Strengthening Waste Resource Utilization... Individual Approval of Circular Resources → Batch Designation

In the future, when utilizing circular resources, the government will designate and announce them collectively without requiring individual applications. This is to promote efficient resource use and the recycling of waste.

On the 30th, the Ministry of Environment announced that it will publicly notify the complete revision of subordinate regulations under the "Circular Economy Society Transition Promotion Act" to reduce the use of natural resources and increase the utilization of circular resources.

According to the amendment, the Ministry of Environment, in consultation with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, will collectively designate and announce waste that is not harmful to humans and the environment and has high economic value as circular resources.

Previously, businesses had to apply individually and receive approval to utilize circular resources.

A "Circular Resource Usage Product Labeling System" will also be implemented, which requires labeling related information if products use 10% or more by weight of certified circular resources during manufacturing.

Additionally, a regulatory sandbox will be introduced to allow circular economy businesses to conduct pilot projects for up to four years even without a legal basis. The regulatory sandbox is a system that exempts or defers regulations for a certain period or in a certain area when launching new products or services in new industry sectors.

To enhance resource circularity, the concept of circular raw materials will also be introduced. Circular raw materials refer to recycled raw materials, used goods, recycled aggregates, recyclable resources, etc., that can be reused either in their original form or after processing. The Ministry of Environment will promote various support projects such as facilities and funding, market development, and professional workforce training to encourage the use of circular raw materials.

The public notice period will continue until September 11. Afterward, it will undergo regulatory and legal reviews and will be enforced starting January 1 of next year.

Kim Seung-hee, Director of the Resource Circulation Bureau at the Ministry of Environment, said, "This amendment aims to maximize resource recycling at the national level and promote innovation in circular economy new industries and technologies as new growth engines that will lead environmental innovation and economic growth."

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