Korea, Republic of (KR)

The following should be considered prior to updating establishment details:

  • When an establishment notifies the Department of an administrative change (that is, a change of occupier, company name, address, or in some instances product specific changes), the Department will amend the establishment record in the system.
  • The establishment's amended details will appear on applicable export documentation including health certification from the date that the Department amends the establishment record
  • When relevant changes are made to an establishment's details, the Department will advise trading partners that maintain establishment lists of the change of details; however, the Department is unable to guarantee a timeframe as to when trading partners will update the establishment's overseas listing details they maintain. This means that there may be a period in which export certification issued by the Department does not match the trading partner's official published listing, which may result in clearance issues at the port of entry.
  • Establishments should be aware that their ability to export to some countries may be impacted during this transition period and may include issues with goods in transit.
  • Exporters and manufacturers are encouraged to check that their establishment's details are recorded accurately where they appear on trading partners' lists and to contact the Department if errors are found.

1.1 Establishment registration

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the Department) is the Australian government authority responsible for export registration, inspection and certification of Australian food and agricultural exports.

All premises involved in the production of bovine milk and milk products for export must be registered with the Department. Premises involved in the production of non-bovine products may also need to be registered, however this is only when required by an importing country, product information is available at Dairy product codes. For more information or assistance with the export registration process contact the Department's Dairy, Eggs and Fish Program at dairyeggsfish@aff.gov.au. The Department encourages exporters to work with their importer to clarify any specific import conditions for exported products.

Exceptions to establishment registration and export certification

Export registration and export certification may not be required if you are manufacturing and exporting the following products, which are deemed as goods that are not prescribed under the Export Control (Milk and Milk products) Rules 2021:

  1. (a) ice cream;
  2. (b) cheesecakes, Bavarian desserts and similar desserts;
  3. (c) colostrum;
  4. (d) milk or milk products encased in pastry or a fruit or vegetable product;
  5. (e) milk products where milk or milk products are not the major component;
  6. (f) milk or milk products that are derived from the lacteal secretion obtained from an animal other than a bovine animal;
  7. (g) milk or milk products that are animal food or pharmaceutical material;
  8. (h) any other milk or milk products that are not covered by subsection (1) of this section;
  9. (i) liquid milk and milk products exported in a consignment of not more than 10 litres;
  10. (j) milk or milk products not covered by paragraphs (a) to (i) exported in a consignment of not more than 10 kilograms;
  11. (k) milk or milk products in the form of a tablet or capsule
  12. (l) milk or milk products for export to New Zealand.
Note
If the importing country requires government to government certification for the entry of the above goods, then this can only be provided by the department when the goods have been approved to be prepared in an export registered establishment.
In some circumstances a non-prescribed good certificate can be issued. There is no requirement for export registration in these circumstances, please contact npgexports@aff.gov.au for further information.
Exceptions (ships stores)

Export certification is not issued for ships stores as the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021 do not apply. Ships stores are milk and milk products on ships or aircraft for the use of passengers and crew or for the service of the ships or aircraft on a voyage from Australia.

1.2 Overseas listing

Establishment listing
Initial listing procedureRequired?
Establishment listing required for South Korea
Yes

Establishments that manufacture dairy products for human consumption (excludes inedible products and pet food) for export to South Korea must be listed with South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS).

To obtain a list of MFDS listed Australian establishments go to the MFDS searchable database. Go to ‘Petition Application’, ‘List of Registered Livestock establishments’, under country enter ‘Australia’, select ‘milk processing plant’ and search by company name.

How to apply for listing

MFDS has advised that new establishments seeking to export dairy products must submit a formal registration application through the Department.

Your application for listing with MFDS must include:

  • application form for registration of foreign establishment (PDF 160 KB) – requires all exporters to agree to permit MFDS to visit and inspect their establishment*
  • documentation which verifies regular management and supervision of the establishment by the Department (that is, most recent audit report)
  • a certificate of registration to export issued by the Department
  • a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certificate
  • a copy of the HACCP document/s for the product/s you intend to export to South Korea. This document should include the work process chart indicating all critical control points
  • the submission of all documents to dairyeggsfish@agriculture.gov.au

*MFDS has advised that, as part of the approval process, establishments may be subject to an on-site audit.

Note
Any audits will be coordinated through the Department.
Changes to a listed establishment

The manufacturing dairy establishment is required to submit a completed application form to notify the Department of any administrative changes (for example, change of occupier, company name, address or in some instances product specific changes). The Department will then amend the establishment record in the Department’s Establishment Register (ER) system.

The Department will then request MFDS make the amendments to their list of manufacturing dairy establishments. Establishments are required to provide the Department with the following documentation:

Renewal of registration

MFDS has advised dairy establishment listings do not expire. However, if a dairy establishment exports other non-dairy products (such as agricultural produce, processed food, food additivities, health functional food) and has applied for registration as a food facility, they should renew their registration online with MFDS.

To renew your registration visit Application for renewing registration of foreign food facility. For more information on the renewal process, refer to the step-by-step guide (PDF 160 KB).

