Cosmetic Batch Number Discrepancy on Issued Standard Customs Clearance Pre-report (vs. Actual Imported Product) Leading to Quality Inspection Issues: Seeking Procedure, Required Documents, and Feasibility for Amending Pre-report Batch Number Released

Answer: Dear questioner, it seems that there's a discrepancy between the manufacturing batch number on the Standard Customs Clearance Pre-report you've already received and the actual imported cosmetic product's manufacturing batch number, which is expected to cause difficulties in quality inspection. In this case, we will provide you with detailed information on the possibility and procedures for changing the manufacturing batch number.

Possibility of Changing Manufacturing Batch Number on Standard Customs Clearance Pre-report:

In principle, the Standard Customs Clearance Pre-report is transmitted to the importer, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and the Korea Customs Service upon issuance, and the transmitted records cannot be corrected or changed. However, in exceptional cases where the manufacturing batch number stated on the cosmetic product differs from that on the Standard Customs Clearance Pre-report after customs clearance, and a change is required for quality inspection, a change is possible.

Change Procedure:

Changes to the manufacturing batch number are processed through the 'Korea Pharmaceutical Traders Association (KPTA)' e-civil service.

1. Accessing Korea Pharmaceutical Traders Association (KPTA) Website: Access www.kpta.or.kr.
2. Path: Select 'Import Business' > 'Cosmetic Import' > 'E-Civil Service' > 'Change Manufacturing Batch Number/Date for Cosmetic Import' menu in order.
3. Application for Change: On that page, complete the application form for change and attach the necessary documents before submitting.

Required Documents (Estimated):

The documents required for applying for a manufacturing batch number change are as follows. For the most accurate list of required documents, it is best to inquire with the Korea Pharmaceutical Traders Association.

• Copy of Standard Customs Clearance Pre-report
• Copy of Import Declaration Certificate
• Statement of Change Reasons (Detailed description. Specify the reason for the discrepancy in manufacturing batch numbers)
• Photo of the label or packaging of the imported cosmetic product with the manufacturing batch number indicated
• Quality inspection-related supporting documents (e.g., quality inspection request form, inspection results, etc. - if necessary)

Important Notes:

Changes to the manufacturing batch number on the Standard Customs Clearance Pre-report are permitted only in exceptional cases, so the reason for the change must be clearly and specifically explained. Furthermore, even if the change application is approved, there may be an obligation to notify relevant authorities of the changes. Before applying for a change, please be sure to contact the Korea Pharmaceutical Traders Association to confirm the exact procedures and required documents.

Additional Advice:

To prevent such issues from recurring in the future, it is crucial to accurately verify and record the manufacturing batch number when applying for the Standard Customs Clearance Pre-report. If the manufacturing batch number is inevitably changed, please immediately amend the Standard Customs Clearance Pre-report or notify the relevant authorities to prevent any disadvantages.