Nickel Exceeds Limit in Imported Cosmetics; Chungnam Province Requests Customs Blockade

Chungnam Institute of Health and Environment Finds Nickel Levels 1.48 Times Above Limit in Overseas Online Eyeshadow
Warning Issued for Resident Health

Chungnam Provincial Government Building Exterior

On November 5, the Chungnam Provincial Government advised consumers to exercise caution after detecting nickel, a harmful heavy metal, in imported cosmetics purchased through overseas direct purchase channels, with levels exceeding safety standards.

The Provincial Institute of Health and Environment reported that one eyeshadow product sold on an overseas online marketplace was found to contain 52 μg/g of nickel, which is 1.48 times higher than the permitted limit.

The institute immediately notified the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of the test results and requested the Korea Customs Service to block customs clearance, taking measures to prevent the product from being distributed.

According to the institute, nickel is a heavy metal that can cause allergic contact dermatitis and, with prolonged exposure, may increase the risk of chronic dermatitis or worsen asthma.

This inspection was conducted from March to October and targeted 54 cosmetic products distributed and sold in the province, including 44 items for infants and children and 10 items purchased through overseas direct purchase.

The inspection covered seven types of harmful heavy metals: lead, cadmium, arsenic, nickel, antimony, mercury, and phthalates.

Jung Geumhee, Director of the Provincial Institute of Health and Environment, stated, "Last year as well, there were multiple cases of heavy metal non-compliance detected in imported cosmetics. As the age at which people begin using makeup continues to decrease, we will thoroughly inspect cosmetics for children and adolescents to protect the health of our residents."

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