Food Laws and Implementing Ministries

Ministry of Health and Welfare (MHW): Although most of the food regulation authorities were relinquished to the Korean Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) in 1998, MHW still retains the authority to legislate changes to the Food Sanitation Act and the Functional Food Act.

Korean Food and Drug Administration (KFDA): The principle agency charged with ensuring that foods are safe, sound, wholesome and correctly labeled.   KFDA is also responsible for ensuring that medicines are safe, effective, and that side effects are properly noted.   Except for meat, poultry and dairy products, which are regulated by the Korean Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry, KFDA is responsible for setting and implementing standards and specifications for food in general, functional food, food additives, food packaging, containers and equipment.   KFDA standards and specifications apply to both domestically produced and imported food products.  

    KFDA Inspection Guidelines for Imported Foods

    Import Procedures into the Republic of Korea

    2004 Food Additive Code, Food Code and Labeling Standards

Labeling standards, food codes, and import requirements can change frequently in Korea. Therefore, we strongly advise you to maintain close contact with your Korean importer, who will be the best resource regarding the latest information on these requirements.   The ATO has translated versions of the Food Code and Labeling Standards; however, the only official version is in Korean.

Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry (MAF): Responsible for establishing regulations and standards related to agricultural products, including livestock and dairy products.   Several agencies within MAF are responsible for issuing and enforcing regulations.  

 

The National Veterinary Research & Quarantine Service (NVRQS) Responsible for implementing regulations pertaining to both domestic and imported animals and livestock products.       The National Plant Quarantine Service (NPQS)                 Responsible for implementing regulations pertaining to plants .      The National Agricultural Product Quality Management Service (NAQS) Responsible for setting quality standards and grades for agricultural products, such as organic standards for agricultural produce, and enforcing country of origin labeling. NAQS is also the official inspection agency for testing of GMO products.      The Rural Development Administration (RDA) Responsible for developing the rural sector and administering policies on research and development of new agricultural technologies, extension work and training for farmers.

For more information, please refer to the most recently updated Food and Agricultural Import Regulations Standards Report for the Republic of Korea.