Korean MFDS Issues New Regulatory Framework for Cosmetics Safety Evaluations

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), led by Commissioner Oh Yu-gyeong, announced on the 10th that it has initiated legislative procedures to update the enforcement ordinances and rules of the Cosmetics Act in light of the law’s revision on December 30, 2025. This revision introduces legal foundations for the cosmetics safety evaluation system, emphasizing the importance of safety alongside innovation in K-beauty, thus heightening its competitiveness in global markets.

As part of the evolution of the Cosmetics Act, the MFDS aims to implement a mandatory requirement for operators to create and maintain documentation related to cosmetics safety evaluations. This strategic shift, set to be phased in starting in 2028, is expected to improve compliance among manufacturers and enhance consumer trust, potentially driving higher market growth.

Firms with annual production or import records exceeding 1 billion KRW will face an expedited timeline, with compliance checks for functionally cosmetic products due by December 30, 2025. Following this, safety evaluations for infant and children’s cosmetics will commence in 2029, and by 2031, all newly manufactured or imported cosmetics must adhere to the new standards. This phased approach allows companies to adapt while gradually raising industry standards.

Smaller firms, with annual production or import amounts below 1 billion KRW, will be required to comply with safety evaluations for infant and children’s cosmetics by 2029 and for all products by 2031. This delineation not only levels the playing field but also encourages smaller entities to invest in safety measures, potentially increasing retail price points and consumer willingness to spend on perceived higher-quality products.

The current legislative proposal delineates specific periods for the preparation and retention of safety evaluation data, as well as criteria regarding the qualifications of evaluators and procedures for establishing the Cosmetics Safety Information Center. By laying out these detailed regulations, the MFDS aims to ensure the successful implementation of this essential legal framework.

Additional provisions within the proposal include the specification of cosmetics that employees may repackage and sell, the exclusion of sales management staff from mandatory training requirements, an extension in the scope of information collection from operators, and a prohibition on misleading advertising practices through artificial intelligence technology. Collectively, these measures signal a nuanced approach to regulatory reform, potentially reshaping market dynamics.

The MFDS has stated that this amendment is designed to clarify the specific standards for the cosmetics safety evaluation system while alleviating operational burdens on producers. The ongoing commitment to advance the domestic cosmetics industry and foster a consumer environment where products can be used safely is a clear signal of the government’s support for sustainable growth and competitiveness in the K-beauty sector.