‘Contaminated with Harmful Substances’ No Basis to Block Alteish Import... Government in Disarray

Different Responses by Government Ministries
Clear Standards and Requirements Must Be Established

Recently, numerous harmful substances have been detected on Chinese online shopping platforms, yet there remains a lack of clear grounds to block their importation. Critics point out that because each government ministry responds independently, proper inspections are not being conducted.

On the 16th, a customs official at the Incheon Airport Customs Express Logistics Center is organizing long-term stock cargo delivered from China. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

According to a compilation of reports by Asia Economy on the 10th, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Korea Customs Service, and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety each conduct safety investigations based on their own standards for popular products and children's items. A Ministry of Food and Drug Safety official stated, "It is impossible to completely prevent purchases at the source, so we are responding by strengthening the existing monitoring and safety management systems." A Korea Customs Service official said, "Unlike food products, industrial goods do not have detailed ingredient information, making it difficult to regulate the customs clearance of individual overseas direct purchase (direct import) items without clear grounds."

The government blocked the importation of 272 types of overseas direct purchase items into the country from May 19 to the 30th of last month. Among these, 267 types were products sold through AliExpress, Temu, and Shein. In May, the government announced a ban on overseas direct purchases of about 80 items including children's products and electrical and household goods, but withdrew the ban amid controversy that it infringed on consumer freedom. The government stated, "Legal amendments are necessary to finalize the list of blocked items," and added, "We will establish reasonable measures through sufficient public discussion during the legal amendment process."

Experts unanimously emphasized the need to establish clear standards and grounds. Professor Choi Cheol of the Department of Consumer Economics at Sookmyung Women's University said, "Standards and grounds should be established, such as requiring product information to be indicated on the packaging of direct purchase items so that it can be verified during customs procedures," and added, "At least minimal safety measures for consumers are necessary." Professor Lee Eun-hee of the Department of Consumer Studies at Inha University advised, "Each ministry should conduct risk assessments of their respective items and devise ways to closely cooperate with customs."