Korea tightens re-inspection of rejected food imports to 20 rounds

South Korea's food and drug safety ministry said Wednesday it will allow up to 20 rounds of intensive inspection for imported food that has previously been rejected, widening a measure that had been capped at five rounds.

The change applies when a product that failed an import inspection is brought in again within five years and authorities determine there is a risk to health. The new inspection rule takes effect six months after publication, along with a requirement that internet purchase agents include warnings about hazards linked to directly purchased overseas food in their advertising.

A ministry notice said the revision is intended to address shortfalls found in the operation of the current system, tightening inspection of food with a potential health risk while easing procedural burdens on importers. The amended Enforcement Rule of the Special Act on Imported Food Safety Management was promulgated on Sept. 30 and took effect the same day, with the inspection and advertising provisions applying six months after promulgation, according to the notice.

The ministry also expanded the grounds on which importers may apply to change the intended use of imported food. Under the new rules, a change of use may be approved when a large-scale disaster, infectious disease outbreak or shift in the international situation makes it difficult to import a raw material and another manufacturer or processor requests to sell the product.

Internet purchase agents will be allowed automated processing of import declarations for food that carries a low risk to public health and is imported repeatedly, a measure intended to speed up clearance for routine shipments.

Facility requirements were eased, with importers and sellers of imported food now permitted to use a business incubator center designated under the Special Act on Support for Venture Businesses as their office space. A business office may also be omitted in some cases, including where an office is shared for another purpose within the scope of business activities or where an e-commerce or mail-order business does not receive in-person visits and uses a building zoned for housing under the Building Act.

Registration procedures were simplified for companies designated as excellent importers: a change of registration or a change report for matters such as the operator's name, address or business name will be treated as an application to change excellent importer registration. Import and sales businesses may also omit proof of hygiene training completion when registering or reporting a transfer of business status if a responsible official can confirm the training electronically.