4. Labeling Requirements

Cosmetics
South Korea

This section provides information on labeling requirements and the label approval process.

4.1 Mandatory Labeling Parameters

There are 2 types of packaging:

1. Secondary packaging
2. Primary packaging 

Mandatory Labeling for Secondary and Primary Packaging 

1. Name of a cosmetic
2. Trade name of the manufacturer and responsible cosmetic distributor
3. Address of the manufacturer and responsible cosmetic distributor
   • Mandatory in either secondary or primary packaging, or can be written in both.
4. List of ingredients
   • Mandatory in either secondary or primary packaging, or both.
   • Can be omitted for 10g/10ml or less.
5. Volume or weight of contents
   • Mandatory in either secondary or primary packaging, or both.
   • Can be omitted for 10g/10ml or less.
6. Manufacturing number
7. Use by date
8. Price
   • Secondary: The retailer is required to put a price on packaging. If it's selling online and the price is online, price on packaging can be exempted.
   • Primary: The same as secondary packaging. However, it can be omitted if it's written on the secondary packaging.
9. Product category
   • Mandatory in either secondary or primary packaging, or both.
   • Can be omitted for 10g/10ml or less.
10. Direction for use
    • Secondary: Mandatory for functional cosmetics only. It can be written on either secondary or primary packaging, or on both.   
    • Primary: The same as secondary packaging. However, it can be omitted if it's written on the secondary packaging.
11. Cautions for use
    • Mandatory in either secondary or primary packaging, or both.
    • Can be omitted for 10g/10ml or less.
12. Barcode

4.2 Languages

Korean.

4.3 Alternative Supports to Display Information

Enclosed or attached leaflet, label, tape, tag, or card 

Labeling other than on packaging is optional. Since the list of mandatory information is compulsory on primary and secondary packaging, leaflets can be used for long directions to use. "Direction to Use" is not a compulsory requirement on the packaging except for functional cosmetics. Hence, it can be attached to a leaflet. 

Undetachable label

The packaging label requirement can be written on the undetachable label.

Online Only

The mandatory information cannot be presented online only. 

4.4 B2B Ingredient-specific Labeling Statements

Labeling requirements for active and functional ingredients supplied to a B2B manufacturer:

1. The ingredient itself is not considered cosmetic even if it's an active/functional ingredient, so cosmetic labeling is not applicable. 
2. The country of origin must be written according to the Foreign Trade Act for any imported products. 
3. It is recommended to write the product name, manufacturing number, volume or weight of contents, and use by date by business practice but it's not mandatory. 

4.5 Additional Notes on Labeling

Third packaging is prohibited in Korea (e.g. gift sets). A gift box should be secondary packaging and all the requirements for all packaged products should be written.

4.6 References

1. Table 4 of Enforcement Rule of the Cosmetics Act 

In English: https://elaw.klri.re.kr/kor_service/lawView.do?hseq=46720&lang=ENG

In Korean: 

https://www.law.go.kr/%EB%B2%95%EB%A0%B9/%ED%99%94%EC%9E%A5%ED%92%88%EB%B2%95%EC%8B%9C%ED%96%89%EA%B7%9C%EC%B9%99