Public Notary System in Korea: Document Authentication Guide (EN/中文/日本語/Español)

🌐 Language / 語言 / 言語 / Idioma: English 中文 日本語 Español 📋 Korean Law Insight | Korean Legal System By Attorney NOH UJIN | HANBYOL LAW LLC, Seoul Public Notary (공증) System in Korea: A Complete Legal Guide to Document Authentication for Foreign Individuals and Businesses Korea's notarization system — operating under the Notary Public Act (공증인법) and the Civil Procedure Code's provisions on notarial deeds — differs significantly from common-law notary systems familiar to many foreign businesspeople and individuals. Understanding how Korean public notaries (공증인) function is essential for anyone executing powers of attorney, loan agreements, corporate resolutions, or other documents intended for use in Korea or abroad. 1. What Is a Korean Public Notary, and How Does It Differ from the Western Notary? In common-law jurisdictions (US, UK, etc.), a "notary public" is typically a low-level official who verifies identity and witnesses signatures. I...

Korean Supply Chain Due Diligence and ESG Compliance for Foreign Companies (EN/中文/日本語/Español)

🌐 Language / 語言 / 言語 / Idioma:

📋 Korean Law Insight | ESG & Corporate Compliance

Korean Supply Chain Due Diligence and ESG Compliance for Foreign Companies

As global sustainability standards tighten and investor pressure intensifies, foreign companies operating in or sourcing from South Korea face a rapidly evolving landscape of supply chain due diligence (SCDD) obligations and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) requirements. Korea has accelerated its ESG regulatory framework since 2021, with mandatory disclosures expected to cover all listed companies by 2030. For foreign businesses — whether multinational manufacturers, importers, or investors — understanding these requirements is no longer optional; it is a legal and reputational imperative.

Overview of Korea's ESG Regulatory Framework

South Korea's ESG regulatory environment is shaped by a combination of capital market rules, environmental statutes, and international treaty obligations. The key governing bodies and frameworks include:

  • Financial Services Commission (FSC): Plans mandatory ESG (sustainability) disclosure for KOSPI-listed companies with assets over KRW 2 trillion from 2026, expanding to all KOSPI companies by 2030.
  • Korea Exchange (KRX): Launched the ESG Disclosure Guidelines in 2021, encouraging voluntary disclosure aligned with GRI, TCFD, and SASB standards.
  • Ministry of Environment: Administers the Act on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth (2021), the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), and environmental impact assessments.
  • Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE): Oversees industrial safety, energy efficiency, and supply chain sustainability in key sectors.

Foreign companies listed on Korean exchanges or raising capital from Korean institutional investors are increasingly subject to these disclosure requirements. Even unlisted companies supplying Korean conglomerates (chaebols) such as Samsung, Hyundai, SK, and LG are facing contractual ESG audit requirements flowing down from their Korean buyers.

Supply Chain Due Diligence: Key Legal Obligations

1. Environmental Compliance in the Supply Chain

Korea's environmental legislation imposes direct and indirect obligations on supply chains. The Framework Act on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth for Coping with Climate Crisis (2021) (탄소중립·녹색성장 기본법) requires major emitters to participate in the Korean Emissions Trading Scheme (K-ETS) and sets a national target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% from 2018 levels by 2030.

Foreign companies with manufacturing facilities in Korea must comply with:

  • The Environmental Impact Assessment Act — requiring pre-project environmental assessments for projects above certain thresholds
  • The Act on Resource Circulation — imposing extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging and electronic waste
  • The Chemicals Safety Act (화학물질관리법) — mandatory registration and risk assessment for hazardous chemicals
  • The Chemical Substances Control Act (화학물질의 등록 및 평가 등에 관한 법률, K-REACH) — similar to EU REACH, requiring chemical substance registration

2. Labor and Human Rights Due Diligence

Korea does not yet have a standalone mandatory human rights due diligence (mHRDD) law comparable to the German Supply Chain Act or French Duty of Vigilance Law. However, several statutes impose related obligations:

  • Labor Standards Act (근로기준법): Applies to all workers in Korea, including subcontractors. Prime contractors can face liability for labor violations in their supply chain.
  • Act on Protection of Subcontractors: Prohibits unfair payment delays and protects subcontractors' rights against dominant buyers.
  • Occupational Safety and Health Act (산업안전보건법): Since 2020 amendments, prime contractors bear direct responsibility for workplace safety at subcontractor sites.
  • Serious Accident Punishment Act (중대재해처벌법) (2022): Imposes criminal liability — including prison terms of up to 1 year and fines up to KRW 1 billion — on company executives and CEOs when workplace deaths occur due to safety management failures. This applies equally to foreign company representatives in Korea.

