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[Updated] South Korea Designates Prohibited Ingredients in Foods

*Note: This article was published on June 12, 2023, and has been updated on July 3, September 27, November 29, December 22, 2023, March 20, 2024, March  27, 2024, April 19, 2024, individually, following the latest regulation information. The revised contents are marked in red below. 


As released by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) on June 12, 2023, nine ingredients are designated as prohibited ingredients in foods1. Foods cannot be imported to South Korea via general trade or overseas online platforms if the foods contain any of the nine ingredients following the newly revised Enforcement Rule of Imported Food Act2

The details are as below:

No.

Ingredient/Raw Material Name

1

Amphetamine

2

Dexoxy-D2PM

3

Ephedrine

4

Fenfluramine

5

Lorcaserin

6

Phenibut

7

Zopiclone

8

Cannabis specified under the Article 2 (4) of Narcotics Control Act3

9

Poppy specified under the Article 2 (2) a, b, d, e, and f of Narcotics Control Act3

The salts, isomers, and salts of isomers of the above ingredients and raw materials are also forbidden.


Updates on July 3, 2023

MFDS published a notification on July 3, 2023, to further crack down on food raw materials and ingredients that cannot be imported to South Korea via CBEC. 

The designated raw materials and ingredients include 139 medicinal ingredients and herbal medicines, such as melatonin, 5-hydroxytryptophan, and myrrh, and 134 kinds of raw materials and ingredients that cannot be used in food. The complete list of 273 prohibited raw materials and ingredients is at the end of this article.

Until now, 282 raw materials and ingredients are designated as food raw materials and ingredients that cannot be imported to South Korea via overseas online platforms. 

Food raw materials and ingredients prohibited by MFDS include:

  • 구연산실데나필(Sildenafil citrate)

  • 엘-도파(L-dopa), levodapa, (MucunaPruriensseed(머쿠나프루리언쓰), Cowhage, cowitch, velvetbean))

  • 멜라토닌(Melatonin)          

  • 빈포세틴(Vinpocetine), Vinca minor, lesser periwinkle

  • 5-하이드록시트립토판 (5-Hydroxytryptophan, 5-HTP) (Griffonia(그리포니아), Griffoniasimplicifolia seed)          

  • 푸로세미드(Furosemide)          

  • 테오필린(Theophylline)           

  • 디클로페낙(Diclofenac)          

  • 토피라메이트(Topiramate)          

  • 피록시캄(Piroxicam)         

  • 아세트아미노펜(Acetaminophen), 파라세타몰(Paracetamol)          

  • 로바스타틴(Lovastatin)          

  • 다폭세틴(Dapoxetine)          

  • 멜록시캄(Meloxicam)          

  • 트라마돌(Tramadol)           

  • 티아넵틴(Tianeptine)          

  • 시티콜린(Citicoline)          

  • 아드레날린(Adrenaline), 에피네프린(Epinephrine)         

  • 다나졸(M)(Danazol)

  • 플루옥시메스테론(Fluoxymesterone)

  • 테스토스테론 및 그 유사체 (Testosterone and its Analogues)

  • 스타노졸롤(Stanozolol)

  • 6알파-메틸프레드니솔론 및 그 유사체 (6a-Methylprednisolone and its Analogues)

  • 베클로메타손 및 그 유사체(Beclomethasone and its Analogues)

  • 베타메타손 및 그 유사체 (Betamethasone and its Analogues)

  • 부데소니드(Budesonide)

  • 덱사메타손 및 그 유사체 (Dexamethasone and its Analogues)

  • 플루드로코르티손 아세테이트 (Fludrocortisone acetate)

  • 플루오시놀론 아세토니드 (Fluocinolone acetonide)           

  • 히드로코르티손 및 그 유사체 (Hydrocortisone and its Analogues)         

  • 메드록시프로게스테론 17-아세테이트 (Medroxyprogesterone 17-acetate)           

  • 메게스테롤 아세테이트 (Megesterol acetate)           

  • 노르에티스테론 및 그 유사체 (Norethisterone and its Analogues)  

  • 프레드니솔론 및 그 유사체 (Prednisolone and its Analogues)    

