To sell cosmetics in South Korea, a foreign brand generally needs a registered responsible seller, an import notice filed with the Korea Pharmaceutical Traders Association, Korean language labelling, and extra approval if the product counts as a functional cosmetic. The regulator is the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, known as MFDS. This guide summarizes the main steps reported by regulatory information sources, and shows where a brand should get professional help. It is general information and not legal or regulatory advice, and rules change, so confirm every step with a qualified Korean regulatory adviser before you ship.
Who regulates cosmetics in Korea
According to ChemLinked’s overview of Korean cosmetic regulation, cosmetics are regulated by MFDS under the Cosmetics Act and its enforcement rules. The British Beauty Council’s guide to exporting to South Korea also names MFDS and the Korea Pharmaceutical Traders Association, or KPTA, as the key bodies.
The responsible cosmetic seller
ChemLinked reports that a business must register as a responsible cosmetic seller with MFDS to distribute cosmetics, including imported ones, and must employ a qualified responsible distribution manager. The British Beauty Council describes a similar requirement as registering a responsible cosmetic distributor, which means establishing an importer responsible for product quality and safety. The sources did not say whether a foreign company can hold this role directly, so ask your regulatory adviser how it applies to you.
Import notice before customs clearance
Both sources say an import notice must be filed with KPTA when cosmetics are imported. ChemLinked says the importer applies before each importation and lists documents such as a business registration certificate, a certificate of manufacture and a certificate of free sale, with originals needed for a seller’s first import. Document names and wording differ between sources, so check the current checklist.
General cosmetics and functional cosmetics
ChemLinked states that general cosmetics do not need pre market registration or evaluation. Functional cosmetics do. These include products with claims such as whitening, anti wrinkle, UV protection, hair dye, anti hair loss and anti acne for rinse off products, and ChemLinked lists 11 categories in total. A functional cosmetic goes through an evaluation or a report route depending on its ingredients and claims, and the sources describe different details of the approval document. A separate ChemLinked page on functional cosmetics sets out the routes. If your product makes a whitening or anti wrinkle claim, check this before you plan a launch date.
Korean language labelling
ChemLinked reports that labels must be in Korean and must include items such as product name, seller and manufacturer details, full ingredients, net volume, batch number, expiry or period after opening, price and precautions, plus the country of origin and manufacturer for imports. Functional cosmetics carry additional required wording. The British Beauty Council also notes that country of origin labelling is required for all imports.
Ingredient rules and animal testing
ChemLinked says ingredient lists of permitted and prohibited ingredients apply, and that new or restricted ingredients need prior MFDS approval. Both sources report that the sale of cosmetics tested on animals is banned in Korea and that the ban extends to imports, with limited exceptions listed by ChemLinked. Check your formulation and testing history before you apply.
What this means for your sales plan
Regulatory work takes time, so start it before you build marketplace listings. Our guide to selling beauty in Korea covers the market side, and the product detail page guide shows how to present approved claims. If you plan to sell through Naver, read Naver Smart Store for foreign companies and Naver Smart Store fees.
Where to start
List your products and claims, decide which are functional cosmetics, appoint a regulatory adviser or importer, and prepare Korean labels and documents. When the product is cleared, our store setup and localization service and pricing page explain how we help with the commercial side.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to register cosmetics before selling in Korea?
Sources say general cosmetics need no pre market registration, but imports need a responsible seller and an import notice, and functional cosmetics need evaluation or a report.
What is a functional cosmetic in Korea?
It is a cosmetic with a regulated claim such as whitening, anti wrinkle or UV protection. ChemLinked lists 11 categories, and these products need extra approval.
Does the label have to be in Korean?
Yes. ChemLinked reports that labels must be in Korean and carry required details such as ingredients, seller and manufacturer information.
Can I sell products tested on animals in Korea?
Sources report that distributing animal tested cosmetics is banned, including imports, with limited exceptions. Check with a regulatory adviser.