South Korea: MFDS Holds Briefing on New Hygiene Product Business Requirements
Reference source : Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS)
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of South Korea announced a briefing session to guide businesses preparing for the implementation of newly introduced hygiene product business categories under the amended Sanitary Products Management Act. The new requirements are scheduled to take effect on 31 December 2026.
The briefing session will focus on business registration procedures and regulatory compliance requirements for hygiene product consumer refill sales and hygiene product repackaging businesses.
Scope of New Business Operations
The amendment introduces requirements for two categories of business activities:
- Hygiene Product Consumer Refill Sales Business: Businesses selling prescribed hygiene products, such as detergents and rinse aids, directly to consumers in desired quantities without separate packaging.
- Hygiene Product Repackaging Business: Businesses dividing finished hygiene products, such as disposable chopsticks, into smaller quantities and repackaging them for distribution and sale. The scope covers 17 types of hygiene products, subject to specified exclusions.
Briefing and Compliance Guidance
The MFDS will conduct the briefing on 11 November 2026 at Space Share Seoul Station Center 2, Jade Hall, Seoul. Separate sessions will be organized for consumer refill sales businesses (10:30–12:00) and hygiene product repackaging businesses (14:00–15:30).
The sessions will explain business registration procedures, facility and labelling standards, hygiene education requirements and other compliance obligations under the Sanitary Products Management Act. Participants will also have opportunities to raise questions and share industry concerns.
Prior registration is not required, and all interested business operators may attend. The MFDS also plans to publish the briefing materials online through Food Safety Korea for businesses unable to attend in person.
The initiative aims to improve business operators' understanding of the new regulatory requirements, support preparations before implementation and facilitate the smooth establishment of the new business categories.