South Korea Tightens Imported Food Rules

South Korea has notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a proposed amendment to its Special Act on Imported Food Safety Control. The draft legislation, submitted under the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement, is designed to strengthen oversight of imported food products, improve traceability, and align national food safety regulations with global standards.

The changes are expected to impact exporters, importers, and foreign manufacturers supplying to the Korean market.

What Is the Special Act?

The Special Act on Imported Food Safety Control governs the safety and regulatory management of all food-related products entering South Korea. It applies to:

• Processed foods
• Food additives
• Health supplements
• Animal- and marine-based products
• Food packaging and containers

This law ensures that all imported products meet Korean safety and labeling standards before being approved for sale.

Key Changes in the Proposed Amendment

The amendment introduces several updates aimed at enhancing risk management, enforcement capabilities, and supply chain transparency.

1. Risk-Based Inspection Framework

• Implementation of an advanced risk assessment model for imported food inspections
• Expanded use of digital tools and data analytics to monitor high-risk imports

2. Grounds for Suspension and Rejection

• Clearer legal standards for halting import declarations
• Tightened registration rules for foreign manufacturing facilities
• Empowerment of authorities to reject goods based on safety violations

3. Traceability and Documentation

• New requirements for importers to maintain complete supply chain records
• More stringent standards for traceability documentation

4. Sanctions and Enforcement

• Higher penalties for labeling errors and repeat violations
• Broader enforcement authority for the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS)

Objectives of the Revision

South Korea’s proposed changes aim to:

🛡️ Protect consumer health by preventing the import of unsafe or mislabeled products
🔍 Improve accountability and transparency throughout the import process
🌐 Harmonize with international food trade and safety standards

Implications for Businesses

Global exporters and Korean importers should begin reviewing their compliance status in anticipation of the finalized amendment. Companies are advised to:

🔎 Audit existing documentation systems and supplier records
⚖️ Assess risk exposure under the updated inspection model
🧾 Prepare for stricter facility registration and labeling checks
💬 Monitor WTO notifications to submit feedback during the consultation period

Failure to comply with the new rules could result in:

• Import suspensions or delays
• Product rejections at the border
• Financial penalties and enforcement action

WTO Notification and Legislative Process

• The draft amendment was submitted via the WTO SPS Notification system
• The public consultation window is now open for comments from stakeholders
• Final implementation will follow domestic legislative procedures, led by MFDS

Reference: Ministry of Food and Drug Safety – Imported Food Regulations