[Changes from the Second Half of the Year] Expansion of Detailed Emission Inspections for Operating Vehicles... Penalties for Illegal Waste Import and Export Profits Increased up to 3 Times

'77 Areas Designated for Precise Inspection of Vehicle Emissions'
Fines Up to 3 Times the Profit Imposed for Illegal Waste Import and Export
Introduction of 'Drone One-Stop Civil Service'

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] Starting from the second half of this year, detailed emission inspections will be expanded to vehicles in 38 regions including Sejong City, Gijang County in Busan, and Dalseong County in Daegu. Additionally, if illegal import or export of waste is detected, a fine equivalent to up to three times the profit gained from the disposal and the cost of restoration will be imposed.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance published "Changes Starting from the Second Half of 2020," summarizing the institutional and regulatory changes effective from the second half of this year, on the 29th.

First, in the environment and weather sector, Chungju City in Chungcheongbuk-do and Gunsan City in Jeollabuk-do will be added to the regions subject to detailed vehicle emission inspections. Busan, Daegu, Yeosu, Suncheon, and Gwangyang will expand the inspections from certain areas to entire regions. Furthermore, vehicle owners must undergo detailed emission inspections according to ordinances set by each city and province after July 3.

The government and local authorities will be able to provide fair compensation to individuals who engage in ecosystem service conservation and enhancement activities in ecological and landscape conservation areas, natural parks, and similar locations. With the introduction of the ecosystem service payment contract system, compensation for various ecosystem conservation and enhancement activities will be possible. The Ministry of Environment expects that private participation will be encouraged, leading to more active ecosystem service conservation and enhancement.

Moreover, penalties for illegal import and export of waste will be strengthened. If waste is illegally exported, a fine up to three times the profit gained from disposal and the cost of restoration will be imposed. If no profit was gained or it is difficult to calculate the profit, a fine of up to 1 billion KRW will be imposed.

To provide detailed forecasts that citizens can feel, the warning and special warning system will also be reorganized. Ultra-short-term forecasts will be provided every 10 minutes instead of every 60 minutes, and short-term forecasts every hour instead of every 3 hours. Additionally, an apparent temperature reflecting temperature and humidity will be introduced, and Seoul's warning zones will be divided into four regions: Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, and Southeast. A real-time weather alert service called "Weather Alimi" will also be operated. Important weather warnings such as heavy rain, typhoons, and heavy snow can be checked based on the user's location. Users can receive the latest weather information as alert messages for their desired regions and times according to their settings.

In the land and transportation sector, a "Drone One-Stop Civil Service" will be provided. This will allow applications for drone flight approval, special flight approval, aerial photography permits, business registration, and device reporting to be submitted in one place. Previously, drone operators had to apply separately to each relevant authority for flight approval and business registration, causing inconvenience. Going forward, civil service applications will be available via PC and mobile, enabling anyone to easily apply through a single window. The introduction of supplementary registration for registered private rental housing will also be implemented. From the end of December, private rental housing landlords must register supplementary entries indicating that the property is subject to rental obligation periods and rent increase standards as part of the ownership registration.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.