South Korea · Cosmetics

Korea Cosmetics Notification in South Korea

A practical guide to Korea Cosmetics Notification for cosmetics sold in South Korea: who it applies to, what to prepare, and the mistakes that cause rejection.

Who needs it

Cosmetics manufactured or imported for sale in Korea; Brands and importers responsible for the product

Authority

Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS)

Legal basis

Cosmetics Act

Local representative

A Korean responsible seller is required

Timeline

Notification before sale; functional cosmetics need review

Cost

Notification is low cost; functional review fees vary

If you do not comply

Sales prohibition and enforcement action

Who needs this

Cosmetics manufactured or imported for sale in Korea
Brands and importers responsible for the product

Documents you need

Product notification or functional cosmetic review
Korean ingredient names and label
Manufacturing and quality records
Cosmetic responsibility manager registration

Compliance checklist

Tick each item as you collect it. Saved in this browser only.

Product notification or functional cosmetic review
Korean ingredient names and label
Manufacturing and quality records
Cosmetic responsibility manager registration

How to comply

Classify the product as general or functional cosmetic
Appoint a responsible manager
Notify the product before sale
Label in Korean with approved ingredient names

Brief for your lab or agent

Copy this into an email, then edit the product and channel.

Request: Korea Cosmetics Notification — South Korea
Product category: Cosmetics
Authority: Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS)
Legal basis: Cosmetics Act

Documents we already have:
  1. Product notification or functional cosmetic review
  2. Korean ingredient names and label
  3. Manufacturing and quality records
  4. Cosmetic responsibility manager registration

Questions:
  1. Does our product fall under Korea Cosmetics Notification in South Korea?
  2. Which test standards or evidence do you accept?
  3. What is the current fee and lead time?
  4. Is a local representative required, and can you act as one?

Cost and timeline

Notification before sale; functional cosmetics need review.

Notification is low cost; functional review fees vary.

Common rejection reasons

Korean ingredient names missing
Functional claim without review
No responsible manager appointed

Registration, notification, or certification is not the same as approval. Keep the technical file current and make sure the label, listing, and submitted data match.