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🇰🇷 No Safety Certification, No Entry: New Cross-board Importing Regulation

New cross-border personal importing regulation announced by Korean government on May 16th, 2024


Introduction of New Safety Regulations

Starting June 2024, the Korean government will implement a new regulation prohibiting the import of 80 specific items through direct overseas purchases unless they have safety certification. This measure aims to protect public health and safety.


Announcement of New Measures

On the May 16th, at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, the government announced a plan to enhance consumer safety and boost corporate competitiveness in response to the surge in overseas direct purchases. Previously, products imported through official channels required the KC (Korea Certification) mark, but items bought directly from overseas lacked these safety checks.


Impact on Children's Products and Electronics

Due to the recent rise in direct purchases from platforms like AliExpress and Temu, the import of potentially harmful products has also increased. Now, 34 types of children's products, such as strollers and toys, and 34 types of electrical and household goods, like electric heating mats, must have KC certification to be imported.


Restrictions on Household Chemicals

In addition to children's and electrical products, 12 types of household chemicals, including humidifier disinfectants and preservatives, will require safety approval. Products with harmful ingredients will be blocked even if they have safety certification.


Monitoring and Enforcement on Cosmetics & Hygiene Products

The government will also inspect cosmetics and hygiene products to ensure they don't contain any of the 1,050 prohibited substances. Items exceeding harmful substance limits, like accessories and other household chemicals, will be banned.


Strengthening Controls on Medical Devices and Pharmaceuticals

Controls on medical devices and pharmaceuticals, which are already banned from direct overseas purchases, will be tightened. Illegal medical device seizures have increased significantly from 678 cases in 2021 to 6,958 cases last year. The government plans to amend the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act to clarify the ban on direct purchases of medicines and veterinary drugs and to enhance inspections at customs.


Combating Counterfeits and Protecting Consumer Data

To prevent the influx of counterfeit goods, the government will implement AI-based monitoring of foreign platforms and connect real-time data from the Patent Office and Customs. A new system will be introduced this month. The government also aims to revise trademark laws to penalize platforms that do not block counterfeit items.

In response to concerns about personal data breaches by foreign platforms, the government is investigating compliance with data protection laws and will announce findings in the first half of this year.


Enhancing Consumer Protection

To improve consumer protection and enforcement, the government plans to mandate the designation of local representatives by foreign platforms. These representatives will handle consumer complaints and remove listings of uncertified products. Additionally, information about overseas purchases will be consolidated on the 'Consumer24 (www.consumer.go.kr)' platform for better accessibility.


Preventing Tax Evasion

The government is also reviewing the system to prevent abuse of the duty-free allowance for small imports. A new customs platform optimized to block harmful products is planned for completion by 2026.


These measures are designed to enhance safety and consumer protection in response to the growing trend of direct overseas purchases. By ensuring that imported products meet safety standards, the government aims to safeguard public health and boost corporate competitiveness.

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