,The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) in South Korea has the authority to mandate pre-import inspections for certain food products deemed high-risk or with histories of non-compliance, as per Article 22 of the Special Act on Imported Food Safety Control. Importers must have these products inspected by designated agencies before proceeding with import declarations. The criteria for such inspection orders include:- Presence of hazardous substances in the food products.- Repeated non-compliance in import inspections.- Potential risks identified in domestic or international contexts.Inspection orders are typically set for specific durations, during which the MFDS reviews compliance. Depending on the outcomes, the MFDS may lift, modify, or extend these orders. Recent updates, as of March 21, 2025, have introduced new inspection orders and redesignated certain products due to repeated non-compliance. For instance, natural spice powder products from India are under scrutiny for metallic foreign bodies, and certain berries and their processed products from various European countries are monitored for radioactivity. Stakeholders are advised to stay informed about these inspection orders to ensure compliance and facilitate smooth import processes.
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