Korea MFDS Drafts Regulation on Overseas Food Manufacturers Registration

On 12 Nov, Korea MFDS issued a draft regarding registration of overseas food manufacturers and imported foods. It outlines the new compliance requirements for overseas producers, registration steps and post-registration management measures.

International food industry looking to be considered as manufacturers of high quality goods should register on the system and should implement HACCP or other food safety management systems and submit required documentation. Korea MFDS will send examination personnel or entrust an accredited overseas food sanitary agency to conduct onsite inspection of factories.

If applicants fail evaluation they will have 60 days to rectify their registration dossier or improve production conditions. After initial registration is successful subsequent onsite inspection will be conducted if the manufacturer plans to register a new food product intended for the Korean market or changes its plant site, product name, ingredient, formula and production process, etc. In addition, registered manufacturers are also required to inspect sanitation conditions of factories at least once a year and submit a report to MFDS.