Discrepancy in Cosmetic Batch Number on Standard Customs Clearance Pre-Declaration Report (vs. Actual Imported Product) Causing Quality Inspection Issues: Procedures, Required Documents, and Feasibility of Amendment Released

In principle, the Standard Customs Clearance Pre-declaration 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 number stated on the cosmetics after customs clearance differs from that on the Standard Customs Clearance Pre-declaration Report, and a change is required for quality inspection, a change is possible.

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

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

The documents required for applying to change the manufacturing number are as follows. It is most reliable to inquire directly with the Korea Pharmaceutical Traders Association for the exact required documents.

• Copy of Standard Customs Clearance Pre-declaration Report
• Copy of Import Declaration Certificate
• Statement of Reasons for Change (Detailed description, specifying the reason for the discrepancy in manufacturing numbers)
• Photo of the label or packaging of the imported cosmetics showing the manufacturing number
• Documents proving quality inspection (e.g., quality inspection request, inspection result report, etc. - if required)

Since changes to the manufacturing number on the Standard Customs Clearance Pre-declaration Report are allowed only in exceptional cases, 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 inquire with the Korea Pharmaceutical Traders Association to confirm the exact procedure and required documents.

To prevent such problems from recurring in the future, it is crucial to accurately check and state the manufacturing number when applying for the Standard Customs Clearance Pre-declaration Report. If the manufacturing number is inevitably changed, please immediately amend the Standard Customs Clearance Pre-declaration Report or notify the relevant authorities to prevent any disadvantages.