The Serious Accident Punishment Act is perhaps the most significant development for foreign employers in Korea. A CEO of a foreign-invested company can face personal criminal liability if an employee or contractor dies due to inadequate safety protocols.

3. Anti-Corruption and Transparency in Procurement

The Act on the Prohibition of Improper Solicitation and Graft (김영란법, Kim Young-ran Act) prohibits undue financial benefits to public officials, journalists, and educators. Foreign companies operating in Korea must implement robust anti-corruption compliance programs covering procurement, vendor relationships, and entertainment expenses.

ESG Disclosure Requirements for Listed Companies

The FSC's roadmap for mandatory sustainability disclosure follows this schedule:

PhaseCompanies CoveredEffective Date
Phase 1KOSPI companies with assets > KRW 2 trillion2026
Phase 2KOSPI companies with assets > KRW 1 trillion2027
Phase 3KOSPI companies with assets > KRW 500 billion2028
Phase 4All KOSPI-listed companies2030

Foreign companies dual-listed or planning Korean IPOs must align their ESG reporting with Korean Sustainability Reporting Standards (KSRS), which are being harmonized with IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards (ISSB IFRS S1 and S2).

Practical Steps for Foreign Companies: SCDD Compliance Checklist

  1. Map Your Supply Chain: Identify all Korean suppliers, subcontractors, and logistics partners. Classify by risk level (environmental impact, labor conditions, regulatory exposure).
  2. Conduct ESG Audits: Perform on-site or documentary audits of Tier 1 and Tier 2 Korean suppliers. Engage Korean-licensed environmental consultants where required.
  3. Review Contractual Clauses: Insert ESG representations, audit rights, and termination clauses in supplier contracts. Ensure Korean law is specified as governing law.
  4. Register Under K-REACH/Chemicals Laws: If your products contain chemicals subject to Korean registration requirements, complete pre-registration and registration before import or manufacture.
  5. Implement Safety Management Systems: To comply with the Serious Accident Punishment Act, establish documented safety management systems, appoint responsible persons, and conduct regular safety inspections.
  6. Prepare ESG Reports: If listed on KOSPI, begin aligning with KSRS. Voluntary disclosure before mandatory deadlines improves investor confidence.
  7. Engage Legal Counsel: Korean ESG law is evolving rapidly. Retaining Korean legal counsel for ongoing compliance monitoring is strongly recommended.

ESG Due Diligence Risks and Penalties

Non-compliance with Korean ESG requirements carries significant risks:

  • Criminal liability under the Serious Accident Punishment Act (CEO imprisonment risk)
  • Regulatory fines under environmental laws (up to KRW 300 million per violation)
  • Business license revocation for repeated environmental violations
  • Civil litigation by affected employees, local communities, or NGOs
  • Reputational damage affecting Korean chaebol partnerships and investor relations
  • Import restrictions if products fail K-REACH or chemical safety registration

Comparison: Korean ESG Requirements vs. EU Standards

AspectKoreaEU (CSRD / CSDDD)
Mandatory SCDD LawNot yet (sector-specific obligations)CSDDD (2024) — mandatory for large EU/non-EU companies
Chemical RegulationK-REACH (similar to EU REACH)EU REACH (stricter in some areas)
ESG DisclosureMandatory for large KOSPI companies (2026+)CSRD — mandatory for large companies (2024+)
Carbon/ETSK-ETS since 2015 (broad sector coverage)EU ETS (expanded post-2023)
Criminal Liability for SafetyCEO criminal liability (SAPA)Varies by member state

Case Study: Foreign Manufacturer Facing K-ETS and SAPA Simultaneously

A European electronics manufacturer with a Korean subsidiary faced dual compliance challenges in 2023: (1) its Korean plant was covered by the K-ETS Phase 3 allocation, requiring emissions permits and reporting; and (2) a contractor fatality on-site triggered a Serious Accident Punishment Act investigation targeting both the Korean plant manager and the European parent company's local representative. The company ultimately incurred KRW 500 million in fines and spent 18 months on criminal defense proceedings. Proactive legal counsel and a documented safety management system could have substantially mitigated the outcome.

📌 Official References

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does the Serious Accident Punishment Act apply to foreign company executives?

