Regulatory Management of Cosmetic E-labeling in South Korea

1. South Korea’s MFDS piloted a phased cosmetics e-labeling system, expanding from 19 products in 2024–2025 to 76 products in 2025–2026. 2. Core product details must stay on-pack, while full ingredients, precautions, and other Article 10 information are provided digitally via QR code. 3. MFDS plans to amend the Cosmetics Act in June 2026 and move toward full mandatory implementation after 2027, with stronger accessibility features such as TTS and sign language support.

In South Korea, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), the competent authority for cosmetics, has taken a cautious and methodical approach by rolling out the e-labeling system in two distinct pilot phases. This approach facilitates data collection, stakeholder feedback integration, and refinement of the operational model before the system is formalized into law and fully implemented.

1. Introduction to the Pilot Projects

The First Pilot Project (March 2024 – February 2025)

The initial pilot was launched on March 25, 2024, as a key component of the MFDS's "Regulatory Innovation 2.0" agenda. This one-year trial involved a select group of six companies, representing both domestic manufacturers and international importers.

Participants: The program included four domestic manufacturers (LG H&H, Aekyung Industrial, Cosmocos, Dongbang Cosmetic, L'Oréal Korea, and L'Occitane Korea).
Scope: The pilot covered 19 distinct product items. However, certain high-risk categories were deliberately excluded to ensure consumer safety during the trial period. These included hair dyes, bleaching/decoloring products, permanent waves, hair straighteners, intimate cleansers, and hair removal products.
Outcome: The first phase was deemed highly successful. A mid-term evaluation conducted in late 2024, followed by a final assessment, revealed positive feedback from consumers, who reported that product information was significantly easier to access and read. The industry also recognized the potential for cost savings and enhanced design flexibility.

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The Second, Expanded Pilot Project (March 2025 – February 2026)

Building on the success of the initial trial, the MFDS launched a second, significantly expanded pilot project in March 2025. This phase aimed to test the system's scalability and incorporate a wider range of products and companies.