Korea to Set Up Natural/Organic Cosmetic Certification System

Takehome:

To meet new market demand and reinforce management of personalized cosmetics such as natural/organic cosmetics, Korea's MFDS is proposing to set up a Natural/Organic Cosmetic Certification System to better regulate these new categories.

1. Definition of personalized cosmetics and distributor qualification

Personalized cosmetics are defined as products with a customized formula or made by adding specific ingredients predesignated by MFDS. Natural/organic cosmetics fall within the scope of personalized cosmetics. The overarching regulation in Korea, the "Cosmetic Act" defines organic cosmetics as products composed of 95% organic raw materials (derived from animals or plants) except for water and salt. The draft of this system introduces the new concept of personalized cosmetics distributors. Only distributors that notify with MFDS as personalized cosmetic distributors can operate personalized cosmetics including natural/organic cosmetics.

2. Natural/ Organic Cosmetic Certification System

Any manufactured or imported cosmetics which meet the standard of natural/organic cosmetics set by MFDS can apply for a natural/organic cosmetic certificate. Applicants should also be approved by MFDS (details awaiting release). Institutions or organizations with accredited expertise and technical capacity can issue this certificate. Natural/organic cosmetics should obtain the certificate before being marketed.

3. Cosmetic safety administrative inspectors

MFDS and Korea local FDA will assign a person recommended by the cosmetic association and consumer representatives or person with full knowledge of cosmetic safety issues as safety inspectors to inspect unsafe cosmetics. The inspectors are authorized to interview and question distributors, examine cosmetics and collect and report unqualified cosmetics.