Yes. The Serious Accident Punishment Act applies to any employer operating in Korea, regardless of the nationality of the business or its executives. If a foreign company's Korean representative or CEO has operational control over workplace safety and a fatal accident occurs due to safety management failures, they can face criminal charges including imprisonment of 1 year or more and fines up to KRW 1 billion.

Q2: Is Korea's ESG disclosure mandatory for foreign companies listed on KOSPI?

Yes. Foreign companies listed on the Korea Stock Exchange (KOSPI) are subject to the same phased ESG disclosure requirements as Korean companies. The mandatory schedule begins in 2026 for large-cap companies and extends to all KOSPI issuers by 2030. Companies should begin aligning with KSRS now to avoid last-minute compliance burdens.

Q3: What is K-REACH and how does it affect foreign importers?

K-REACH (Act on Registration and Evaluation of Chemical Substances) mirrors the EU REACH regulation. Foreign companies importing chemical substances or mixtures into Korea in volumes exceeding 0.1 tons per year must register those substances with the Ministry of Environment. Non-registration can result in import bans and fines. Designating a Korean "Only Representative" (OR) can simplify compliance for foreign manufacturers.

Q4: Can our Korean suppliers' ESG violations create legal liability for our company?

Potentially yes, especially under labor and safety laws. The Occupational Safety and Health Act holds prime contractors responsible for safety conditions at subcontractor worksites. Additionally, contractual liability may arise if supply agreements do not clearly allocate ESG compliance obligations. Under proposed future mHRDD legislation, parent companies may face broader liability for their Korean supply chains.

Q5: What are the penalties for failing to participate in the Korean Emissions Trading Scheme (K-ETS)?

Companies covered by K-ETS that fail to surrender sufficient emission allowances face penalties of up to three times the market price per excess ton of CO₂ equivalent, plus mandatory surrender of the deficit allowances. Repeated violations can trigger operational restrictions and reputational consequences with government regulators and institutional investors.

Q6: Do Korean chaebols require ESG audits from their foreign suppliers?

Increasingly yes. Major Korean conglomerates including Samsung, Hyundai, SK, and LG have adopted global supply chain ESG standards and are flowing down audit requirements to foreign Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers. Failure to pass ESG audits can result in contract termination or exclusion from procurement lists. Foreign companies should proactively prepare ESG documentation in Korean and English.

Q7: Is there a safe harbor or transition period for small foreign companies?

The mandatory ESG disclosure requirements have phase-in periods based on company size. Small and mid-sized foreign companies (SMEs) operating in Korea but not KOSPI-listed are generally not subject to mandatory ESG disclosure, but voluntary disclosure is strongly encouraged for investor relations. Environmental and safety laws, however, apply immediately to all companies regardless of size.

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📋 韩国法律洞察 | ESG与企业合规

外国企业在韩国的供应链尽职调查与ESG合规

随着全球可持续发展标准日益严格、投资者压力持续加大,在韩国运营或从韩国采购的外国企业正面临供应链尽职调查(SCDD)义务和ESG(环境、社会和公司治理)要求的快速演变。自2021年以来,韩国加快了ESG监管框架建设,预计到2030年强制披露要求将覆盖所有上市公司。对于外国企业——无论是跨国制造商、进口商还是投资者——了解这些要求已不再是可选项,而是法律和声誉上的必然要求。

韩国ESG监管框架概述

韩国的ESG监管环境由资本市场规则、环境法规和国际条约义务共同塑造。主要监管机构和框架包括:

  • 金融服务委员会(FSC):计划从2026年起对资产超过2万亿韩元的KOSPI上市公司实施强制ESG信息披露,到2030年扩展至所有KOSPI公司。
  • 韩国交易所(KRX):2021年发布ESG信息披露指南,鼓励与GRI、TCFD和SASB标准对齐的自愿披露。
  • 环境部:负责管理《碳中和绿色增长法》(2021年)、排放交易制度(ETS)和环境影响评估。
  • 产业通商资源部(MOTIE):负责监督主要行业的工业安全、能源效率和供应链可持续性。

供应链尽职调查:主要法律义务

1. 供应链中的环境合规

韩国环境立法对供应链施加直接和间接义务。《碳中和绿色增长基本法》(2021年)要求主要排放企业参与韩国排放交易制度(K-ETS),并设定了到2030年在2018年水平基础上减少温室气体排放40%的国家目标。

在韩国设有制造设施的外国企业必须遵守:

  • 《环境影响评估法》——要求对超过特定规模的项目进行事前环境评估
  • 《资源循环法》——对包装材料和电子废弃物实施生产者延伸责任
  • 《化学物质管理法》——危险化学品的强制登记和风险评估
  • K-REACH(化学物质登记及评价法)——类似欧盟REACH,要求化学物质登记

