Self-Service Refueling Now Allowed at LPG Stations for Drivers

Self-Service LPG Refueling Allowed
Qualifications for Pet Product Manufacturing Managers Eased
Expanded Consumer Choice and Simplified Regulations in Multiple Sectors

Yonhap News

Self-service refueling at LPG stations, where drivers can fill their own vehicles, will now be permitted, and regulations will be eased to allow the production or import of pet shampoos and conditioners without the need for a licensed pharmacist.

On August 18, the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) announced improvement measures for nine regulations deemed to restrict competition. The targeted regulations are those that hinder new market entrants or restrict business activities. Each year, the KFTC analyzes the market and gathers input from business associations, policy stakeholders, and experts to identify and improve regulations that limit competition.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has agreed to accept the KFTC's recommendation to allow self-service refueling at LPG stations equipped with appropriate facilities. While over 50% of regular gas stations for gasoline and diesel now operate as self-service, LPG stations have required employees to perform all refueling. As a result, many LPG stations have reduced hours or closed during nights and holidays due to labor costs, leading to increased inconvenience for drivers.

The KFTC stated, "This will reduce the burden on LPG station operators facing financial difficulties, expand refueling options during nights and holidays, and increase consumer choice through non-face-to-face transactions." The commission added, "Increased demand for LPG vehicles may follow, as consumers have more options, and since LPG cars emit less pollution than gasoline or diesel vehicles, there will be additional environmental benefits."

The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency will also relax qualifications for managers overseeing the manufacture of pet shampoos and similar products. For certain veterinary quasi-drugs such as pet shampoos, conditioners, and perfumes, the requirement for a pharmacist or oriental pharmacist as the manufacturing manager will be eased. Instead, individuals with a certain level of education and experience will be allowed to serve in this role.

Previously, manufacturing or importing veterinary quasi-drugs for pets required a pharmacist or oriental pharmacist as a manager at each production facility. However, for non-pet veterinary quasi-drugs, it was sufficient to appoint a manager with relevant education and experience, even without a pharmacist qualification, leading to concerns about regulatory fairness.

A KFTC official commented, "Easing the qualification requirements for manufacturing managers will help resolve hiring difficulties for businesses and enable the development of a wider variety of products linked to cosmetic manufacturing technologies, thereby expanding choices for pet owners."

The scope of health management services within senior welfare housing will also be clarified. Although the law requires the installation of medical and nursing facilities in senior welfare housing, the range of health management services that can be offered has been unclear, hindering business development and limiting service options for elderly consumers. The KFTC announced, "We will specify in business guidelines, and publish on our website, the range of health management services that can be provided in senior welfare housing, such as non-medical services like blood pressure and blood sugar monitoring and emergency care by medical professionals, to eliminate confusion."

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety will allow health functional food distributors to apply for individual recognition of ingredients and components. In addition, the number of print and advertising items exempt from certification requirements for cooperative purchasing of joint-brand products under SME and small business support programs will be expanded from 23 to 36. Conditions for supporting joint projects to promote cooperation among small business cooperatives will also be eased.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.