  • 프레드니손 및 그 유사체 (Prednisone and its Analogues)

  • 연교(Forsythia suspensa)(열매 fruits)           

  • 무이라 푸아마(Muira Puama, Ptychopetalum olacoides)           

  • 황백(黃栢, Phellodendri Cortex, Phellodendron, Phellodendron bark, Phellodendron amurense Ruprecht, Phellodendron chinense Schneider) 마그노플로린(Magnoflorine)           

  • 지모(Anemarrhennae asphodelides)           

  • 마황(Ephedra herb)           

  • 리튬 및 그 염류 (Lithium and its salts)        

  • 메토카르바몰(Methocarbamol)           

  • 인도메타신(Indomethacin)           

  • 시프로헵타딘(Cyproheptadine)           

  • 리도카인(Lidocaine)

  • 아염소산나트륨(Sodium chlorite)           

  • 사람융모성생식선자극호르몬(Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, HCG)           

  • 히스타민(Histamine, Histamine Hydrochloride, Histamine HCl)           

  • 벨라돈나 (Belladonna, Atropa belladonna)           

  • 빈랑자(Betel nut, areca nut)           

  • 관동(款冬, Colt's foot, Coltsfoot, Farfarae flos, Ass's foot, Bull's foot, Coughwort, Farfara, Foal's wort, Fieldhove, Horse hoof, Horse-foot, Horse-shoe, Horsehoof, Tussilago farfara Linné)           

  • 인도사목(Indian Snake Root, Rauwolfia serpentina)           

  • 카바카바(Kava kava, kawa kawa, Kavain)(뿌리, 잎, 줄기), Kavain           

  • 엔아세틸시스테인(NAC, N-acetyl-cysteine, N-acetyl-L-cysteine)           

  • 페닐부타존(Phenylbutazone)           

  • 반하(半夏, Pinellia Tuber, Pinellia ternata Breitenbach)          

  • 석류씨(Pomegranate Seed),석류피(Pomegranate bark)           

  • 대황(大黃, Rhubarb, Rheum palmatum, Rheum tanguticum, Rheum officinale Bailon)         

  • 전갈(全蝎, Scorpion, scorpio, Buthus martensii Karsch)           

  • 은(Silver)           

  • 마편초, 버바인(Vervain, Verbena, Verbanalin)(지상부, 꽃)          

  • 비사코딜(Bisacodyl)           

  • 블랙코호시(Black Cohosh, black snake root, Actaea racemosa(승마), Cimicifuga recomosa)          

  • 아선약(Catechu)           

  • 숯(Charcoal, Activated charcoal)           

  • 육종용(肉蓯蓉, Cistanchis Herba, Cistanche deserticola)           

  • 디-클로르페니라민(D-chlorpheniramine, 말레인산클로로페니라인)           

  • 에키네시아속(Echinacea spp.)           

  • 몰약(Guggul(resin), guggulsterones)           

  • 서양칠엽수(Horse Chestnut, 홀스캐슈너츠)           

  • 시트룰린(L-citrulline, Citrulline Malate)           

  • 후박(Magnolia, magnolia officinalis)(껍질, peel)

  • 파바(PABA, Para-aminobenzoic acid)  

  • 피지움(Pygeum Africanum)(껍질, peel)           

  • 파극천(Radix morindae officinalis, 꼭두서니과)           

  • 도인(桃仁, Seman Pruni, 욱리인)           

  • 고양이 수염풀(Orthosiphon stamineus, 오르소시폰)           

  • 19-노르안드로스테네디온 (19-Norandrostenedione)

  • 안드로스테디온(1-Androstenedione)           

  • 볼라스테론(Bolasterone)           

  • 볼데논(Boldenone)           

  • 볼디온(Boldione)           

  • 칼루스테론(Calusterone)           

  • 클로스테볼(Clostebol)           

  • 포르메볼론(M)(Formebolone)           

  • 메틸노르테스토스테론 (Methylnortestosterone)           

  • 미볼레론(Mibolerone)           

  • 메탄디에논(M)(Methandienone)           

  • 난드롤론(Nandrolone, 19-nortestostetone)           

  • 난드롤론(M1)(Nandrolone)           

  • 난드롤론(M2)(Nandrolone)           

