Overview
Hello from MDSKorea.
Effective August 15, 2026, the management system for new chemical substances¹⁾ in China has been updated.
We have summarized key information for professionals involved in exports to China or related supply chains.
1) Substances not yet listed on the Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances in China (IECSC). Separate registration is required prior to production or import.
Key Updates (Changes and Practical Responses)
1. Suspension of Record Notification
Previously, new chemical substances with low volumes or low risks could be processed through record notification²⁾. However, starting August 15, the acceptance of these notifications has been suspended. There are no changes for substances already processed through registration³⁾; this update only affects low-volume and low-risk substances previously handled via notification.
2) The simplest procedure previously allowed for low-volume and low-risk substances (no approval or test data required).
3) The formal system for applying and managing new chemical substances, divided into simplified registration and regular registration.
4) A streamlined registration procedure applied to low-volume substances.
2. Future Changes
This measure is part of China's efforts to reorganize its new chemical substance management system in conjunction with the implementation of the Ecological and Environmental Code.
In addition, broader revisions to the entire new chemical substance registration system are also underway, though they are currently in the public consultation phase.
Conclusion (3-Line Summary)
1. The acceptance of record notifications for new chemical substances in China has been suspended as of August 15, 2026.
2. Substances previously subject to notification will now be processed at a level similar to simplified registration upon the submission of a registration application and supporting documents.
3. Major revisions to the overall registration system are being proposed but have not yet been finalized.
MDSKorea will continue to strive to provide you with useful and timely information. Thank you.
[Glossary]
| Term | Description |
|---|
| IECSC | Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances in China |
| New Chemical Substances | Substances not yet listed on the IECSC. Separate registration is required prior to production or import. |
| Record Notification | The simplest procedure previously allowed for low-volume and low-risk substances (no approval or test data required). |
| Registration | The formal system for applying and managing new chemical substances, divided into simplified registration and regular registration. |
| Simplified Registration | A streamlined registration procedure applied to low-volume substances. |
| Regular Registration | The standard registration procedure applied to high-volume substances. |
[Source and References]
Overview
Hello from MDSKorea.
Effective August 15, 2026, the management system for new chemical substances¹⁾ in China has been updated.
We have summarized key information for professionals involved in exports to China or related supply chains.
1) Substances not yet listed on the Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances in China (IECSC). Separate registration is required prior to production or import.
Key Updates (Changes and Practical Responses)
1. Suspension of Record Notification
Previously, new chemical substances with low volumes or low risks could be processed through record notification²⁾. However, starting August 15, the acceptance of these notifications has been suspended. There are no changes for substances already processed through registration³⁾; this update only affects low-volume and low-risk substances previously handled via notification.
Practical Response: Moving forward, the submission of an 'Application for Environmental Management Registration of New Chemical Substances' is required for these substances.
If you submit documents proving that the substance meets the previous notification requirements, along with information on its environmental and health hazard characteristics, it will be processed through a procedure similar to simplified registration⁴⁾.
The main difference is that while the former notification only required a simple submission, the new procedure involves submitting an application followed by a review process.
2) The simplest procedure previously allowed for low-volume and low-risk substances (no approval or test data required).
3) The formal system for applying and managing new chemical substances, divided into simplified registration and regular registration.
4) A streamlined registration procedure applied to low-volume substances.
2. Future Changes
This measure is part of China's efforts to reorganize its new chemical substance management system in conjunction with the implementation of the Ecological and Environmental Code.
In addition, broader revisions to the entire new chemical substance registration system are also underway, though they are currently in the public consultation phase.
Conclusion (3-Line Summary)
1. The acceptance of record notifications for new chemical substances in China has been suspended as of August 15, 2026.
2. Substances previously subject to notification will now be processed at a level similar to simplified registration upon the submission of a registration application and supporting documents.
3. Major revisions to the overall registration system are being proposed but have not yet been finalized.
MDSKorea will continue to strive to provide you with useful and timely information. Thank you.
[Glossary]
[Source and References]