Types and Durations of Import Inspections / Recognition for Import Declaration Record

Many people seem curious about the types and durations of import inspections, as well as the scope of recognition for import declaration record. I'm sharing domestic regulations for your reference.

1. Types and Durations of Food and Drug Safety Administration (FDA) Import Inspections

• Precision Inspection: Conducted for the first import of a new product as per FDA regulations (Inspection duration: 10 days)
• Random Sampling Inspection: Conducted after the first import when FDA identifies relevant food safety hazards domestically or internationally, or as part of the annual plan on a scheduled ratio (Inspection duration: 5 days)
• On-site Inspection (Sensory Inspection): Conducted when deemed necessary, for the first import and subsequent imports (Inspection duration: 3 days)
• Document Inspection: Generally applies to document inspection when the import declaration performance is recognized for the first import and subsequent imports (Inspection duration: 2 days)
• Directed Inspection: Specific food types (e.g., chocolates, candies) are directed for inspection during certain periods by the MFDS Director.

• Examples include: Valentine's Day, White Day (chocolates and snacks), Seollal or Chuseok holidays (health functional foods), Children's Day (candies), Parents' Day (health functional foods, solid tea), Pepero Day, Halloween, etc.

 

 

• Generally, after the first import as a new product, the subsequent shipments are recognized for import declaration record. However, if there is any change in the “Same Company Same Imported Food” requirements listed below, the record is not recognized, and the product must undergo a precision inspection again.
• In other words, if any of the following criteria differ, it is not considered the same product. For example, if there is even a slight change in the formula, it is subject to a precision inspection.
• Requirements for Same Company Same Imported Food: Country of manufacture, Overseas manufacturing facility, Manufacturing method, and Names of raw materials
• Reference: Food Safety Korea - Import Food Inspection Procedures

2. Scope of Recognition for Import Declaration Record

• In case of a precision inspection conducted for a net weight of 100 KG or more, recognition for import declaration performance is granted (note that this is based on net weight, not gross weight).
• In case of a precision inspection conducted for a net weight of less than 100 KG: (1) Recognition is granted if imports continue at less than 100 KG. (2) If imports exceed 100 KG, the item becomes subject to a precision inspection again.
• [Reference] Relevant Regulations
  • Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), Notification No. 2024-26 on Regulations for Reporting and Inspection of Food, etc. (Revised June 13, 2024)
  • Enforcement Rule of the Special Act on Import Food Safety Management (Effective from July 1, 2024) (Prime Minister’s Ordinance No. 1962, Partially Amended June 14, 2024)

If you have any questions regarding Korean food regulations, please feel free to contact us. I will be happy to assist you.