2. 劳动与人权尽职调查

韩国目前尚无类似德国《供应链法》或法国《警戒义务法》的独立强制性人权尽职调查法律。但若干法规规定了相关义务:

  • 《劳动基准法》:适用于韩国所有工人,包括分包商。主要承包商可能因其供应链中的劳动违规而承担责任。
  • 《分包保护法》:禁止不公平的付款延迟,保护分包商权利。
  • 《工业安全卫生法》:自2020年修订以来,主要承包商直接承担分包商工地的职业安全责任。
  • 《重大灾害处罚法》(2022年):因安全管理失误导致工作场所死亡时,对公司高管和CEO施加刑事责任——包括1年以上有期徒刑和最高10亿韩元罚款。该法同样适用于在韩外国公司代表。

ESG合规检查清单

  1. 绘制供应链图谱:识别所有韩国供应商、分包商和物流合作伙伴,按风险级别分类。
  2. 开展ESG审计:对一级和二级韩国供应商进行现场或文件审计。
  3. 审查合同条款:在供应商合同中加入ESG声明、审计权和终止条款。
  4. K-REACH/化学品法律登记:完成进口前的预登记和登记工作。
  5. 建立安全管理体系:为遵守《重大灾害处罚法》,建立书面安全管理体系,任命责任人,定期进行安全检查。
  6. 准备ESG报告:如在KOSPI上市,开始与KSRS对齐,提前自愿披露可提升投资者信心。
  7. 聘请法律顾问:韩国ESG法律发展迅速,强烈建议聘请韩国法律顾问进行持续合规监控。

📌 官方参考资源

常见问题解答(FAQ)

Q1:《重大灾害处罚法》是否适用于外国企业高管?

是的。该法适用于在韩国经营的所有雇主,无论企业或高管的国籍如何。如果外国公司的韩国代表或CEO对工作场所安全具有运营控制权,且因安全管理失误发生致命事故,他们可能面临刑事指控,包括1年以上有期徒刑和最高10亿韩元罚款。

Q2:ESG强制披露是否适用于在KOSPI上市的外国公司?

是的。在韩国证券交易所(KOSPI)上市的外国公司与韩国公司适用相同的分阶段ESG强制披露要求。

Q3:什么是K-REACH?它如何影响外国进口商?

K-REACH(化学物质登记及评价法)类似欧盟REACH法规。每年以超过0.1吨的量向韩国进口化学物质或混合物的外国公司必须向环境部登记这些物质,否则可能面临进口禁令和罚款。

Q4:韩国供应商的ESG违规行为是否会为我们公司带来法律责任?

可能。特别是在劳动和安全法方面,《工业安全卫生法》要求主要承包商对分包商工地的安全条件负责。此外,若供应协议未明确分配ESG合规义务,也可能产生合同责任。

Q5:韩国排放交易制度(K-ETS)不合规的处罚是什么?

未能提交足够排放配额的K-ETS覆盖企业将面临每超量排放吨CO₂当量最高三倍市价的处罚,以及强制补交缺口配额。

Q6:韩国财阀是否要求外国供应商进行ESG审计?

日益如此。三星、现代、SK、LG等主要韩国财阀已采用全球供应链ESG标准,并向外国一级和二级供应商传导审计要求。未能通过ESG审计可能导致合同终止或被排除在采购名单之外。

Q7:小型外国公司是否有安全港或过渡期?

强制性ESG披露要求按公司规模设有分阶段实施期。在韩国经营但未在KOSPI上市的中小型外国企业通常不受强制披露要求约束,但强烈建议自愿披露以改善投资者关系。

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📋 韓国法律インサイト | ESGと企業コンプライアンス

外国企業のための韓国サプライチェーン・デューデリジェンスとESGコンプライアンス

グローバルな持続可能性基準が厳格化し、投資家からの圧力が高まる中、韓国で事業を展開したり韓国から調達を行う外国企業は、サプライチェーン・デューデリジェンス(SCDD)義務とESG(環境・社会・ガバナンス)要件の急速な変化に直面しています。韓国は2021年以降ESG規制フレームワークを加速させており、強制開示要件は2030年までに全上場企業をカバーする見込みです。

