Japan & Korea

Colorful street filled with signs and people in Seoul's bustling district.
Korea

MFDS Temporarily Relaxes Packaging Labeling Requirements: Stickers Permitted for Cosmetics and Other Categories

On April 3, 2026, the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) introduced an emergency administrative support policy through a rapid review by the Proactive Administration Committee. This policy temporarily allows the use of stickers to indicate mandatory labeling information when alternative packaging materials are used for four essential categories: cosmetics, food, hygiene products, and quasi-drugs. This move aims to alleviate supply pressures caused by global supply chain fluctuations. I. Policy Background II. Core Policy Content The MFDS has implemented the following temporary regulatory relaxations: III. Optimization of Administrative Procedures To respond quickly to supply fluctuations, the MFDS has shifted its Proactive Administration Committee to a normalized, permanent operating mechanism: IV. Official Statement MFDS Minister Oh Yu-kyoung stated that the Proactive Administration Committee will continue to meet regularly to ensure rapid deliberation of policy matters. The Ministry plans to continuously monitor industry supply conditions and implement full support […]

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Three cosmetic items displayed against a neutral background for elegant product photography.
Korea

South Korea Promulgates Amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Cosmetics Act; Inter-ministerial Briefing Held to Combat Counterfeit Cosmetics.

News Brief 1: South Korea Publishes Amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Cosmetics Act On March 10, 2026, the South Korean government published an amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Cosmetics Act. The key revisions are as follows: News Brief 2: Joint Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Counteracting Counterfeit Cosmetics in South Korea On March 12, 2026, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), and the Korea Customs Service (KCS) jointly held a briefing in Mapo-gu, Seoul, to address the issue of counterfeit cosmetics. I. Background This briefing is a core component of the “K-Beauty Safety and Quality Competitiveness Enhancement Plan” announced during the 6th National Policy Coordination Meeting chaired by the Prime Minister on November 27, 2025. It aims to tackle the global infringement of popular South Korean cosmetic brands and prevent financial loss to both businesses and consumers caused by the

South Korea Promulgates Amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Cosmetics Act; Inter-ministerial Briefing Held to Combat Counterfeit Cosmetics. Read More »