What is the general import procedure for plants intended for use as herbal medicine or food? Released

The importation of plants for herbal medicine or food purposes is subject to stringent quarantine and licensing requirements under multiple South Korean regulations. Below is a professional breakdown of the step-by-step procedures.

1. Plant Quarantine (Plant Protection Act)

First, you must verify if the plant is subject to quarantine under the Plant Protection Act. If applicable, an import declaration must be filed with the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (QIA) for inspection.

• Contact: Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (www.qia.go.kr / Plant Quarantine Division: +82-54-912-0616).
• Prohibition: Please note that plants originating from prohibited regions cannot be imported under any circumstances.

2. CITES Regulation Compliance

You must check if the species is regulated under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) pursuant to the Wildlife Protection and Management Act.

• Refer to Annex 6 of the Ministry of Environment's "Integrated Public Notice."
• If the species is listed, you must obtain a separate permit from the Regional Office of Environment.

3. Procedures for Medicinal Plants (Pharmaceutical Affairs Act)

When importing plants for medicinal use, you are required to obtain a test certificate, sample collection certificate, or import approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) or the Korea Pharmaceutical Traders Association (KPTA).

• MFDS: www.mfds.go.kr (1577-1255)
• KPTA: www.kpta.or.kr (02-6000-1841)
• Specific requirements vary by the type of medicinal herb, so direct consultation with these agencies is essential.

4. Procedures for Edible Plants (Special Act on Import Food Safety Management)

If the plants are intended for human consumption (food), you must complete an import declaration with the Regional Office of Food and Drug Safety. It is recommended to contact the MFDS directly to confirm eligibility and detailed procedures.

5. Customs Import Declaration

After completing the preliminary steps above, you may proceed with the customs clearance process by submitting all permits, certificates, and supporting documents to the Korea Customs Service at the time of the import declaration.

Important Note

It is critical to contact the relevant authorities beforehand to verify import eligibility, required documentation, and detailed protocols. Providing the scientific name (Latin name) or the exact variety of the plant will ensure more accurate guidance from the authorities.