  • 노볼레톤(Norboletone)           

  • 노르클로스테볼(Norclostebol)           

  • 노르에탄드롤론(Norethandrolone)           

  • 오랄 튜리나볼(M)(Oral Turinabol)           

  • 난드롤론 데카노에이트 (Nandrolone decanoate)           

  • 드로스타놀론 프로피오네이트 (Drostanolone propionate)           

  • 메탄드로스테놀론 (Methandrostenolone)           

  • 메테놀론(Metenolone)           

  • 트렌볼론(Trenbolone)          

  • 안다린(Andarine), S4           

  • 오스타린(Ostarine), 엔노보삼(enobosarm), MK2866           

  • 리간드롤(Ligandrol), LGD-4033           

  • LGD-3303

  • 테스토론(Testolone), RAD-140          

  • LY2452473, TT701          

  • BMS-564929         

  • LG-121071           

  • S-23          

  • 스테나볼릭(Stenabolic), SR9009          

  • 미오스틴(Myostine), YK-11          

  • Hydrolyzed YK-11           

  • ACP-105           

  • 누트라볼(Nutrabol), 이부타모렌(Ibutamoren), MK-677           

  • 카다린(Cardarine), 엔두로볼(Endurobol), GW501516, GW-1516           

  • 알파-OH-프로게스테론-헤미석시네이트 (11a-OH-Progesterone-hemisuccinate)   

  • 암시노나이드(Amcinonide)           

  • 클로베타솔 17-프로피오네이트 (Clobetasol 17-propionate)           

  • 클로베타손 부티레이트 (Clobetasone butyrate)           

  • 코르티손 21-아세테이트 (Cortisone 21-acetate)           

  • 디(-)-노르게스트렐(D(-)-norgestrel)           

  • 디클로리손 아세테이트 (Dichlorisone acetate)           

  • 디플로라손 디아세테이트 (Diflorasone diacetate)           

  • 플루란드레놀라이드(Flurandrenolide)           

  • 플루티카손 프로에이트 (Fluticasone furoate)           

  • 플루티카손 프로피오네이트 (Fluticasone propionate)           

  • 모메타손 프로에이트 (Mometasone furoate)           

  • 트리암시놀론 아세토니드 (Triamcinolone acetonide)           

  • 트리암시놀론 디아세테이트(Triamcinolone diacetate)           

  • 디니트로페놀(DNP, Dinitrophenol), 2,4-Dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP)           

  • 디하이드로에피안드로스테론 (DHEA, Dehydroepiandrosterone)           

  • 다이피론(Dipyrone), 설피린(Sulpyrin)           

  • 1,3-디메틸아밀아민(1,3-Dimethylamylamine, DMAA), 1,3-디메틸부틸아민(1,3-Dimethylbutylamine, DMBA), 옥토드린(Octodrine, 1,5-Dimethylhexylamine (DMHA))

  • 플리벤서린(Flibanserin)           

  • 메칠시네프린(methylsynephrine), 옥실로프린(Oxilofrine), p-히도록시에페드린(p-hydroxyephedrine)           

  • 옥토파민(Octopamine)           

  • 페닐에틸아민(Phenylethylamine, PEA), β-Phenylethylamine(β-PEA) 2-Phenethylamine, β-phenethylamine·Hydrochloride(β-PEA·HCl)           

  • 시네프린(Synephrine)           

  • 3,17-케토-에티오콜레트리엔(3,17-keto-e tiocholetriene), 아로마타제 억제제 (Aromatase inhibitors)         

  • 실데나필(Sildenafil)

  • 타다라필(Tadalafil)

  • 바데나필(Vardenafil)               

  • 유데나필(Udenafil)               

  • 미로데나필(Mirodenafil)               

  • 아바나필(Avanafil)               

  • 호모실데나필(Homosildenafil)               

  • 홍데나필(Hongdenafil)              

  • 하이드록시호모실데나필 (Hydroxy homosildenafil)               

  • 아미노타다라필(Amino tadalafil)               

  • 슈도바데나필(Pseudo-vardenafil)               

  • 하이드록시홍데나필 (Hydroxy hongdenafil)               

  • 디메칠실데나필(Dimethylsildenafil)               

