Korea Customs Service to Crack Down on 'Country of Origin Labeling' for Ancestral Rite Supplies Before Lunar New Year Holiday

The Korea Customs Service announced on the 13th that it will conduct intensive crackdowns on violations of country of origin labeling for imported goods used for ancestral rites and gifts from the 13th to the 24th, before the Lunar New Year holiday.

The crackdown is being carried out to prevent the act of importing goods expected to see a surge in demand during the Lunar New Year holiday for ancestral rites and gifts at low prices and then disguising them as domestic products.

The Korea Customs Service plans to conduct on-site inspections targeting import and distribution companies, as well as retail businesses such as department stores, large supermarkets, and traditional markets. The main items subject to inspection include agricultural, marine, and livestock products such as juvenile yellow croaker, bracken, and walnuts; ancestral rite items such as ritual vessels, small tables, and folding screens; and gift items such as health supplements and snack sets.

The crackdown will focus on acts such as falsely labeling the country of origin, failing to label the country of origin or using labeling that misleads consumers, and damaging or altering the country of origin labels.

If violations of country of origin labeling are detected, corrective orders will be issued, and for serious violations such as false labeling or damaging/altering the country of origin, the offenders will be reported or fined according to relevant laws.

During the crackdown period, the Korea Customs Service will also conduct joint inspections in cooperation with related agencies such as the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service, the National Fishery Products Quality Management Service, and local governments.

A Korea Customs Service official stated, “We plan to strengthen country of origin labeling enforcement activities to prevent imported goods disguised as domestic products from circulating in the market,” adding, “We will do our best in the crackdown to protect domestic producers and ensure public safety.”