1.3 Prohibited products

Edible products and edible by-products

South Korea introduced legislation which came into force on 4 August 2016 entitled 'the Special Act on Imported Food Safety Management' (the Act). The Act only applies to livestock products for human consumption (excludes inedible products and pet food).

The Act establishes categories of livestock products which must be approved by South Korea before being eligible for export from Australia. Livestock products with an established history of trade are eligible for continued export to South Korea. For livestock products which South Korea considers as 'new trade', South Korea will require an import sanitation assessment and bilateral export certification to be negotiated prior to commencing trade.

Table 2
Permitted products
(products with historical trade to South Korea)		Prohibited products
(products without historical trade to South Korea)
Processed cheese ('processed cheese' includes hard processed cheese, semi-hard processed cheese, combined processed cheese, and soft processed cheese)Non-fat milk (including non-fat milk, restored non-fat milk, fortified non-fat milk, restored fortified non-fat milk and lactic acid bacteria-added non-fat milk)
Condensed/ concentrated milk (including concentrated milk, sweetened condensed milk, sweetened condensed skim milk, processed condensed milk)Hydrolysed lactose milk (including hydrolysed lactose milk, low-fat hydrolysed lactose milk and non-fat hydrolysed milk)
Fermented milk ('fermented milk' includes fermented milk, thickened fermented milk, creamy fermented milk, thickened creamy fermented milk, fermented butter milk and fermented milk powder)
Note: yoghurt is included in this category		Processed milks (including processed milk, low-fat processed milk, skimmed processed milk, fortified milk, lactose acid bacteria added milk and lactose-hydrolysed milk and milk beverages)
Butter (including butter, processed butter and butter oil)Liquid goats milk
Buttermilk (including butter milk and powdered buttermilk)Ice cream mixes (including ice cream mix, ice milk mix, sherbet mix, low-fat ice cream mix, non-milk fat ice cream mix)
Powdered milk/milk powder ('powdered milk' includes whole milk powder, skim milk powder, sweetened milk powder and mixed-milk powder) 
Ice cream ('ice cream' includes ice cream, ice milk, sherbet, low-fat ice cream and non-milk fat ice cream) 
Ice cream powder ('ice cream powder' includes ice cream powder, ice milk powder, sherbet powder, non-milk fat ice cream powder) 
Milk ('milk' includes unprocessed milk and milk products only) this does not include raw milk
 
Hydrolysed milk protein products (including hydrolysed milk protein, and hydrolysed milk protein products) 
Lactose 
Whey ('whey' includes whey, concentrated whey, whey powder, and whey protein powder) 
Milk cream ('milk cream' includes milk cream, processed milk cream, and powdered milk cream) 
Cheese ('cheese' includes hard cheese, semi-hard cheese, soft cheese and fresh cheese) 
Low fat milk ('low fat milk' includes unprocessed low fat milk only) this does not include raw milk
 
Infant formula ('infant formula' includes powdered infant formula, liquid infant formula, powdered follow-up formula, liquid follow-up formula, other powdered formula, and other liquid formula)

South Korea does not allow entry of product containing gelatine from Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom or Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

1.4 General information

Information about South Korea's import procedures for foods is available on the MFDS website.

South Korea's import procedures are summarised in Table 3:

Table 3: South Korea's import procedures
Type of inspectionTime required for inspection
When types of consignments need this inspection
Document Review2 daysEach import of food consignments including ingredients for processing.
Sensory Test3 daysProducts which need to be checked for their characteristics (flavour, taste, colour), storage, labelling and/or packaging.
Laboratory Test10 days, 14 days for canned or retort foodsFirst import of a product. Products with a record of previous rejections or risk information from various sources. Products when standards or specifications have changed.
Random Sampling Test5 daysProducts chosen by MFDS according to an annual random sampling plan.
Note
Subsequent consignments of products that have passed sensory and laboratory tests may not be subject to documentation review unless standards and/or specifications for these products are amended, or the products have been selected by MFDS as part of their annual random sampling plan.

2.1 Milk and milk products

Milk and milk products of bovine origin are defined as prescribed goods under the Export Control Act. Production of these products for export is regulated under the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

Milk and milk products manufactured from non-bovine species, for example buffalo, goat and sheep, may also need to be regulated through the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021, though this is only required when export registration and health certification from the Department is required by an importing country.

We are aware that the Republic of Korea (South Korea) has a requirement for export certification for ice cream, goat milk infant formula and goat milk powder (refer to section 5.1.1).

2.2 Compositional requirements

Specifications for milk and milk products

Requirements for the following food categories are outlined in South Korea's Food Code* (PDF 470 KB):

  • ice cream
  • ice cream powder
  • ice cream mix
  • milk
  • low-fat milk
  • hydrolyzed lactose milk
  • processed milk
  • goat milk
  • fermented milk
  • buttermilk
  • milk cream
  • butter
  • cheese
  • processed cheese
  • milk powder
  • whey
  • lactose
  • milk formula
  • infant formula and
  • follow-up formula.

*Exporters should be aware that South Korea has amended some sections of the Food Code.

