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The supply quota of new and renewable energy was raised to stimulate production and distribution. In order to expand private sector participation in the energy market, the direct sale of electric power produced from solar energy to consumers or businesses will be allowed. Companies using energy storage systems (ESS) will be permitted to engage in the electricity sales business, and investors in new energy industries such as ESS will be able to purchase electricity directly from the electric power market. In addition, complicated regulations will be modified to foster new energy industries including electric vehicles, solar energy and ESS.

In the Fourth Basic Plan for Technology Development, Application and Deployment of New and Renewable Energy developed in September 2014, the Korean Government set a target of raising the rate of new and renewable energy supply from 3.2% of that of primary energy in 2012 to 11% and from 3.7% of total electricity supply in 2012 to 13.4% by 2035. To achieve this target, solar energy and wind power will be developed into major energy sources, the goal being to boost their utilization share from 2.7% in 2012 to 14.1% and from 2.2% in 2012 to 18.2% respectively by 2035.

As part of efforts to protect the environment and to promote trade in environmental goods and services, Korea is an active participant in the negotiations on the WTO EGA (Environmental Goods Agreement).

(...) Import licensing requirements cover numerous tariff items and prohibitions are maintained mostly for the protection of public morals, human health, hygiene and sanitation, animal and plant life, environmental conservation or essential security interests in compliance with domestic legislation requirements or international commitments. (...)

(...) Export prohibitions are aimed at protecting animal rights and endangered species, and conserving natural resources. (...)

Several measures, involving grants, tax concessions or low-interest loans, continue to support the production and trade of a range of products and to encourage SMEs, R&D, and environmental-protection activities. (...)

(...) During the review period, a mandatory organic certification programme was introduced and changes were made, inter alia, in the areas of reporting, declaration of conformity, testing and environmental impact review as well as maximum residue limits, food additives, and genetically engineered animals. (...)

Despite the lack of domestic price preferences, Korea has continued to use government procurement as an instrument of economic policy for promoting SMEs, companies in a disadvantageous position (firms owned by women and disabled people), regional development, and green purchasing. (...)

(...) Domestic support for fishing has fallen significantly. The Government introduced more severe sanctions in recent years to fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

(...) The Government has adopted various measures including financial and technical support and tax credits, for energy saving and to promote renewable energy. (...)