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On June 19, 2026, the South Korean Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE) issued a draft partial amendment to the Standards and Specifications for Utensils, Containers and Packaging for public consultation. It aims to update the administrative procedures and quality-standard testing methods for food-grade recycled raw materials. The comment period will end on July 10, 2026.
Several key compliance requirements and administrative procedures have been updated in the draft partial amendment:
Definitions & Administrative Updates: The draft establishes clear definitions for "Separate Collection" and "Mixed Collection" of colorless PET bottles. It also allows the competent authority to extend the 30-day processing period for issuing a food-grade recycled raw material production confirmation letter by an additional 30 days (once) if on-site inspections are required or unavoidable circumstances arise. Furthermore, a voluntary return procedure for the confirmation letter has been established.
Quality Testing Methods: The draft expands the accepted testing methods for the quality criteria of recycled PET materials by adding the KS T 1330 standard as an approved alternative.
Quality Parameter | Standard Limit | Approved Testing Methods (Updated) |
|---|---|---|
Intrinsic Viscosity | ≥ 0.72 dl/g | ASTM D4603 or KS T 1330 (Newly Added) |
Labels and Foreign Matter | ≤ 200 mg/kg | ISO 12418-2 or KS T 1330 (Newly Added) |
Polyolefin (PO) & Adhesives Content | ≤ 1,500 mg/kg | |
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Content | ≤ 100 mg/kg | |
Moisture Content | ≤ 1 % | |
Density | ≥ 300 kg/m³ | |
Residual Alkalinity | Within △0.6 pH |
Regarding the implementation timeline, the draft amendment states that it shall enter into force immediately upon its promulgation date.
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