韓国ESG規制フレームワークの概要

  • 金融委員会(FSC):2026年から資産2兆ウォン超のKOSPI上場企業への強制ESG開示を計画、2030年までに全KOSPI企業に拡大。
  • 韓国取引所(KRX):2021年にESG開示ガイドラインを発表。
  • 環境部:炭素中立・緑色成長基本法(2021年)、韓国排出権取引制度(K-ETS)を管轄。
  • 産業通商資源部(MOTIE):産業安全、エネルギー効率、サプライチェーンの持続可能性を監督。

サプライチェーン・デューデリジェンス:主要な法的義務

1. 環境コンプライアンス

韓国製造施設を持つ外国企業は以下を遵守する必要があります:環境影響評価法、資源循環法、化学物質管理法、K-REACH(EU REACHに類似した化学物質登録・評価法)。

2. 労働・人権デューデリジェンス

特に重要なのが重大災害処罰法(2022年)です。安全管理上の失敗により職場での死亡事故が発生した場合、外国企業の代表者を含む企業の経営者・CEOに対して、1年以上の懲役刑および最大10億ウォンの罰金という刑事責任が課されます。

ESGコンプライアンス・チェックリスト

  1. サプライチェーンのマッピング(リスクレベル別分類)
  2. 一次・二次韓国サプライヤーへのESG監査実施
  3. 供給者契約へのESG表明・監査権・解除条項の挿入
  4. K-REACH/化学品法に基づく事前登録・登録の完了
  5. 重大災害処罰法準拠のための安全管理システムの構築
  6. KSRSに沿ったESGレポートの準備
  7. 韓国法律顧問の起用による継続的コンプライアンス監視

📌 公式参考資料

よくある質問(FAQ)

Q1:重大災害処罰法は外国企業の経営幹部にも適用されますか?

はい。この法律は、企業や幹部の国籍にかかわらず、韓国で事業を行うすべての雇用主に適用されます。外国企業の韓国代表者またはCEOが職場安全の運営管理を行っており、安全管理の失敗により死亡事故が発生した場合、1年以上の懲役刑および最大10億ウォンの罰金を含む刑事訴追を受ける可能性があります。

Q2:ESG強制開示はKOSPI上場の外国企業にも適用されますか?

はい。KOSPI上場の外国企業は、韓国企業と同じ段階的ESG強制開示要件の対象となります。

Q3:K-REACHとは何ですか?外国輸入業者にどのような影響がありますか?

K-REACH(化学物質登録・評価法)はEU REACHに類似した規制です。年間0.1トン超の化学物質または混合物を韓国に輸入する外国企業は、環境部にそれらを登録する必要があります。未登録の場合、輸入禁止や罰金が科される可能性があります。

Q4:韓国サプライヤーのESG違反が当社に法的責任をもたらす可能性はありますか?

可能性があります。産業安全保健法は、主要請負業者に下請業者の工事現場における安全条件への責任を課しています。将来的な強制的人権デューデリジェンス立法の下では、より広範な責任が生じる可能性があります。

Q5:K-ETS不参加の罰則は何ですか?

排出権を十分に提出しなかった企業は、超過排出量1トンCO₂換算あたり市場価格の最大3倍の罰則に加え、不足分の強制補完提出が求められます。

Q6:韓国財閥は外国サプライヤーにESG監査を要求していますか?

ますますそうなっています。三星、現代、SK、LGなどの主要財閥はグローバルサプライチェーンESG基準を採用し、外国一次・二次サプライヤーに監査要件を流し込んでいます。

Q7:中小外国企業にはセーフハーバーや移行期間がありますか?

強制ESG開示要件は規模に応じた段階的実施期間があります。KOSPIに上場していない中小外国企業は一般的に強制開示の対象外ですが、環境・安全法は規模に関わらず即時適用されます。

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📋 Perspectiva Legal Coreana | ESG y Cumplimiento Corporativo

Debida Diligencia en la Cadena de Suministro y Cumplimiento ESG en Corea para Empresas Extranjeras

A medida que los estándares globales de sostenibilidad se endurecen y la presión de los inversores aumenta, las empresas extranjeras que operan en Corea del Sur o que aprovisionan desde allí se enfrentan a un panorama en rápida evolución de obligaciones de debida diligencia en la cadena de suministro (SCDD) y requisitos ESG (Ambiental, Social y de Gobernanza). Corea ha acelerado su marco regulatorio ESG desde 2021, con divulgaciones obligatorias que se espera cubran a todas las empresas cotizadas para 2030.