  • 잔소안트라필(Xanthoanthrafil)               

  • 하이드록시바데나필(Hydroxyvadenafil)              

  • 노르네오실데나필(Norneosildenafil)               

  • 데메틸홍데나필(Demethylhongdenafil)              

  • 피페리디노홍데나필 (Piperidinohongdenafil)               

  • 카보데나필(Carbodenafil)               

  • 치오실데나필(Thiosildenafil)               

  • 디메틸치오실데나필 (Dimethylthiosildenafil)     

  • 아세틸바데나필(Acetylvardenafil)              

  • 벤질실데나필(Benzylsildenafil)              

  • 노르네오바데나필(Norneovardenafil)              

  • 옥소홍데나필(Oxohongdenafil)              

  • 치오호모실데나필(Thiohomosildenafil)              

  • 데설포바데나필(Desulfovardenafil)              

  • 니트로데나필(Nitrodenafil)             

  • 싸이클로펜티나필(Cyclopentynafil)              

  • 옥틸노르타다라필(Octylnortadalafil)              

  • 클로로데나필(Chlorodenafil)              

  • 신나밀데나필(Cinnamyldenafil)              

  • 치오퀴나피페리필(Thioquinapiperifil)              

  • 하이드록시치오호모실데나필 (Hydroxythiohomosildenafil)              

  • 클로로프레타다라필(Chloropretadalafil)              

  • 하이드록시클로로데나필 (Hydroxychlorodenafil)              

  • 디클로로데나필(Dichlorodenafil)              

  • 데메칠타다라필(Demethyltadalafil), 노르타다라필(nortadalafil)              

  • 아세트아미노타다라필 (Acetaminotadalafil)              

  • 메틸하이드록시호모실데나필 (Methylhydroxyhomosildenafil)             

  • 프로폭시페닐치오호모실데나필 (Propoxyphenylthiosildenafil)              

  • 프로폭시페닐치오하이드록시호모실데나필 (Propoxyphenylthiohydroxyhomosildenafil)              

  • 프로폭시페닐치오실데나필 (Propoxyphenylthiosildenafil)            

  • 프로폭시페닐치오아일데나필 (Propoxyphenylthioaildenafil)             

  • 호모타다라필(Homotadalafil)              

  • 아세틸산(Acetyl acid)              

  • 겐데나필(Gendenafil)              

  • 이미다조사가트리아지논 (Imidazosagatriazinone)              

  • cis-사이클로펜틸타다라필 (cis-Cyclopentyltadalafil)             

  • trans-사이클로펜틸타다라필 (trans-Cyclopentyltadalafil)              

  • 이소프로필노르타다라필 (Isopropylnortadalafil)             

  • 데스카본실데나필(Descarbonsildenafil)

  • 디치오프로필카보데나필 (Dithiopropylcarbodenafil)              

  • 데설포닐클로로실데나필 (Desulfonylchlorosildenafil)             

  • 데스메칠피페라지닐프로폭시실데나필 (Desmethylpiperazinylpropoxysildenafil)   

  • 시부트라민(Sibutramine)               

  • 오르리스타트(Orlistat)               

  • 데스메틸시부트라민 (Desmethylsibutramine)               

  • 디데스메틸시부트라민 (Didesmethylsibutramine)               

  • 클로로시부트라민(Chlorosibutramine)              

  • 클로로시펜트라민(Chlorosipentramine)               

  • 글리벤클라미드(Glibenclamide)              

  • 글리클라짓(Gliclazide)               

  • 글리메피리드(Glimepiride)               

  • 글리피짓(Glipizide)               

  • 리오치로닌(T3)              

  • 레보치록신(T4)               

  • 플루옥세틴(Fluoxetine)               

  • N-니트로소펜플루라민 (N-nitrosofenfluramine)              

  • 페놀프탈레인(Phenolphthaleine)              

  • 요힘빈(Yohimbine), 알파-요힘빈(Rauwolscine), 요힘베(Yohimbe, 껍질 peel)        

  • 이카린(Icarine), 음양곽(Horny goat weed, Epimedium sagittatum, Epimedium Grandiflorum)              

