South Korea recently released the 2024 Imported Food Customs Inspection Plan,aiming to ensure the safety and quality of imported food during the customs clearance stage.This plan not only strengthens safety management,but also supports the efficient operation of the inspection system and timely customs clearance.The plan mainly includes the following two aspects:

I.Formulation and implementation of the customs inspection plan for imported food in 2024

(1) Expanding the Scope of Planned Inspections

To meet consumers’ seasonal needs,the 2024 inspection plan will be expanded to include ingredients with high seasonal consumption,such as red snapper and hairtail.In addition,it will also cover candy products that may arouse children’s curiosity,which are often marketed to children through toys.

(2) Expanding Veterinary Drug Testing for Livestock and Aquatic Products

South Koreas Ministry of Food and Drug Safety plans to increase the number of veterinary drug testing items for beef,pork,chicken,eggs,and fish from approximately 70 to about 150.This measure aims to strengthen monitoring of veterinary drug residues in livestock products and ensure food safety.

(3) Strengthening On-Site Inspections

The focus will be on enhancing supervision of customs arbitrage practices,including inspections for false declarations of processed foods or agricultural products.Additionally,sensory inspection items for agricultural and forestry products will expand from 21 to 24,covering products such as red peppers,coffee beans,coriander,astragalus,and sesame.At the same time,on-site inspections will be intensified for imported seafood products that may mislead consumers.

Advancing the Improvement of the Customs Audit System for Imported Food

(1) Shortening the Inspection Cycle for Livestock Products

To improve inspection efficiency,the inspection cycle for livestock products will be shortened to expedite the customs clearance of imported food.

(2) Expanding the Scope of Expedited Clearance for Planned Imports

To ensure a stable supply of food ingredients,the expedited clearance system for planned imports will be expanded.Previously,this system only applied to products imported by top-tier importers,self-produced refined processing ingredients,and food flavors.It will now include raw materials used for manufacturing export food.Additionally,a tracking management system will be established for cases where planned imports fraudulently obtain expedited clearance approval,to prevent abuse and enhance food safety.