under EPR registration South Korea, the following businesses are obligated:- Manufacturers of batteries in South Korea
- Importers of batteries or battery-powered products
- Distributors that place own-brand battery-containing products on the Korean market
- Foreign sellers that import through local Korean partners
What the package includes
The South Korean EPR system for batteries covers:- Portable batteries: Used in mobile phones, cameras, power tools, etc.
- Automotive batteries: Primarily lead-acid batteries used in vehicles
- Industrial batteries: Rechargeable and large-scale batteries used in solar, telecom, or UPS systems
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.Who must register for EPR in South Korea
According to EPR registration South Korea rules, the following are considered obligated producers:- Manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment sold in South Korea
- Importers of EEE or products containing EEE
- Brand owners and private-label suppliers placing EEE on the Korean market
- Foreign companies that import EEE into Korea via local partners or distributors
What the package includes
The EPR South Korea program covers a wide range of EEE categories, including:- Televisions and monitors
- Refrigerators and air conditioners
- Washing machines and microwaves
- Desktop and laptop computers
- Printers, audio systems, and telecom devices
- Small appliances (e.g., vacuum cleaners, toasters)
- Rechargeable electronic tools
- Electric fans and lighting devices
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”).Who must register for EPR in South Korea
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.
What the package includes
EPR packaging South Korea applies to six primary packaging materials:- Paper (e.g. cartons, paperboard)
- Plastic (rigid and flexible films)
- Glass
- Metal (aluminum, steel)
- Composite packaging
- Styrofoam (EPS)
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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