Marco Regulatorio ESG de Corea

  • Comisión de Servicios Financieros (FSC): Planea divulgación ESG obligatoria para empresas KOSPI con activos superiores a 2 billones de KRW desde 2026, expandiéndose a todas las empresas KOSPI para 2030.
  • Bolsa de Corea (KRX): Lanzó Directrices de Divulgación ESG en 2021.
  • Ministerio de Medio Ambiente: Administra la Ley de Neutralidad de Carbono y Crecimiento Verde (2021) y el Sistema de Comercio de Emisiones (K-ETS).
  • Ministerio de Comercio, Industria y Energía (MOTIE): Supervisa la seguridad industrial y la sostenibilidad de la cadena de suministro.

Obligaciones Legales Clave de Debida Diligencia en la Cadena de Suministro

1. Cumplimiento Ambiental

Las empresas extranjeras con instalaciones de fabricación en Corea deben cumplir con: la Ley de Evaluación de Impacto Ambiental, la Ley de Circulación de Recursos (responsabilidad extendida del productor), la Ley de Gestión de Sustancias Químicas y K-REACH (similar al REACH de la UE).

2. Debida Diligencia Laboral y de Derechos Humanos

La Ley de Castigo por Accidentes Graves (2022) es especialmente significativa para los empleadores extranjeros: impone responsabilidad penal —incluyendo penas de prisión de 1 año o más y multas de hasta 1.000 millones de KRW— a los directivos y CEOs de empresas cuando ocurren muertes en el lugar de trabajo debido a fallos en la gestión de seguridad.

Lista de Verificación de Cumplimiento ESG

  1. Mapear la cadena de suministro (clasificar por nivel de riesgo)
  2. Realizar auditorías ESG a proveedores coreanos de primer y segundo nivel
  3. Insertar cláusulas ESG, derechos de auditoría y cláusulas de rescisión en contratos
  4. Completar el registro previo y registro bajo K-REACH
  5. Implementar sistemas de gestión de seguridad para cumplir con la Ley de Accidentes Graves
  6. Preparar informes ESG alineados con KSRS
  7. Contratar asesoría legal coreana para monitoreo continuo de cumplimiento

📌 Referencias Oficiales

Preguntas Frecuentes (FAQ)

Q1: ¿La Ley de Castigo por Accidentes Graves se aplica a ejecutivos de empresas extranjeras?

Sí. Esta ley se aplica a todos los empleadores que operan en Corea, independientemente de la nacionalidad de la empresa o sus ejecutivos. Si el representante o CEO coreano de una empresa extranjera tiene control operativo sobre la seguridad en el lugar de trabajo y ocurre un accidente fatal por fallos en la gestión de seguridad, pueden enfrentar cargos penales.

Q2: ¿La divulgación ESG obligatoria aplica a empresas extranjeras cotizadas en KOSPI?

Sí. Las empresas extranjeras cotizadas en KOSPI están sujetas a los mismos requisitos de divulgación ESG obligatoria que las empresas coreanas.

Q3: ¿Qué es K-REACH y cómo afecta a los importadores extranjeros?

K-REACH (Ley de Registro y Evaluación de Sustancias Químicas) es similar al REACH europeo. Las empresas extranjeras que importan sustancias químicas en volúmenes superiores a 0,1 toneladas anuales deben registrarlas. El incumplimiento puede resultar en prohibiciones de importación y multas.

Q4: ¿Pueden las violaciones ESG de proveedores coreanos crear responsabilidad legal para nuestra empresa?

Potencialmente sí, especialmente bajo la Ley de Seguridad y Salud Ocupacional, que responsabiliza a los contratistas principales por las condiciones de seguridad en los sitios de los subcontratistas.

Q5: ¿Cuáles son las sanciones por no participar en el K-ETS?

Las empresas cubiertas por K-ETS que no entreguen suficientes derechos de emisión enfrentan sanciones de hasta tres veces el precio de mercado por tonelada excedente de CO₂ equivalente.

Q6: ¿Los chaebols coreanos requieren auditorías ESG de sus proveedores extranjeros?

Cada vez más. Los principales conglomerados coreanos como Samsung, Hyundai, SK y LG han adoptado estándares ESG globales y están trasladando los requisitos de auditoría a sus proveedores extranjeros de primer y segundo nivel.

Q7: ¿Existe un período de transición para pequeñas empresas extranjeras?

Los requisitos de divulgación ESG obligatoria tienen períodos de implementación por fases según el tamaño de la empresa. Las PYMES extranjeras no cotizadas en KOSPI generalmente no están sujetas a divulgación obligatoria, pero las leyes ambientales y de seguridad se aplican inmediatamente a todas las empresas.

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