The government has initiated institutional improvements to promote inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation by simplifying the import procedures for North Korean food products.
On Friday, the Ministry of Unification announced proposed amendments to the Enforcement Decree of the Act on Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation. This follows months of meetings with relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the National Intelligence Service, through a task force focused on inter-Korean trade.
The amendments aim to create opportunities for civilian traders to foster exchanges amid deteriorating inter-Korean relations.
To achieve this, the Ministry of Unification has modified procedures, requiring trading companies to submit documents at the import approval application stage that were previously needed during import declaration and customs clearance. The Ministry has also established a legal basis to ensure public safety during the food import process.
Specifically, the amendments include adding the Special Act on the Safety Management of Imported Foods to Article 41 of the Enforcement Decree to enhance food safety standards. They also expanded the list of required documents for import approval applications under Article 25, adding paperwork for overseas manufacturing registration and transshipment proof.
To ensure effective implementation of these changes, the Ministry has drafted regulations on inspection procedures for importing North Korean food products and amended regulations on verifying the origin of inter-Korean trade goods.
Notably, to address public concerns about food safety, the Ministry has strengthened the precision inspection system for North Korean products. Unlike typical imported foods, which undergo precision inspections only upon initial entry, North Korean products will face continued inspections upon re-importation.
The Ministry of Unification stated that it will continue our efforts to promote the resumption and revitalization of civilian trade between North and South Korea, adding that it plans to implement the enforcement decree and regulations in February.