Recent notified changes to specifications for milk and milk products

Details were notified in G/SPS/N/KOR/457 and G/SPS/N/KOR/470.

Major changes notified in G/SPS/N/KOR/457 that relate to milk and milk products
  • Lactic acid bacteria will not be included in bacterial counts in products in which lactic acid bacteria are added.
  • The coliforms standard for ice cream and ice cream mix are amended to: 10vcfu/ml, n=5, c=2, m=10, M=100
  • Nutrient specifications for infant formula and follow-up formula are amended to allow the addition of selenium
  • Maximum reference levels in specifications of linoleic acid, vitamin A/D/C/B1/B2, niacin, folic acid, pantothenic acid, potassium, chloride, magnesium, iron, iodine, copper and manganese in infant formula powder are revised
  • Specifications of linoleic acid, vitamin B1/B2/B6/K1/E, niacin, folic acid, pamtothenic acid, calcium, phosphate, magnesium, iodine, zinc and manganese in infant formula powder and linoleic acid in follow-up formula powder are revised
  • The name for nicotinic acid is changed to niacin
  • The sample number and amount permitted of Enterobacter sakazakii in infant formula powder is amended.

Refer to analysis of amendments for infant formula and follow-on formula (PDF 320 KB) and the amended requirements (in Korean (PDF 690 KB)).

Exporters should be aware that South Korea also has specifications for long shelf-life foods (PDF 2.5 MB) (canned, bottled, retorted and frozen foods) and ready-to-eat foods (refer to section 29-18) (PDF 2.5 MB)) that also apply to milk and milk products.

Major changes notified in G/SPS/N/KOR/470 that relate to milk and milk products
  • Limits for Staphylococcus aureus in cheese have been amended from n=5, c=0, m=0/25g to n=5, c=2, m=10, M=100.

Refer to the amended requirements in Korean (PDF 190 KB).

2.3 Further information

3.1 Technical grade and pharmaceutical products

Dairy based technical grade products (not for human consumption) are non-prescribed goods. When a dairy based technical grade product is prepared in an export registered establishment, it must meet the requirements of the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021. Technical grade products must be:

  • Clearly identified as technical grade product and where applicable, labelled as 'for trial/ testing purposes only – not for human consumption'
  • Segregated from, and not contaminate milk and milk products that are for human consumption.

The production of technical grade products in an export registered establishment must be included in the company's approved arrangement (AA).

3.2 Animal feed

Dairy based animal food products are non-prescribed goods. Find out how to export non-prescribed goods.

3.3 Manufacturing grade products

South Korea has no known additional requirements for Manufacturing Grade milk and milk products that differ from the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

Manufacturing Grade products are defined in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

3.4 Processing

3.5 Further information

4.1 Microbial and residue sampling

Microbial sampling of milk and milk products can be met through the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

Exporters should be aware that South Korea has specifications for dairy products that include microbiological criteria (refer to Section 2.2 Compositional requirements) and consignments may be tested on arrival to check compliance with these criteria (refer to Section 1.4 for details).

In general, South Korean regulations do not allow for food poisoning bacteria including Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Clostridium perfringens, Listeria monocytogenes and E.coli O157:H7 to be detected in foods that have been pasteurised, sterilised or are to be consumed without further processing or cooking. However, South Korea has recently amended requirements for cheese to allow very low levels of Staphylococcus aureus to be present in cheese (refer to Section 2.2 Compositional requirements).

South Korea residue standards

Maximum residue limits (MRLs) or import tolerances for residues of specific agricultural and veterinary chemicals approved for use in Australia may not exist in South Korea or may be established at levels lower than those established in Australia. Maximum Limits (MLs) for contaminants may also vary between South Korea and Australia.

Food business operators should note that:

  • These differences can be interrogated case-by-case by considering the South Korea standards and the Australian standards.
  • Any detection of a residue above the South Korea MRLs/MLs (as applicable) at the border may result in rejection of the consignment.
Note
Importing country residue standards can usually be found via the official webpages of their competent authority. Links to a limited number of export markets and Australia are provided on the DAFF website.

4.2 Operational requirements additional to Australia's export legislation

South Korea has no known additional requirements for general operations that differ from those required in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

4.3 Hygiene

South Korea has no known additional hygiene requirements that differ from those required in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

5.1 Milk and milk products

Milk and milk products that are prescribed under Australia's export rules
  1. are milk or milk products derived from a bovine animal; and
  2. are intended to be exported as food.
Milk and milk products that are not prescribed under Australia's export rules

Milk and milk products which do not meet the criteria under the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021 are classified by Australia as non-prescribed goods. It is the responsibility of the exporter to confirm with the importing country if there are any specific requirements for the import of these products.

Examples of non-prescribed goods are:

  1. ice cream
  2. cheesecakes, Bavarian desserts and similar desserts
  3. colostrum
  4. milk or milk products encased in pastry or a fruit or vegetable product
  5. milk products where milk or milk products are not the major component
  6. milk or milk products obtained from a non-bovine animal
  7. milk or milk products that are animal food or pharmaceutical material
  8. liquid milk and milk products exported in a consignment of not more than 10 litres
  9. milk or milk products exported in a consignment of not more than 10 kilograms
  10. milk or milk products in the form of a tablet or capsule
  11. milk or milk products for export to New Zealand.