  • 센노사이드(Sennoside), 센나(Senna, Senna alexandrina, Cassia acutifolia)           

  • 카스카로사이드(Cascaroside), 카스카라사그라다(cascara sagrada)               

  • 데스메틸카보데나필(Desmethylcarbodenafil), 노르카르보데나필(Norcarbodenafil)              

  • 프로폭시치오실데나필 (Propoxythiosildenafil)             

  • 설포아일데나필(Sulfoaildenafil)               

  • N-페닐프로폭시페닐카보데나필 (N-phenylpropoxyphenylcarbodenafl)             

  • N-에틸타다라필(N-ethyl tadalafil)              

  • 프로폭시페닐노르아세틸데나필 (Propoxyphenyl noracetildenafil)              

  • 3,5-디메틸피페라지닐 디치오디메틸카보데나필 (3, 5-Dimethylpiperazinyl dithiodimethylcarbodenafil)

  • 벤질시부트라민(Benzylsibutramine)               

  • 석송(石松, Club moss, Chinese Clubmoss)               

  • 백운석(Dolomite, 돌로마이트)               

  • 캐롤라이나 쟈스민 (Gelsemium Sempervirens, 겔세민)              

  • 게르마늄(Germanium)              

  • 골든실 루트(Goldenseal Root, OX-EYE DAISY)(뿌리, root), 하이드라스틴(Hydrastine)               

  • 향등골나무(Gravel Root)         

  • 로벨리아(Lobelia)               

  • 살모사(Mamushi, まむし)               

  • 몬타노아(Montanoa, Montanoa Tomentosa)               

  • 키나나무(Quinna tree bark, cichona bark PavonetKlotzsch) (껍질, peel)               

  • 만년청(萬年靑, Rhodea japonica Roth)               

  • 테호코테 (Tejocote root, Crataegus mexicana)               

  • 베라트룸(Veratrum, White Hellebore, Veratri Rhizoma et Radix)              

  • 아그마틴 (Agmatine Sulfate)(Agmapure)              

  • 천심련(Andrographis)               

  • 바코파(Bacopa, Brahmi)              

  • 부추(Buchu leaf, Agathosma betulina, Agathosma creunlata)             

  • 버크톤 (Buckthorn, Rhamnus frangula)(껍질, peel)               

  • 부티수퍼바(Butea superba, Creeping butea, Butea gum tree, Redkwaokrua)       

  • 베르기닌(Bergenin)              

  • 버터플라이 피(Butterfly Pea)           

  • 실거리나무속 (Caesalpinia, Benthamiana)         

  • 망강남, 석결명(Cassia occidentalis L)               

  • 캣츠클로 (Cat's Claw, Uncaria Tomentosa)              

  • 카투아바(Catuaba)               

  • 차드부그레 (Cha De bugre, Cordia Salicifolia)              

  • 개밀(Couch Grass, Agropyron repens, Elymus repens)            

  • 시아노티스 베가(Cyanotis Vaga)               

  • 디아놀(Deanol)

  • 디인돌리메탄(DIM, Diindolylmethane)              

  • 에보니, 흑단, 검은나무(Ebony)              

  • 푸코잔틴(Fucoxanthin)              

  • 물개(Fur Seal, オットセイエキス)               

  • 당살초(Gymnema Sylvestre)              

  • 후디아(Hoodia Cactus powder, Hoodia Gordonii)               

  • 리구스트룸 베리(Ligustrum Berry)               

  • 찬카 피에드라(Chanca Piedra, Phyllanthus amarus)               

  • 우슬(Prickly Chaff, Achyranthes aspera) (꽃, flavor)               

  • 푸에라리아 미리피카(Pueraria mirifica)               

  • 라즈베리 케톤(Raspberry Ketone)               

  • 느릅나무, 유근피 (Slippery Elm, Ulmus rubra)              

  • 흰버드나무(White willow, Salix Alba)               

  • 레드 루트 (Red root bark, Ceanothus americanus)    

  • 마랄 루트(Maral root, Rhaponticum Carthamoides)            

  • 실라짓(Shilajit)               

  • 테르미날리아 아르주나 (Terminalia arjuna)              

  • 트리코푸스 제이라니쿠스 (Trichopus Zeylanicus)          

