The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety plans to double the number of purchases and inspections of overseas direct purchase food from the current 3,000 to 6,000 cases this year. This measure aims to preemptively block suspicious products containing narcotic components and prevent the inflow of food containing harmful substances into the country.
The number of imported overseas direct purchase food has been increasing annually, from 17.7 million cases in 2020 to 24.93 million in 2024. Consequently, the Ministry intends to expand the scope of inspected products based on potential risks, focusing especially on health functional foods, such as products claiming hair loss prevention or breast enhancement. Preemptive inspections of overseas direct purchase products that might contain narcotics or pharmaceutical components will also be carried out.
Starting this year, the Ministry will regularly include products suspected of containing narcotics in its annual inspection list, continuously monitoring the trends of synthetic and illegal substances. Furthermore, newly identified harmful components will be added to the list of banned items, and this information will be disclosed to the public.
To prevent the entry of harmful food into the country, the Ministry will collaborate with related agencies such as the Customs Service and the Broadcasting Communications Deliberation Committee to strengthen customs hold and online sales site blocking measures. Particularly, customs inspection personnel will be assigned to Incheon Port to perform preemptive blocking of harmful overseas direct purchase food.
The Ministry will also enhance consumer protection through expanded education and promotion. ‘Visiting Education’ will be provided for consumer groups, customs brokers, and major distribution company members. Additionally, promotional banners and content will be posted on local government and regional promotional center websites.
Currently, the ‘Overseas Direct Purchase Food Properly’ website provides information on 3,718 products confirmed to contain harmful substances, including product names, manufacturers, harmful components, and product images. Before purchasing overseas direct purchase food, consumers should verify the list of blocked ingredients and substances on this site.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety emphasized, “Individuals purchasing overseas direct purchase food for personal use might face risks due to harmful components,” and advised, “Check for components listed for import block and avoid purchasing products registered as harmful foods.” Furthermore, selling or using overseas direct purchase food for business beyond personal consumption is prohibited.
Looking forward, the Ministry plans to expand inspections focusing on items with high risk or consumer interest, continually advising caution when purchasing overseas direct purchase food.