Further information on exporting non-prescribed goods from Australia is available on the Department's website.

In some cases, an importing country requires specific health certification and government oversight for what would typically be non-prescribed milk and milk products. When required, these products become prescribed under export legislation and must meet all export and importing country requirements. This includes, the products being manufactured and stored at an export registered establishment and must have a valid export permit and health certificate for each consignment. Guidance on export registration can be found at Dairy export registered establishments.

5.1.1 Health certification for all milk and milk products

For milk and milk products produced for human consumption (including milk and milk products classified as a prescribed good by an importing Country, which includes, ice cream, goat milk infant formula and goat milk powder to the Republic of Korea (South Korea)), use Health Certificate template ZD035 with either endorsement 1947, 3086 (product containing bovine gelatine) or 3087 (products containing porcine gelatine).

ZD035 certificate

The ZD035 Certificate contains the following attestations:

I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the conditions or restrictions applicable under the particular inspection system prescribed under the Export Control Act have been complied with in respect of the prescribed good described above, being goods that are:

  1. In sound condition
  2. Fit for human consumption
  3. Of Australian Origin
Default endorsement 1947
  • The above mentioned product has been produced from milk with a pH lower than 7, which has been pasteurised in accordance with the following: 72~75°C for 15-20 seconds or equivalent heat treatment, 74~76°C for 15-20 seconds or equivalent heat treatment (only for milk creams), 68.5°C for 30 minutes (1,800seconds) or equivalent heat treatment (only for ice creams and ice cream mix).
  • Milk collection, manufacture, processing, packing, distribution, handling and storage of the exported livestock products have been performed in compliance with sanitary regulations on livestock products and these products have been handled and shipped to the Republic of Korea in a manner avoiding re-contamination.
  • The above-mentioned product has been produced from milk which was derived from animals that were not under quarantine restrictions due to OIE List A diseases. These diseases include bovine spongiform encephalopathy, foot and mouth disease, Rinderpest, vesicular stomatitis, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, bluetongue, lumpy skin disease, peste des petits ruminants and Rift Valley fever.
  • The above products have not been produced using products derived from ruminant animals; meat-and-bone meal, meat meal, bone meal, dried plasma and other blood products, hydrolysed protein, hoof meal, horn meal, poultry offal meal, feather meal, dry greaves, fish meal, dicalcium phosphate, gelatine and their mixtures (feed, feed additives and premixtures containing the listed products) from the following countries: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Demark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, and USA.
Default endorsement 3086 (products containing bovine gelatine)
  • The above mentioned product has been produced from milk with a pH lower than 7, which has been pasteurised for not less than 15 seconds at a temperature of not less than 72 degrees Celsius or equivalent.
  • The above-mentioned product has been produced from milk which was derived from animals that were not under quarantine restrictions due to OIE List A diseases. These diseases include bovine spongiform encephalopathy, foot and mouth disease, Rinderpest, vesicular stomatitis, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, bluetongue, lumpy skin disease, peste des petits ruminants and Rift Valley fever.
  • The gelatine in this product has been produced from bovine animals. The above products have not been produced using products derived from ruminant animals; meat-and-bone meal, meat meal, bone meal, dried plasma and other blood products, hydrolysed protein, hoof meal, horn meal, poultry offal meal, feather meal, dry greaves, fish meal, dicalcium phosphate, gelatine and their mixtures (feed, feed additives and premixtures containing the listed products) from the following countries: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Demark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, and USA.
Default endorsement 3087 (products containing porcine gelatine)
  • The above mentioned product has been produced from milk with a pH lower than 7, which has been pasteurised for not less than 15 seconds at a temperature of not less than 72 degrees Celsius or equivalent.
  • The above-mentioned product has been produced from milk which was derived from animals that were not under quarantine restrictions due to OIE List A diseases. These diseases include bovine spongiform encephalopathy, foot and mouth disease, Rinderpest, vesicular stomatitis, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, bluetongue, lumpy skin disease, peste des petits ruminants and Rift Valley fever.
  • The gelatine in this product has been produced from porcine animals. The above products have not been produced using products derived from ruminant animals; meat-and-bone meal, meat meal, bone meal, dried plasma and other blood products, hydrolysed protein, hoof meal, horn meal, poultry offal meal, feather meal, dry greaves, fish meal, dicalcium phosphate, gelatine and their mixtures (feed, feed additives and premixtures containing the listed products) from the following countries: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Demark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, and USA.
Exporter declaration

The exporter must make the following declaration in each Request for Export (REX):

The milk products in this shipment comply with the labelling requirements for Korea, and the use of or exclusion of gelatine reflects the correct endorsement for the ingredients used'
Country-of-origin statements

Auditing is required to verify that the country-of-origin statements in endorsements 1947, 3086 and 3087 are able to be substantiated.

South Korea competent authority certificate requirements

For consignments departing from 1 April 2021, the original dairy certificate is required by the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) and a duplicate of the dairy certificate is required by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA). Previously, only APQA required a certificate. Work with your importer regarding the submission of these documents.

