South Korea Proposes Amendments to Bottled Water Standards and Labeling Requirements

On May 26, 2025, the South Korea Ministry of Environment announced draft amendments to the Standards, Specifications and Labeling Standards for Bottled Water. Stakeholders are invited to submit comments by June 16, 2025.

Key proposed amendments are summarized below:

Introduction of detailed storage requirements for bottled water

The draft introduces a new Annex 1 outlining comprehensive storage requirements for bottled water, covering general standards, packaging and transportation, as well as storage and distribution conditions.

Introduction of reusable containers management

The draft stipulates reusable containers with a capacity of 10 liters or more shall be discarded if 10 years have passed since their manufacturing date. However, regardless of age, containers must also be discarded under any of the following conditions:

• Contamination by non-drinkable substances during collection

• Emission of unpleasant odors, such as foul smells

• Significant damage to the container's exterior 

Establishment of the limit and requirements for extending the shelf life of bottled water

The shelf life for bottled water must be within six months from the manufacturing date. The draft specifies that businesses may apply to extend the shelf life up to two years, provided they can scientifically prove that no quality changes occur during the extended period and obtain approval from the authority.

To apply for an extended shelf life, businesses must submit an application form with the following documents:

• Documents confirming the product's manufacturing date

• Documents confirming the product's sealing and storage conditions during water quality inspection.

• Documents proving the product's manufacturing process and storage conditions. (For multiple processes, submit separate documentation for each.)

• A copy of the manufacturing license or import business registration certificate

• At least 12L each of bottled water product for water quality inspection, manufactured at 6-month intervals from the base manufacturing date until the desired extended period

• Water quality inspection report for the raw water

• Water quality inspection report for the bottled water product

Determination of product shelf life in cases of water intake source changes

Businesses that intend to set a shelf life due to changes in the water intake source must submit an application form to the authority with the following documents:

In the case of developing a new water intake source under a newly approved development permit:

• If the raw water from the new source is incorporated into the existing manufacturing process: the shelf life shall be within six months from the manufacturing date.

• If the raw material from the new source is used in a separate manufacturing process: products from the existing process shall retain the previous shelf life, and those from the separate process shall have a shelf life within six months from the manufacturing date.

In the case where some intake sources are closed due to the expiration or revocation of the development permit: the previous shelf life shall be maintained.

Special labeling provisions for reusable containers

• For bottled water with reusable containers of 10L or larger, labeling information may be displayed at the neck of the container.

• For bottled water with reusable containers of 10L or larger, the manufacturing date of the container must be clearly and indelibly indicated at the bottom of the container.