Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS)

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), formerly the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA), is the South Korean government agency responsible for ensuring the safety of food, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and cosmetics.

South Korea's Cosmetics Act (revised in 2020) establishes the regulatory framework. Cosmetic manufacturers must obtain a Cosmetics Manufacturing Business Registration, and importers must obtain a Cosmetics Import Business Registration from MFDS. All products must be reported to MFDS before distribution.

Korea uses a "functional cosmetics" classification similar to Japan's quasi-drug category. Functional cosmetics — including whitening, anti-wrinkle, sunscreen, and hair-coloring products — require efficacy testing and MFDS review before marketing. General cosmetics require only post-market reporting.

MFDS maintains ingredient standards based primarily on a negative list (prohibited and restricted substances), complemented by positive lists for colorants, preservatives, UV filters, and other specific categories. Korean regulations are frequently updated and are increasingly harmonized with international standards, making Korea one of the most dynamic cosmetic regulatory markets globally.