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On May 19, 2025, South Korea notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of proposed amendments to the “Special Act on Imported Food Safety Control” aimed at strengthening consumer safety by regulating the use of recycled materials in imported food-contact items such as utensils and packaging. Although Korea’s Food Sanitation Act already regulates the use of recycled materials in domestically produced food-contact items, there are currently no safety standards for recycled materials used in imported items. This gap poses a potential health risk torec consumers. The proposed amendment introduces a system to ensure that recycled materials used in imported utensils, containers, and packaging comply with Korean food safety standards. 

Key Provisions 

1. Mandatory Safety Certification for Recycled Materials (Article 10-3) 

• Importers of food-contact products made with recycled materials must obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) to verify that the materials meet the safety criteria under the Food Sanitation Act. 

• Importers must submit the required documentation and may be asked to provide additional safety data. 

• If approved, the MFDS will issue an official certification. 

• Certifications obtained through false or misleading means will be revoked. 

2. Ban on Non-Certified Recycled Material Imports (Article 10-4) 

• It is strictly prohibited to import or sell any food-contact articles made with recycled materials that have not received official MFDS approval. 

3. Enforcement and Penalties (Article 42 Amendment) 

• Violators who import or distribute non-certified recycled products will be subject to regulatory penalties under the revised Article 42. 

On May 16, 2025, South Korea launched the construction of the nation’s first dedicated animal-free testing facility, with the aim of promoting ethical scientific practices and improving chemical safety assessments. The facility is being built at the headquarters of the Korea Environment Corporation (K-ECO) in Incheon and is scheduled for completion in October 2026. 

This project supports the global shift towards alternatives to animal testing, aligning with similar moves by the EU and the United States. It will also contribute to South Korea’s national goal of replacing over 60% of toxicity testing with alternative methods by 2030. 

Key Contents  

1. Facility Overview: 

• Size: 7,499㎡, with 4 floors above ground and 1 basement level. 

• Budget: ₩33.4 billion (approximately $24 million). 

• Focus: Testing using human cells, artificial organs, 3D models, and AI simulations. 

2. Functions and Services: 

• Perform non-animal toxicity assessments. 

• Operate a training center for researchers. 

• Host international conferences and workshops. 

• Support certification and provide technical guidance for private testing labs. 

 3. Legal and Policy Support: 

• Based on Korea’s Chemical Substances Control Act. 

• Government policy promotes animal alternatives as a first option. 

Awareness and Engagement Activities  

To coincide with the launch, the Ministry designated May 16–23 as "Animal-Free Testing Awareness Week". Activities include: 

• May 16: Government–industry roundtable on alternative testing. 

• May 20: Expert workshop in Seoul covering: 

• Current government strategies. 

• Case studies from private labs. 

• Research updates and mental health support for animal researchers. 

This facility is expected to reduce dependence on animal testing, lower costs, and improve the accuracy and speed of testing. South Korea aims to become a global leader in ethical, science-driven toxicology and chemical safety.