Government Withdraws Ban on Direct Purchase of 'KC Uncertified Products' After Three Days... "Only a Risk Assessment"

The government clarified that it has not blocked or banned overseas direct purchases (direct import) amid regulatory controversies, effectively withdrawing the ban on direct imports.

Lee Jung-won, Deputy Minister of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, is giving an additional briefing on overseas direct purchases at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu on the 19th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 19th, Lee Jung-won, Deputy Minister of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, stated at a joint briefing held at the Government Complex Seoul in Jongno-gu, Seoul, "It is not true that all 80 items without domestic safety certification are completely blocked from overseas direct purchase," adding, "It is neither physically nor legally possible." He further explained, "The government’s basic plan is for relevant ministries to conduct intensive preliminary risk assessments on these 80 items and to block only those items confirmed to pose risks based on the preliminary investigation results."

On the 16th, when the government announced the 'Measures to Strengthen Consumer Safety and Enhance Corporate Competitiveness in Response to the Surge in Overseas Direct Purchases,' controversy arose over the ban on direct imports. The government also stated that direct imports would be prohibited for 80 items, including 34 items for children and 34 electrical and household goods, unless they obtain the Korea Certification (KC) mark. The joint briefing held that day was interpreted as an effort to quell the controversy.

Deputy Minister Lee said, "There is no reason to block direct imports of products that pose no risk, nor is it possible," and emphasized, "The government’s firm position is to conduct intensive risk assessments to ensure public safety and to inform the public accordingly."

Regarding the KC certification, which was proposed as a measure to secure the safety of direct imports, he stated, "KC certification is not the only method," and added, "We will carefully review various opinions through consultations." He also apologized, saying, "We should have provided more detailed and specific explanations, and I sincerely apologize for causing confusion among the public regardless of understanding."