On 29 October 2019, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) has issued the standard for plastic products (Annex 24) under the “Safety Standards for Household Goods Subject to Safety Standards” .The standard shall be effective from 22 October 2020.

Scope:

This standard shall apply to plastic products used in daily life for adults that may come into direct contact with skin. Types of products covered by the standard are:

• Mats such as kitchen mats, yoga mats, etc;

• Footwear such as bath shoes, insoles, slippers etc;

• Miscellaneous plastic products such as cell phone cases, earphones (limited to headphones and headsets in direct contact with the ear), gym balls, toilet seats and similar products.

However, products covered by the following regulations shall be excluded:

• Food Sanitation Act;

• Other standards under the Electrical Appliances and Household Goods Safety Management Act;

• Special Act on Safety of Children’s Products.

Requirements:

The plastic products are obliged to comply with the following safety requirements:

• Good workmanship and finishes;

• Chemical properties (see Table 1);

• Labeling (model, material, dimensions, date of manufacture, manufacturer’s name, importer’s name, address or phone number for domestic manufacturer or importer, country of manufacture and precautions on use).

Table 1 Chemical Requirements

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