South Korea Cracks Down on Counterfeit Cosmetics from Overseas Online Platforms

On May 12, 2026, South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), in collaboration with the Korean Ministry of Intellectual Property (KIPO) and the Korea Customs Service (KCS), announced a joint initiative to strengthen safety inspections on suspected counterfeit cosmetics sold through overseas online platforms. This measure is a response to the growing trend of direct international purchases by consumers and aims to protect both public health and the integrity of the rapidly expanding K-beauty industry.