South Korea Temporarily Eases Cosmetic Labeling Rules to Address Supply Disruptions

On April 3, 2026, the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) announced that, in response to packaging material supply shortages, it would temporarily allow food, cosmetics, and other products to display required labeling information using sticker labels when using alternative packaging materials. This temporary measure takes effect on April 5 and will be valid for six months (may be terminated early or extended depending on actual supply conditions).

Policy Background

Due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, global packaging material supply chains have been severely disrupted, and South Korea is facing a domestic packaging material shortage. To ensure that production and supply of daily consumer goods such as cosmetics and food remain unaffected, the MFDS has decided to implement this temporary response measure.

Scope of Application

This temporary measure applies to the following four product categories:

• Cosmetics;
• Quasi-drugs;
• Food; and
• Sanitary products.

Next Steps

Previously, even when companies secured alternative packaging materials, they faced difficulties in rapid deployment due to the time required to produce printing plates. However, with this measure, even if existing packaging material inventories are depleted, companies can promptly use alternative packaging materials, and product supply is expected to continue without disruption. Separate guidance regarding specific matters concerning the use of alternative packaging materials will be provided.

Meanwhile, to rapidly address supply instability of regulated products, the MFDS has converted the Positive Administration Committee to a continuous operation system, reducing the entire process time from agenda submission through committee deliberation and decision to result notification from 5 days to a maximum of 2 days, enabling a timely response. This labeling regulatory relaxation measure marks the first case deliberated and decided by the Positive Administration Committee following its transition to continuous operation.

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

South Korea MFDS