South Korea EPR

What is South Korea EPR Packaging

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in South Korea is a well-established system governed by the Act on the Promotion of Saving and Recycling of Resources. It mandates that producers and importers are responsible for the entire lifecycle of their packaging, from design to end-of-life recycling. As of January 1, 2026, the system has expanded significantly to include new categories like plastic toys and stricter mandates for recycled content and label-free designs. The Korea Environment Corporation (KECO) oversees the system, while the Korea Packaging Recycling Cooperative (KPRC) acts as the primary collective organization.

Does this apply to e-commerce & online sales

Yes. Foreign e-commerce companies and distance sellers shipping directly to South Korean consumers (B2C) are subject to EPR rules. Under the 2026 updates, courier packaging (shipping boxes and mailers) is under intense scrutiny. New "Packaging Space Ratio" rules for parcels require that empty space must not exceed 50% (with some flexibility for fragile items or small parcels). Online marketplaces are increasingly acting as gatekeepers, requiring sellers to prove their KECO registration to maintain their listings.

Who is the “producer” under South Korea EPR?

In South Korea, a producer or importer with recycling obligations is defined as:

1. Manufacturers based in Korea.

2. Importers of packaged products or packaging materials.

3. Foreign online sellers shipping directly to Korean end-users without a local importer.

4. OEM clients who order products to be manufactured under their own brand for the Korean market.

Who must register for EPR packaging in South Korea

All obligated producers must register with KECO. Most companies fulfill their recycling duties by joining the Korea Packaging Recycling Cooperative (KPRC) and paying "Recycling Dues." As of 2026, manufacturers and importers of plastic toys (18 categories including puzzles and model kits) must now also register and participate in the scheme alongside traditional packaging producers.

South Korea EPR Packaging Registration Threshold

South Korea has specific thresholds based on annual revenue and weight. Generally, you are exempt if:

• Manufacturers: Annual sales are less than KRW 1 billion (~$750,000).

• Importers: Annual import value is less than KRW 300 million (~$225,000).

• Weight-based: If the total packaging weight is less than 4 tons (for plastic) or 10 tons (for paper/glass/metal).

• Note: For courier shipments, rules apply specifically to companies with average annual sales of KRW 50 billion or more.

Detailed EPR Guidance for each Jurisdiction

We support 36 jurisdictions

Get a Fee Quote I give your consent to the processing of personal data

Packaging Covered (and Excluded)

The system covers a wide range of materials, each with specific recycling targets:

• Paper/Cardboard: Shipping boxes, paper containers.

• Plastics: PET bottles, PVC, PE, PP, PS, and composite materials.

• Metals: Aluminum and steel cans.

• Glass: Beverage and food jars.

• New for 2026: Plastic toys and expanded categories for home appliances.

Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO)

The Korea Packaging Recycling Cooperative (KPRC) is the central organization. Producers pay recycling fees to the KPRC, which then provides subsidies to recycling companies to ensure national targets are met. Fees are eco-modulated—meaning you pay more for materials that are rated "Difficult to Recycle."

EPR Registration in South Korea

1. KECO Portal: Register your company via the official KECO EPR Portal.

2. KPRC Membership: Join the cooperative to transfer your physical recycling obligations.

3. Recyclability Grade Assessment: You must self-assess the "Recyclability Grade" of your packaging (Excellent, Good, Normal, or Difficult) and have it verified by KECO.

4. Marking: Apply the mandatory "Separate Discharge" (Recycling) logos in Korean.

Authorized Representative

For foreign companies without a local legal entity, appointing a local Authorized Representative (AR) is necessary to handle the KECO portal submissions, manage KPRC membership, and ensure that the mandatory recycling markings on your products meet Korean standards.

What Data Must Be Reported

Producers must report:

• Total weight in kilograms by material type.

• Annual sales/import value to determine threshold eligibility.

• Recyclability Grade for every SKU (Stock Keeping Unit).

• For the 2026 update, producers using >5,000 tons of PET must report the percentage of recycled content (rPET) used.

First Reporting Period & EPR Reporting Deadlines

Reporting follows the calendar year:

• Annual Deadline: April 15th of each year for the previous year's data.

• Grade Assessment: Must be completed and submitted before the product is placed on the market.

• Label-Free Transition: Bottled water sold online must be label-free as of January 2026.

Labels & Marketing Claims

South Korea has strict "Separate Discharge Markings." From January 1, 2026, bottled water sold in multi-packs must be label-free, with recycling information moved to QR codes on caps. All other packaging must feature the Korean recycling symbol with the specific material name in Korean text.

EPR Eco Fees & Eco-Modulation

South Korea uses a "Graded Fee" system. Packaging rated "Difficult to Recycle" faces a 30% surcharge on top of standard recycling fees. Conversely, packaging rated "Excellent" may receive fee reductions. This encourages the use of mono-materials and easy-to-remove labels.

Risks, Penalties & Common Mistakes

• Recycling Charges: Failure to meet targets results in a charge equal to recycling costs plus a 30% penalty.

• Fines: Incorrect labeling or failure to report can lead to fines of up to KRW 3 million.

• Common Mistake: Ignoring the Recyclability Grade Assessment. Selling products without this verification or with the wrong "Difficult to Recycle" label can lead to immediate sales bans.

What E-Commerce Sellers Should Do Now

1. Audit Turnover: Determine if you meet the KRW 300M (import) or KRW 1B (sales) threshold.

2. Grade Your Packaging: Perform the mandatory recyclability assessment for every SKU.

3. Update Labels: Ensure the "Separate Discharge" logo (in Korean) is printed on your packaging.

4. Prepare for Label-Free: If selling beverages, transition to QR-code based designs to comply with 2026 rules.

Register online

Start your EPR Reporting within 24 hours

Start Registration I give your consent to the processing of personal data

FAQ

• Yes, if you exceed the KRW 300M import value or weight thresholds.

• 18 categories of plastic toys are now under mandatory EPR, requiring registration and fee payment.

• Yes, "Separate Discharge Markings" in Korean are mandatory for all regulated packaging.

• Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate. Large producers must use at least 10% rPET from 2026.

• You must submit your annual data by April 15th.