Korea MFDS Details Overseas Food Manufacturer Registration Requirements

After implementation of the Special Law on Safety Management of Imported Foods which necessitates pre-market registration of all overseas food manufacturers, Korea MFDS is further specifying the documents needed, grace period and procedures for re-registration, etc. Overseas food manufacturers whose products are intended for South Korea should finish registration 7 days before making an import declaration.

Manufacturers need to submit information such as the manufacturer’s name, address, representative person, telephone number and email and specify their operation type and product type, etc. If necessary, MFDS will send officials overseas to conduct onsite inspection of factories. All information submitted should be confirmed as authentic.

Applicants can be an oversea manufacturer or importer but not an agent. A 6-month grace period (from 4 Feb 2016 to 3 Aug 2016) is given for registration completion. During this period, food products can continue to be imported from unregistered manufacturers until Aug 3th, after which only registered manufacturers will be permitted to import. The validity of registration is 2 years and re-registration needs to be applied for 7 days before expiration.