From Next Year, Traceability and Management of Imported Agricultural Products like 'Nokdu, Daepa, Danggeun, Gosari' Will Be Implemented

Quick Recall Possible in Case of Safety Accidents
Importers and Distributors Must Report Transaction Information to Government
Non-compliance Subject to Fine Up to 5 Million Won

Starting January 1 next year, it will be possible to track and manage the distribution history of imported agricultural products such as mung beans, green onions, carrots, bracken, and frozen onions.

On the 25th, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced that it will expand the list of imported agricultural products and processed goods (hereinafter referred to as imported agricultural products, etc.) subject to distribution history management to enhance the efficiency of origin management and strengthen safety management at each distribution stage.

The newly added items were designated through a revision process of the "Distribution History Management Advisory Committee," composed of experts and consumer groups, and the "Notice on Distribution History Management of Imported Agricultural Products, etc.," based on requests from related agencies considering the status of origin violations and social issues. The designation period is three years starting from January 1 next year. The designated items for distribution history management of imported agricultural products, etc. will increase to a total of 22 items, including existing items such as sesame seeds, dried red peppers, peanuts, and kimchi.

The distribution history management system for imported agricultural products, etc. was introduced in 2009 to manage the distribution details and routes of agricultural and food products with potential risks and concerns about illegal distribution. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs took over the operation of this system from the Korea Customs Service in January last year.

This system requires companies that import or distribute items designated and announced by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to mandatorily report transaction information at each distribution stage to the government. Failure to comply may result in a fine of up to 5 million KRW.

In line with the expansion of the designated items for distribution history management of imported agricultural products, etc. (effective January 1, 2024), the Ministry plans to operate a guidance period focused on education and promotion for six months from the implementation date to minimize confusion in the field. Additionally, to ensure stable establishment and operation of the system, education, guidance, and enforcement for importers and distributors will be strengthened.

Kim Jong-gu, Director of Distribution and Consumer Policy at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, stated, "With the expansion of the distribution history management items for imported agricultural products, we expect strengthened consumer safety management, including fair trade in agricultural products and rapid recalls in case of safety incidents." He added, "We plan to gradually expand the distribution history management items focusing on products with concerns about illegal distribution."

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