South Korea Revises Import Permit Requirements for Countries and Regions, and Livestock Import Health Requirements

In a recent development, South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has issued a notification, numbered 189 for the year 2024, outlining revised draft measures concerning the import permit requirements for countries and regions, as well as import health requirements for livestock and food products. 

Key Points:

1. Revision of Import Permit Requirements:

The notification includes amendments to the Import Food Safety Management Act (Act No. 19471), specifically focusing on expanding the scope of import health assessments to cover animal products. Consequently, the notification's title has been modified accordingly. Furthermore, the revised draft introduces provisions related to the evaluation criteria and establishes import health requirements for animal products. Additionally, the list of countries eligible for exporting livestock products or animal food to South Korea will be updated based on the results of import health assessments.

2. Inclusion of Ostrich Meat and Ostrich Eggs:

The new regulations classify ostrich meat and ostrich eggs as other animal-derived food products. This categorization reflects the recognition of these items as viable sources of animal-based food.

3. Imposition of Import Health Requirements on Exporting Countries:

To ensure compliance with import health standards, the revised regulations stipulate that exporting countries' governments must adhere to the import health requirements. This measure applies to animal food products manufactured in both South Korea and overseas facilities that are intended for export to South Korea.

South Korea's recent revisions to the import permit requirements for countries and regions, as well as the import health requirements for livestock and food products, aim to enhance the safety and quality of imported animal-based food. These changes reflect the country's commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of its citizens by implementing rigorous import regulations. Stakeholders involved in the import and export of animal products should familiarize themselves with these updates to facilitate smooth trade operations and compliance with South Korea's import regulations.