  • 줄기세포(Stem cell)              

  • 우피유래 성분(콜라겐, 젤라틴 등) * BSE발생 36개국에 한하며, 「수입식품법 시행규칙」 제27조제1항제10호가목에따른 서류를 제출한 경우 제외 (Collagen, gelatin and other ingredients derived from cow skin (* Limited to 36 countries with BSE outbreaks, except when documents are submitted in accordance with Article 27 (1) 10 of the Enforcement Rule of the Imported Food Act)

  • 곤약/글루코만난 *미니컵젤리에 한함

  • 삼씨(Hemp) *식품의 기준 및 규격에 적합한 제품은 제외 (*Excluding when the products complies with the Food Code)

  • 파피씨드(Poppy) *식품의 기준 및 규격에 적합한 제품은 제외 (*Excluding when the products complies with the Food Code)


Updates on September 27, 2023

One substance is newly prohibited from entering into South Korea by MFDS (MFDS Notification No. 2023-470):

  • 비스프레노르타다라필(Bisprenortadalafil)


Updates on November 29, 2023

One substance is newly prohibited from entering into South Korea by MFDS (MFDS Notification No. 2023-556):

  • 테오브로민(Theobromine)


Updates on December 22, 2023

Two substances are newly prohibited from entering into South Korea by MFDS (MFDS Notification No. 2023-582):

  • HHCH (Hexahydrocannabihexol)

  • HHCP (Hexahydrocannabiphorol)

Updates on March 20, 2024

One substance is newly prohibited from entering into South Korea by MFDS (MFDS Notification No. 2024-133):

  • 아젤라스틴(Azelastine)


Updates on March 27, 2024

One substance is newly prohibited from entering into South Korea by MFDS (MFDS Notification):

  • 에이치에이치시-오-아세테이트(HHC-O-acetate)


Updates on April 19, 2024

Two substances are newly prohibited from entering South Korea, while two previously prohibited ingredients are canceled by MFDS (MFDS Notification).

Ingredients newly designated as prohibited:

  • 디펜하이드라민 (Diphenhydramine)

  • 노랑협죽도 (Cascabela thevetia)

Ingredients removed from negative list:

  • 석류씨 (Pomegranate Seed)

  • 라즈베리 케톤 (Raspberry Ketone)



ChemLinked Interpretation

The market size of “foods purchased via overseas direct online shopping channels (해외직구식품)”  continues to increase for the lower price and convenience. As products purchased directly by the consumers are deemed as private goods, these products are not subject to general custom clearance inspection, making it difficult to be regulated by the food standards and specifications under Food Sanitation Act4 as the generally imported foods. However, foreign foods may contain materials that harm humans and should be prohibited from importation. 

Therefore, MFDS modified the Enforcement Rule of Imported Food Act on June 9, 20235, specifying the provisions to designate prohibited ingredients in “foods purchased via overseas direct online shopping channels”.

According to the Enforcement Rule of Imported Food Act2, foods with seven kinds of ingredients, including narcotics, drug’s effective ingredients, non-compliance food ingredients or raw materials, non-noticed functional ingredients, internationally reported ingredients with hazard risks, ingredients derived from ruminants from BSE countries, and other ingredients deemed as potentially harmful by MFDS, are prohibited from being imported to South Korea. 

The above-mentioned prohibited ingredient list is established per the revised Enforcement Rule of Imported Food Act2. This revision may affect the global online platforms targeting South Korean consumers and online purchase agencies for imported foods. For global platforms based outside of South Korea, although selling foods with prohibited ingredients won't lead to any administrative penalties, the product delivered to South Korea will be blocked by Customs, resulting in customer’s loss. Besides, online purchase agencies for imported foods, which help customers purchase items after receiving orders online, will also be affected. The agencies are located in South Korea and under the charge of MFDS. If they helped buy foods with prohibited ingredients, they would be subject to a suspension of business for up to 15 days. 

Compliance and internal review are necessary for business entities conducting online business targeting Korean consumers.

We provide full-scale global food market entry services (including product registration, ingredient review, regulatory consultation, customized training, market research, branding strategy). Please contact us to discuss how we can help you by food@chemlinked.com
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