Korea Proposes Revisions to Import Food Declaration and Inspection Regulations

In a recent announcement, the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has released a draft amendment to the "Regulations on Declaration and Inspection of Imported Foods, etc." The proposed changes aim to streamline the import process and enhance food safety measures. Here are the key highlights:

1. Expanding the Scope of Planned Import Applications: The draft expands the application eligibility for planned imports of raw materials used in the production of a company's own products. This includes registered food manufacturers, food additive producers, and professional distributors. Applicants must submit test reports from MFDS-recognized foreign laboratories.

2. Intensified Inspections on Chinese Imports: The regulations introduce more rigorous inspections, including precise checks and random sampling, for specific food items imported from China, such as soybeans, millet, red beans, persimmons, burdock, and pumpkins.

3. Alignment with Expiration Date Labeling: The wording in the standards has been revised to align with the implementation of the expiration date labeling system.

4. Increase in Pesticide Residue Monitoring: The number of pesticide residue testing items for the initial precise inspection has been increased from 113 to 128.

The public comment period for these proposed amendments is open until June 10, 2024. This provides an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute their feedback and shape the final regulations.

The MFDS's efforts to enhance import food regulations demonstrate Korea's commitment to ensuring the safety and quality of its food supply. These revisions aim to streamline the import process while strengthening oversight and risk management measures. As the global food trade continues to evolve, Korea's proactive approach to regulatory updates can serve as a model for other nations seeking to safeguard consumer interests.