South Korea Plans to Amend Cosmetics Act to Regulate Labeling and Environmental Claims

On February 23, 2026, the Korea Cosmetics Association (KCIA) announced plans to amend the Cosmetics Act. Proposed by Assemblyman Kim Ki-woong, this amendment aims to regulate the accuracy of information in cosmetics labels and advertisements, ensuring that claims about the environmental characteristics or efficacy of cosmetics and their containers and packaging (such as biodegradability) comply with standards set by relevant international organizations or the Prime Minister's orders. The KCIA is currently seeking public feedback, with the deadline for submissions set for February 27, 2026.

Background of the Regulatory Amendment

Recently, there has been an increase in labels and advertisements in the cosmetics market emphasizing functionality, environmental friendliness, and sustainability. However, the lack of unified standards and expressions makes it difficult for consumers to fully understand these claims, often leading to exaggerated content. Terms like "biodegradable" and "eco-friendly" may be used without scientific basis, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory measures to ensure objectivity and credibility.

To address this, the Minister of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) in South Korea can develop and promote recommended standard terminology to prevent consumer misunderstandings and ensure accurate information delivery. Additionally, if labels or advertisements involve environmental attributes or efficacy of cosmetics and their containers or packaging, they must be proven to meet standards set by relevant international organizations or the Prime Minister's orders to ensure objectivity and credibility.

Contents of the Regulatory Amendment

1. Addition of Article 13, Item 2

The Minister of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) may develop and promote recommended labeling items and standard terminology related to labels or advertisements to prevent consumer misunderstandings and ensure accurate information delivery.

This provision will take effect six months after its announcement.

2. Addition after Article 14, Item 1

When claims involve environmental attributes or efficacy, such as biodegradability, of cosmetics and their containers or packaging (referring to the impact on the environment, including the emission of pollutants or greenhouse gases and the consumption of resources and energy during production, distribution, consumption, use, and disposal), they must be proven to meet standards set by relevant international organizations, such as the International Organization for Standardization, or as prescribed by the Prime Minister's orders.

This provision will take effect two years after its announcement.

If you need any assistance or have any questions, please get in touch with us via service@cirs-group.com.

Our Services

• Korean Cosmetics Product Notification & Registration (General Cosmetics, Functional Cosmetics)
• Standardization of Cosmetic Ingredient Names in Korea
• Korean Cosmetics Label Review
• Quality Inspection

If you need any assistance or have any questions, please get in touch with us via service@cirs-group.com.

Further Information

KCIA