▲ Large-capacity bottled water
Bottled drinking water will now be required in principle to be stored indoors away from direct sunlight.
Even if extended, expiration dates will be capped at a maximum of two years.
The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced today (July 30) that it has revised the "Standards, Specifications, and Labeling Criteria for Bottled Water" and the "Regulations on Guidance and Inspection of Bottled Water Business Establishments," which will take effect on the 31st.
The newly revised notice explicitly details how bottled water must be stored.
Previously, the only guideline was the general principle to "hygienically store it in a cool, dark place."
The revised notice requires bottled water to be stored "indoors and away from windows exposed to direct sunlight," while mandating that light-blocking devices be installed on windows.
Furthermore, if it is unavoidable to store bottled water outdoors, light-shielding covers must be used.
This reflects concerns that exposure to direct sunlight could cause harmful substances to leach from the containers.
The revised notice also includes regulations stipulating that bottled water must not be stored or distributed alongside hazardous substances.
However, these storage guidelines for bottled water will go into effect after two years.
This is to provide a preparation period for small-scale businesses.
The revised notice restricts large-capacity bottled water containers of 10 liters or more made of polycarbonate to a maximum reuse period of 10 years, and mandates that the manufacturing date be marked on the bottom of the containers to verify compliance.
Even if 10 years have not passed, containers must be discarded immediately if they emit odors, are structurally damaged, or contain foreign substances.
Containers aged 10 years or older as of the effective date of the notice will immediately be rendered unusable.
The marking of the manufacturing date on the bottom of containers will be enforced starting one year later to allow time for preparation.
A restriction has also been newly established in the notice stating that the expiration date for bottled water can be set to a maximum of two years.
The expiration date for bottled water is in principle "within six months from the manufacturing date," but can be extended if "scientific proof demonstrates no change in quality" beyond that period.
The revised notice also updates the storage temperature to realistic room temperature (1 to 35°C) when conducting product testing to extend expiration dates.
Currently, tests require storage at ordinary temperatures (15 to 25°C).
The revised notice makes it mandatory to conduct collection inspections of bottled water at least four times a year, including the summer season, and includes large-capacity bottled water in these inspections.
Additionally, regulations were established to mandate "once-per-quarter" guidance and inspections for businesses whose bottled water products or source water have exceeded water quality standards.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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