Signing of certificates before departure

Certificates must be signed on or before the date of departure. If a replacement health certificate is issued after departure the "in lieu of" clause on the replacement health certificate should reference the health Certificate issued on or before departure.

5.2 Manufacturing grade products

For Manufacturing Grade milk and milk products, use the ZD016 Certificate as to Condition for Manufacturing Grade products.

The ZD016 Certificate as to Condition contains the following attestations:

I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the conditions or restrictions applicable under the particular inspection system prescribed under the Export Control Act have been complied with in respect of the prescribed good described above, being goods that are:

  1. In sound condition
  2. Of Australian Origin
Default endorsement 1947

The above mentioned product has been produced from milk with a pH lower than 7, which has been pasteurised for not less than 15 seconds at a temperature of not less than 72 degrees Celsius or equivalent.

The above-mentioned product has been produced from milk which was derived from animals that were not under quarantine restrictions due to OIE List A diseases. These diseases include bovine spongiform encephalopathy, foot and mouth disease, Rinderpest, vesicular stomatitis, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, bluetongue, lumpy skin disease, peste des petits ruminants and Rift Valley fever.

The above products have not been produced using products derived from ruminant animals; meat-and-bone meal, meat meal, bone meal, dried plasma and other blood products, hydrolysed protein, hoof meal, horn meal, poultry offal meal, feather meal, dry greaves, fish meal, dicalcium phosphate, gelatine and their mixtures (feed, feed additives and premixtures containing the listed products) from the following countries: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Demark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, and USA.

Country-of-origin statements

Auditing is required to verify that the country-of-origin statements in endorsement 1947 and 1948 are able to be substantiated.

Date of certificate

Export certificates for inedible products must be issued on or before the date of departure.

5.3 Technical grade and pharmaceutical products

The ZD001 Certificate as to Condition may be issued for technical products and pharmaceutical material.

The ZD001 Certificate contains the following attestations:

I certify to the best of my knowledge that the information on this form is true and correct in every particular details and that the product described above is of Australian origin and is acceptable for sale in Australia.

Default endorsement 1947

The above mentioned product has been produced from milk with a pH lower than 7, which has been pasteurised for not less than 15 seconds at a temperature of not less than 72 degrees Celsius or equivalent.

The above-mentioned product has been produced from milk which was derived from animals that were not under quarantine restrictions due to OIE List A diseases. These diseases include bovine spongiform encephalopathy, foot and mouth disease, Rinderpest, vesicular stomatitis, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, bluetongue, lumpy skin disease, peste des petits ruminants and Rift Valley fever.

The above products have not been produced using products derived from ruminant animals; meat-and-bone meal, meat meal, bone meal, dried plasma and other blood products, hydrolysed protein, hoof meal, horn meal, poultry offal meal, feather meal, dry greaves, fish meal, dicalcium phosphate, gelatine and their mixtures (feed, feed additives and premixtures containing the listed products) from the following countries: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Demark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, and USA.

Default endorsement 3086 (Products containing bovine gelatine)

The above mentioned product has been produced from milk with a pH lower than 7, which has been pasteurised for not less than 15 seconds at a temperature of not less than 72 degrees Celsius or equivalent.

The above-mentioned product has been produced from milk which was derived from animals that were not under quarantine restrictions due to OIE List A diseases. These diseases include bovine spongiform encephalopathy, foot and mouth disease, Rinderpest, vesicular stomatitis, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, bluetongue, lumpy skin disease, peste des petits ruminants and Rift Valley fever.

The gelatine in this product has been produced from bovine animals. The above products have not been produced using products derived from ruminant animals; meat-and-bone meal, meat meal, bone meal, dried plasma and other blood products, hydrolysed protein, hoof meal, horn meal, poultry offal meal, feather meal, dry greaves, fish meal, dicalcium phosphate, gelatine and their mixtures (feed, feed additives and premixtures containing the listed products) from the following countries: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Demark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, and USA.

Default endorsement 3087 (Products containing porcine gelatine)

The above mentioned product has been produced from milk with a pH lower than 7, which has been pasteurised for not less than 15 seconds at a temperature of not less than 72 degrees Celsius or equivalent.

The above-mentioned product has been produced from milk which was derived from animals that were not under quarantine restrictions due to OIE List A diseases. These diseases include bovine spongiform encephalopathy, foot and mouth disease, Rinderpest, vesicular stomatitis, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, bluetongue, lumpy skin disease, peste des petits ruminants and Rift Valley fever.

The gelatine in this product has been produced from porcine animals. The above products have not been produced using products derived from ruminant animals; meat-and-bone meal, meat meal, bone meal, dried plasma and other blood products, hydrolysed protein, hoof meal, horn meal, poultry offal meal, feather meal, dry greaves, fish meal, dicalcium phosphate, gelatine and their mixtures (feed, feed additives and premixtures containing the listed products) from the following countries: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Demark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, and USA.

