1.1. Prohibited

Unless specified within the commodity list below, the Department is unaware of any additional specific requirements for edible non-prescribed goods that are for export to the Republic of Korea (South Korea).

1.2. Conditions

Exporters should be aware that South Korea does not permit the use of diethylene glycol as a substance for use in food products (food additive or extractive solvent).

Given this, the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) for diethylene glycol is that there must be no detectable residue.

Health functional foods

Under South Korea’s Functional Health Foods Act the term 'functional health foods' (health functional foods) is defined as ‘foods manufactured (including processing) with functional raw materials or ingredients beneficial to the human body’.

Health functional foods imported into South Korea must be manufactured in compliance with South Korea's 'Standards and Specifications of Health Functional Foods'. Specifically:

• Article 2 'Common Standards', and
  
• Article 3 'Individual Standards and Specifications'.

Health functional foods must also comply with the standards and specifications for inspection under South Korea's special Act on Imported Food Safety Control.

2.1 Import permit

Exporters are not required to obtain an import permit.

2.2 Listing and audit

2.3 Prohibited products

The Department is not aware of any prohibited edible apiculture products for South Korea.

3.1 Government certification

The Department understands government certification is not required to export edible apiculture products to South Korea. However, exporters are encouraged to confirm the importing conditions through their importer or, if needed, the South Korean government authority.

3.2 Supporting documents and exporter declarations

The Department is not aware of any requirement for supporting documents and exporter declarations.

Propolis products (propolis extracts)

Under South Korea's 'Standards and Specifications of Health Functional Foods' propolis products (including propolis extracts) must meet the following manufacturing standards and specifications.

These manufacturing standards and specifications can also be found under Articles 3.2. 2-8 (Propolis Extracts) of South Korea's 'Standards and Specifications of Health Functional Foods'.

​The Department is not aware of any exemptions being granted by South Korea. Exporters are encouraged to confirm if any exemptions apply by contacting their importer or, if needed, the South Korean government authority.​