Korea to Amend Cosmetics Act Enforcement Rule

Takehome:

• Soap (solid), hair blackening agent and depilatory wax will be newly classified as cosmetics.
• Relax standards for qualifications for cosmetic manufacturing sales manager.

On Oct 2, 2018, Korean MFDS released an announcement amending Enforcement Rule of the Cosmetics Act. Public consultation will last until Nov 12, 2018. Groups or individuals can enter "Comprehensive Lawmaking System" to submit your suggestions online. The main amendments are as follows:

1. As the follow-up measures of Daily Chemicals Safety Control Act released in 2016, soap (solid), hair blackening agent and depilatory wax will be newly classified as cosmetics. This entry will be effective one year after the new enforcement rule takes effect and apply to products manufactured and imported for the first time after requirement enters into force.

2. Relax standards for qualifications for cosmetic manufacturing sales manager. A cosmetic manufacturing sales manager can also be the following persons:

• A person who majored in a field of medicine or medical science and completed at least 20 credits in chemistry, biology, life, genetics, herbal medicine, cosmetics, medicine and pharmacy;
• A person who completed cosmetic manufacturing courses designated by MFDS.

3. Adjust the legal power of requirements, specifically by transforming some regulations into laws: the regulations on entrustment of cosmetics production or import and the list of raw materials report. A manufacturer/seller shall make a report to MFDS through Korea Cosmetic Association or Korea Pharmaceutical Traders Association by the end of February every year as prescribed by MFDS with respect to the production result or import result, such as the number of produced or imported items, the production or import quantity, and value produced or imported, as well as the list, etc. of raw materials used in the manufacturing process.