Note
Auditing is required for non prescribed goods if optional endorsement 1947 is provided to verify 'The above mentioned product has been produced from milk with a pH lower than 7, which has been pasteurised for not less than 15 seconds at a temperature of not less than 72 degrees Celsius or equivalent.' Export registered establishments will be required to demonstrate that the product was produced from milk with a pH lower than 7 and that it was pasteurised for not less than 15 seconds at a temperature of not less than 72 degrees Celsius or equivalent and the Department will require a verification statement from the inspecting officer.
Auditing is required if endorsements 1947, 3086 or 3087 are provided to verify that the country origin statement is able to be substantiated.

5.4 Animal feed

The ZD015 Certificate as to Condition for Stockfood can be issued for stockfood made from milk and milk products.

The ZD015 Certificate contains the following attestations:

I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the conditions or restrictions applicable under the particular inspection system prescribed under the Export Control Act have been complied with in respect of the prescribed good described above, being goods that are:

  1. In sound condition
  2. Of Australian Origin
Default endorsement 1949

The above-mentioned product has been produced from milk which has been pasteurised for not less than 15 seconds at a temperature of not less than 72 degrees Celsius or equivalent and then kept at pH of 6 or below for not less than one hour; or

  • dried at a temperature of not less than 72 degrees Celsius, or
  • subjected to an additional pasteurisation step involving not less than 15 seconds at a temperature of not less than 72 degrees Celsius or equivalent.

The above-mentioned product has been produced from milk which was derived from animals that were not under quarantine restrictions due to OIE List A diseases. These diseases include bovine spongiform encephalopathy, foot and mouth disease, Rinderpest, vesicular stomatitis, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, bluetongue, lumpy skin disease, peste des petits ruminants and Rift Valley fever.

The above products have not been produced using products derived from ruminant animals; meat-and-bone meal, meat meal, bone meal, dried plasma and other blood products, hydrolysed protein, hoof meal, horn meal, poultry offal meal, feather meal, dry greaves, fish meal, dicalcium phosphate, gelatine and their mixtures (feed, feed additives and premixtures containing the listed products) from the following countries: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Demark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, and USA.

Country-of-origin statements

Auditing is required to verify that the country-of-origin statements in endorsement 1949 are able to be substantiated.

Date of certificate

Export certificates for inedible products must be issued on or before the date of departure.

5.5 Consignments under 10 kilograms and trade samples

It is the responsibility of exporters to determine through their importers if export certification is required for consignments and trade samples that are less than 10 kilograms or 10 litres, as an export permit is not required.

5.6 Additional certification/letters

The ZX01 Certificate as to Dioxin Status of Australian Dairy Products is available on request.

European Union (EU) transit certificates are available for consignments transiting the EU. Refer to the EU documentation requirements for edible products for the reference numbers and attestations in these certificates.

6.1 Import permit

Exporters should ensure that their importer complies with any requirements to obtain a permit for imports into the Republic of Korea (South Korea).

6.2 Port-of-entry inspection and testing

7.1 Packaging

Korean packaging requirements can be met through the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

7.2 Labelling

Korean labelling requirements can be met through the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

Additional labelling requirements

South Korean authorities require the following details on product labels and may inspect labelling for compliance:

