The Cosmetic Act is the overarching regulation for cosmetics in South Korea. Supporting this act is a series of subordinate rules, standards and guidance documents. This act provides measures for the manufacture, importing and sale of cosmetics and cosmetic ingredients and includes detailed requirements for the labeling and advertising of products.

Main Contents

Chapter 1 General Provisions

• Purpose

• Definition

• Types of Businesses

Chapter 2 Manufacture and Distribution of Cosmetics

• Registration of Business

• Application of Custom Cosmetic Sales Business

• Grounds for Disqualification

• Qualification Evaluation for Custom Cosmetic Formulators

• Disqualification Criteria for Certified Customized Cosmetics Formulators

• Prohibition on the Rental or Lending of Certifications

• Prohibition of the Use of Similar Titles

• Cancellation of Certified Customized Cosmetics Formulator Qualification

• Evaluation of Functional Cosmetics

• Management on Cosmetics for Infants or Children

• Obligations of Business Operators

• Recall of Hazardous Cosmetics

• Reporting on Business Closure

Chapter 3 Handling of Cosmetics

• Safety Standards for Cosmetics

• Safe Containers and Packaging

• Labeling Requirements for Cosmetics

• Price Labeling for Cosmetics
  

• Precautions for Labeling

• Prohibition of False Labeling and Advertising

• Substantiation of Contents of Labeling and Advertisements

• Prohibition of Business

• Prohibition of Distribution or Sale of Animal-Tested Cosmetics

• Prohibition of Sale

• Establishment of Association

Chapter 4 Supervision

• Reporting and Inspection

• Consumer Watchdog for Cosmetics Safety Control

• Corrective Orders

• Inspection Orders

• Orders to Repair Facilities

• Recall and Disposal Orders

• Publication of Hazardous Cosmetics

• Cancellation of Registration

• Cancellation of Functional Cosmetics Certification

• Succession of Business Ownership

• Succession of Administrative Sanctions

• Hearings

• Penalty Surcharges

• Publication of Violations

• Support for Voluntary Management

• Exception to Products for Exportation

Chapter 5 Supplementary Provisions

• Re-Issuance of Registration Certificate

• Fees

• Support for Cosmetics Industry

• International Cooperation

• Entrustment or Delegation of Authority

Chapter 6 Penalty Provisions

• Penalties

• Joint Penalty Provisions

• Administrative Fines