On April 9, 2026, South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) issued Announcement No. 2026-183, proposing amendments to the Regulation for Notification of Cosmetics Manufacturing & Import Amount and Lists of Ingredients. The draft amendment is currently open for public consultation, with a deadline of April 29, 2026.
Background
Under South Korea's Cosmetics Act, Responsible Sellers of cosmetics are required to submit annual reports on cosmetics production and import performance to the MFDS, along with lists of ingredients used. However, some companies have failed to comply with this obligation over an extended period, making it difficult for the MFDS to maintain a comprehensive overview of cosmetics production and distribution. To strengthen oversight of non-reporting companies, the MFDS proposes to equip relevant organizations with additional follow-up measures.
Key Proposed Changes
The key proposed changes include：
- Empowering report-receiving organizations to conduct inquiries: Organizations commissioned by the MFDS to collect production and import reports (such as KCIA) may verify the facts regarding Responsible Sellers who have failed to submit their reports.
- Authorizing on-site inspections by regional MFDS offices: The draft amendment clarifies that regional MFDS offices may conduct on-site inspections of companies that fail to submit required production, import, and ingredient reports.
- Establishing compliance incentives: Companies that submit timely and accurate reports in accordance with regulations may receive official commendations or other incentive measures to encourage voluntary compliance.
Implications and Recommendations
This amendment signals the MFDS's intent to further strengthen enforcement of the cosmetics reporting regime. Importers and manufacturers operating in the South Korean cosmetics market are advised to review their reporting obligations promptly and ensure timely submission of annual production, import, and ingredient reports.
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