  • Liquid milk (including UHT milk) must be labelled with the manufacturing date (not in code) and the use-by date. This will be subject to audit.
  • Details of importer, distributor, exporter and manufacturer are required on product labels. If the exporter and manufacturer are the same then the information need only be shown once, likewise with the importer and distributor.
  • The country of origin is required on all labels, including inner wrappers.
  • Products containing more than 0.2 grams per serving of trans fatty acids require trans fats to be identified on labels.
  • Milk products must be labelled, according to the type of processed milk products i.e. milk, fortified milk, restored milk, or lactic acid bacteria added milk.
  • Fortified milk products must contain at least 2,000 IU and 400 IU per litre respectively of Vitamins A and D.
  • Fortified milk products must identify the name and content of the component that was fortified.
  • Products containing lactic acid bacteria must identify the sort and number of bacteria.
  • Milk and milk products that are heat treated must indicate either "Pasteurised" or "Sterilised" along with the temperature and duration of pasteurisation or sterilisation.
    • Long-time low temperature pasteurisation and short-time high temperature pasteurisation can be labelled as "pasteurisation."
  • Products in which milk fat is reduced and standardised must be labelled as "standardised product", "standardised milk" or "standardisation", etc. along with the quantity of milk fat.
Labelling requirements for specific types of milk and milk products
Table 4: Labelling requirements for specific types of milk and milk products
Type of productSpecifications
Low-fat milk products
  • Low-fat milk products must be labelled according to the type of processed milk products; for example, low-fat milk, fortified low-fat milk, restored low-fat milk, restored fortified low-fat milk, or lactic acid bacteria added low-fat milk.
  • Products must indicate the quantity of milk fat, and if the content of milk fat is 0.5 % or below it shall be labelled as "Skim milk", "Fortified skim milk", or "Restored skim milk."
Hydrolyzed lactose milk
  • Hydrolyzed lactose milk products must be labelled according to the type of processed milk products; for example, hydrolyzed lactose milk, or low-fat hydrolyzed lactose milk.
  • The quantity of lactose of product must be identified.
Processed milk products
  • Processed milk products must be labelled, according to the type of processed milk products; for example, processed milk, low-fat processed milk, milk drink.
  • In case of low-fat processed milk that contains less than 0.5 % of milk fat or less, it may be labelled as skim processed milk.
Goat milk
  • Goat milk must be labelled, identifying the heat treatment method used; for example, "pasteurised product" or "sterilised product" along with the temperature and duration of the pasteurisation or sterilisation.
Fermented milk products
  • Fermented milk products must be labelled according to the type of processed milk products; for example, fermented milk, thickened fermented milk, creamy fermented milk, thickened creamy fermented milk, or fermented butter.
  • Frozen fermented milk products must be labelled as frozen fermented milk, frozen thickened fermented milk, frozen creamy fermented milk, frozen thickened creamy fermented milk, or frozen fermented butter.
Buttermilk products
  • Buttermilk products must be labelled according to the type of processed milk products; for example, buttermilk or buttermilk powder.
Condensed milk products
  • Condensed milk products must be labelled according to the type of processed milk products; for example, condensed milk, condensed skim milk, sweetened condensed milk, sweetened condensed skim milk, or processed condensed milk.
  • Sterilized condensed milk and skim condensed milk may be labelled as "Unsweetened condensed milk" and "Unsweetened skim condensed skim" respectively.
  • Sweetened products must indicate the type and quantity of sugars used.
  • No food components shall be used as the product name.
Cream and cream products
  • Cream and cream products must be labelled according to the type of processed milk products; for example, milk cream, processed milk cream, or milk cream powder.
  • The quantity of crude fat of product must be indicated.
Butter and butter products
  • Butter products must be labelled according to the type of processed milk products; for example, butter or processed butter.
  • Depending on whether salt is added, products may be labelled as "Salted" or "Unsalted" while products that went through fermentation process should be labelled as fermented.
Cheese
  • Products must be labelled according to the type of processed milk products; for example, high-fat hard cheese, medium-fat semi-hard cheese or low-fat cheese.
  • No food components shall be used as the product name.
Processed cheese
  • Products must be labelled according to the type of processed milk products; for example, either hard processed cheese, semi-hard processed cheese, mixed processed cheese, or soft processed cheese.
Milk powder
  • Milk powders must be labelled according to the type of processed milk products; for example, whole milk powder, skim milk powder, sweetened milk powder, or mixed milk powder.
  • In case of sweetened milk powder, the sort and quantity of added sugars must be indicated.
Whey products
  • Whey products must be labelled according to the type of processed milk products; for example, whey, condensed whey, whey powder, or whey protein powder.
  • Whey or condensed whey must be labelled according to the heat treatment methods used; for example, "pasteurised product" or "sterilized product" along with the temperature and duration of the pasteurisation or sterilisation.
  • No food components shall be used as the product name.
Lactose
  • No food components shall be used as the product name.
Hydrolyzed milk protein products
  • Hydrolyzed milk protein products must be labelled according to the type of processed milk products; for example, hydrolysed milk protein or hydrolysed milk protein processed food.
  • Labels must indicate the ratio of crude proteins, amino acid nitrogen and casein phosphopeptides.
Formulated milk products
  • Formulated milk products must be labelled according to the type of processed milk products; for example, formulated milk powder, formulated milk, the formulated milk for a growth period, other formulated milk powder, other formulated milk.
  • Formulated milk products for premature infants must be labelled as "for premature infants."
  • Products must indicate feeding methods for babies and infants.
  • No food components shall be used as the product name.
  • Products containing 1 milligram of iron per 100 kilocalorie may be labelled as "iron enriched formulated milk."
  • Formulated milk powder and formulated milk must indicate such notice as "Breast milk is the best food for babies" with letters the size of which is bigger than 12 points.
Ice cream
  • Ice cream must be labelled according to the type of processed milk products; for example, ice cream, ice milk, sherbet, low-fat ice cream, non-milk fat ice cream.
  • Labels must indicate if the ice cream product contains lactic acid bacteria and fermented milk.
  • Fermented milk products containing lactic acid bacteria must indicate if the sort and number of bacteria.
  • Ice cream or ice milk products must indicate the quantity of milk fat,
  • Low-fat ice cream must indicate the quantity of fat.
  • Products containing lactic acid bacteria must indicate the sort and number of bacteria.
  • Actual weight of an ice cream can be indicated in volume.
Ice cream powder products
  • Ice cream powder products must be labelled according to the type of processed milk products; for example, ice cream powder, ice milk powder, sherbet powder, non-fat milk ice cream powder.
  • Ice cream powder or ice milk powder must indicate the quantity of milk fat.
  • Products containing lactic acid bacteria must indicate the sort and number of bacteria.
  • Fermented milk products containing lactic acid bacteria must indicate ifthe sort and number of bacteria. The amount of water added per the unit weight of the product must be indicated. (The recommended amount of added water is twice the weight of product.)
Ice cream mix products
  • Ice cream mix products must be labelled according to the type of processed milk products; for example, ice cream mix, ice milk mix, sherbet mix, low-fat ice cream mix, non-fat milk ice cream mix.
  • Products containing lactic acid bacteria must indicate the sort and number of bacteria.
  • Fermented milk products containing lactic acid bacteria must indicate if the sort and number of bacteria. Ice cream mix or ice milk mix products must indicate the quantity of milk fat while low-fat ice cream mix products shall indicate the quantity of fat.
  • Ice cream mix products must be labelled according to the heat treatment methods, etc as "pasteurised product" or "sterilised product."
Nutritional claims

The labelling of "no" or "low" can only be used only when the content of the relevant nutrient has been lowered. South Korea's standard for nutrient claims is outlined in Table 5.

