This photo taken on Nov. 11, 2023, shows customs officials looking at products purchased directly by South Korean consumers from overseas e-commerce platforms at Incheon International Airport’s logistics center in Incheon, just west of Seoul. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, March 14 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea has designated May 29 as “Medical Device Day” and September 7 as “Cosmetics Day” as part of broader legislative reforms aimed at strengthening industry oversight and public awareness.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced on Thursday that the National Assembly passed amendments to six laws, including the Food Sanitation Act and the Cosmetics Act, formalizing the new commemorative days and introducing regulatory changes across various sectors.
The amendment to the Cosmetics Act establishes September 7 as Cosmetics Day to bolster the international competitiveness of South Korea’s cosmetics industry and enhance public awareness of product safety and quality.
Additionally, new measures will improve accessibility for visually and hearing-impaired consumers by recommending that cosmetic products include braille, voice-assist codes, or sign language video conversion codes on packaging. The law also introduces stricter inspection protocols for cosmetics purchased directly from overseas, allowing authorities to block imports if safety risks are identified.
Similarly, under amendments to the Medical Devices Act and the In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Act, May 29 has been designated as Medical Device Day to promote awareness of the industry’s global significance and highlight its role as a key driver of economic growth.
The revised legislation also grants authorities the power to request property records—including building registries, land records, and vehicle ownership documents—from relevant agencies when medical device businesses fail to pay fines.
Another key reform is the restructuring of South Korea’s restaurant certification system. Under changes to the Food Sanitation Act, the longstanding “Exemplary Restaurant” designation, in place for 30 years, will be abolished and integrated into a unified hygiene rating system.
Additionally, amendments to the Narcotics Control Act expand support for individuals recovering from drug addiction, providing assistance for reintegration into daily life after treatment. A new nationwide “Drug Addiction Management System” will also be introduced, enabling interagency cooperation to monitor and manage high-risk individuals.
In a move toward digital transformation, a revision to the Food and Drug Testing and Inspection Act allows official test and inspection reports for food and pharmaceutical products to be issued electronically, reducing reliance on paper documents.
“These legislative changes reflect our commitment to enhancing consumer safety, streamlining regulations, and ensuring industry growth in a rapidly evolving market,” the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety stated. The reforms are expected to improve regulatory efficiency while reinforcing South Korea’s reputation as a global leader in medical devices and cosmetics.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
