Imports of Cars and Electronic Goods Containing Excessive Lead are Forbidden

An import regulation of electronic goods and cars containing materials harmful to the environment and humans, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, will be reinforced starting 2007.

The Ministry of Environment announced on May 11 that it will arrange the above in a “bill on an environmentally-friendly system to promote recycling cars and electronic goods” and implement this regulation starting from 2007 as soon as it is passed in the National Assembly next year.

Once the system takes effect, the importing and manufacturing of electrical and electronic goods, including TVs and refrigerators containing an excessive amount of hazardous substances [lead, mercury, cadium, Cr6+, PBB (Polybrominated Biphenyls), and PBDE (Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers)], will be forbidden.

This will also apply for setting a limit on the amount of lead, mercury, cadium, and Cr6+ in car manufacturing.

Meanwhile, it was reported that domestic large corporations, including LG Corporation, plan to produce electronic goods that fit Europe’s standard for maintaining a harmful material containment level starting from July.

Tae-Hun Hwang beetlez@donga.com