In a significant move to enhance compliance with global cosmetic safety regulations, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), under the leadership of Commissioner Oh Yu-gyeong, has announced a support initiative aimed at the structured implementation of a new 'Cosmetic Safety Evaluation System' starting in 2028.

The application period for interested companies will run from April 1 to April 30 this year, focusing on providing tailored consulting to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the cosmetics sector.

The initiative is designed to equip the cosmetic industry with the necessary capabilities to adapt to the increasingly stringent global safety regulations.

Partnering with the Korea Pharmaceutical Importers Association and the Korea Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, the program will offer one-on-one personalized consulting, targeting a total of 1,500 SMEs lacking dedicated evaluation personnel and relevant experience.

Particularly, the emphasis will be placed on those producing below 1 billion KRW (approximately $770,000) in annual sales and firms specializing in functional cosmetics and products for infants and children, which are deemed to require urgent attention and support.

In addition to consulting services, the MFDS plans to conduct a comprehensive survey to assess the industry's understanding of the upcoming safety evaluation system and its readiness in terms of documentation and materials.

The Ministry will also hold on-the-ground information seminars throughout various regions to directly address the potential challenges faced by local companies and provide essential insights into the new regulations.

Details regarding the consulting application process can be found on the Korea Pharmaceutical Importers Association or the Korea Institute of Pharmaceutical Research websites.

The MFDS is committed to establishing a solid foundation for a successful rollout of the cosmetic safety evaluation system through the development of a comprehensive ingredient database, creation of relevant guidelines, and training of specialized personnel.

This proactive approach is crucial for helping Korean companies navigate regulatory changes flexibly while bolstering the value and credibility of K-Beauty on a global scale.