Table 5: Nutritional claims
Nutritional informationNutritional claim and label requirement
Calorie
  • Low – Less than 40kcal per 100kg, or less than 20kcal per 100ml
  • No – Less than 4kcal per 100ml
Fat
  • Low – Less than 3kg per 100g, or less than 1.5kg per 100ml
  • No – Less than 0.5g per 100g or 100ml
Saturated fat
  • Low – Less than 1.5g per 100g, or less than 0.75g per 100ml and 10% of calorie
  • No – Less than 0.1g per 100g or 100ml
Cholesterol
  • Low – Less than 20mg per 100g, or less than 10mg per 100ml and saturated fat is less than 0.5g per 100mg or less than 0.75g per 100ml and less than 10% of calories
  • No – Less than 5mg per 100g, or less than 5mg per 100 ml, saturated fat is less than 1.5kg per 100g or less than 0.75g per 100ml and less than 10% of calories
Saccharide
  • No – Less than 0.5g per 100g or 100ml
Sodium
  • Low – Less than 120mg per 100g
  • No – Less than 5mg per 100g
Dietary fiber
  • Contained or Source – More than 3g per 100g, or more than 1.5g per 100kcal
  • High or Rich – More than 6g per 100g, or more than 3g per 100kcal
Protein
  • Contained or Source – More than 10% of daily nutrient reference value per 100g, more than 5% of daily nutrient reference value per 100ml, or more than 5% of daily nutrient reference value per 100kcal
  • High or Rich – More than 20% of daily nutrient reference value per 100g, more than 10% of daily nutrient reference value per 100ml, or more than 10% of daily nutrient reference value per 100kcal
Vitamin or mineral
  • Contained or Source – More than15% of daily nutrient reference value per 100g, more than 7.5% of daily nutrient reference value per 100ml, or more than 5% of daily nutrient reference value per 100kcal
  • High or Source – More than 30% of daily nutrient reference value per 100g, more than 15% of daily nutrient reference value per 100ml, or more than 10% of daily nutrient reference value per 100kcal
Permissible differences between labelling and actual amount of nutrient
Table 6: Permissible differences between labelling and actual amount of nutrient
ProductTypesLabelled quantityPermissible difference
Milk, pasteurized goat milk, skim milk, processed milk, fermented milk (liquid)
  • Less than 500g
  • More than 500g and less than 2,000g
  • More than 2,000g
  • 10g
  • 2%
  • 1%
Cream, unsweetened condensed milk, sweetened condensed milk, sweetened condensed skim milk, whole milk powder, skim milk powder, sweetened milk powder, fermented milk (paste)
  • Less than 500g
  • More than 500g and less than 2,000g
  • More than 2,000g
  • 10g
  • 2%
  • 1%
Butter
  • Less than 200g
  • More than 200g
  • 4g
  • 2%
Cheese
  • Less than 50g
  • More than 50g and less than 100g
  • More than 100g
  • 2g
  • 3g
  • 3%
Formulated milk powder
  • Less than 200g
  • More than 200g and less than 500g
  • More than 500g
  • 10g
  • 2%
  • 1%

7.3 Shelf life

South Korea has no known specific requirements for shelf life restrictions other than those provided in the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

7.4 Shipping marks

South Korea has no known specific requirements for shipping marks (port marks).

7.5 Further information

South Korea has no known specific requirements for shipping and airfreight. Milk and milk products must be transported to ensure their condition and integrity is maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021.

8.1 Refrigeration, transfer and loadout

30/10/2024 - Removal of container and seal number requirements (Section 5.1)
02/08/2023 - Updated residue statement to refer to importing country standards (section 4.1).
18/07/2023 - Updated conditions of exporting goat milk infant formula and goat milk powder (sections 2.1 and 5.1.1).
14/06/2023 - Updated approved milk and milk products list (sections 1.1 and 1.3).
01/02/2023 - Update to Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) establishment listing application form (section 1.1).
10/05/2022 - Update for administrative changes to a listed establishment (section 1.1).
02/03/2022 - Update to establishment listing - applications and renewals (section 1.1).
20/02/2022 - Content on this page may have changed location to conform to standard Dairy headings.
16/09/2021 - Removal and replacement of Dairy By Definition wording (sections 3 and 6).
01/06/2021 - References to export legislation have been updated.
08/04/2021 - Changes to certification requirements
05/03/2021 - Added link to the MFDS establishment listing application form.