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On February 18, 2025, the South Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety revised the Food and Livestock Product Safety Management Certification Standards (food and livestock products HACCP certification standards). The revisions took effect immediately, except for the provisions on unannounced on-site inspections, which are set to be implemented on January 1, 2026.
Highlight of the Amendments
Introduction of unannounced on-site inspections for HACCP certification extensions
Previously, HACCP extension review inspections were scheduled and pre-notified. The amendment allows for unannounced on-site inspections within the administrative processing period to enhance the reliability and effectiveness of the HACCP certification extension reviews.
Expansion of incentives for businesses implementing Smart HACCP
During the extension reviews for businesses registered under Smart HACCP, the incentive points previously applied mainly to manufacturing businesses will now also apply to refrigerated and frozen food businesses, etc., if they have fully implemented Smart HACCP.
For businesses who wish to display or advertise the Smart HACCP label, they are now required to implement Smart HACCP for at least 60% of all critical control points, which is lower than the previous requirement of full implementation.
ChemLinked Insights
HACCP certification is mandatory for South Korean local factories producing foods, livestock products, health functional foods, etc. To strengthen the food safety control of imported foods, the MFDS has also introduced the HACCP certification mechanism for foreign food facilities that produce high-risk products prone to mixing harmful substances. Other FFFs may voluntarily apply for HACCP certification if they meet the HACCP criteria. Once certified, enterprises can use the HACCP label on their products to improve competitiveness. Currently, MFDS mandates HACCP certification for foreign Kimchi manufacturing facilities, but additional food categories may be included in the future. Businesses involved in food exports to South Korea should closely monitor regulatory updates to stay compliant with evolving HACCP requirements.
Recommended reading:
South Korea to Bring in HACCP Accreditation for Foreign Food Facilities
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