The Ministry of Unification has initiated regulatory reforms to resume and invigorate civil trade between South and North Korea. On the 16th, the ministry announced the preparation of amendments to the Enforcement Decree of the Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Act, a new notice on import inspection procedures for North Korean food products, and a revised notice on the verification of origin for inter-Korean trade goods. These measures are based on discussions with relevant agencies and task force meetings, reflecting the government’s commitment to restoring the foundation for inter-Korean exchange and cooperation. The atmosphere at the Inter-Korean Dialogue Headquarters in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, underscores the significance of these institutional changes.
The amended Enforcement Decree introduces the Special Act on Imported Food Safety Management to strengthen food safety regulations. It also adds requirements for overseas manufacturer registration documents and transshipment certificates to the list of documents needed for import approval. As a result, traders will now submit documents previously required at the import declaration and customs clearance stages during the import approval application, streamlining the process. These changes are expected to enhance public safety and improve predictability for traders, reducing both time and costs.
In line with the decree amendments, the Ministry of Unification has also drafted a new notice on import inspection procedures for North Korean food products and revised the notice on the verification of origin for inter-Korean trade goods. The new notice, jointly issued with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, will specify procedures for registering overseas manufacturers, conducting on-site inspections, and performing detailed inspections. Notably, North Korean food imports will undergo rigorous inspections not only upon first entry but also upon re-entry, addressing public concerns over food safety.
Looking ahead, the ministry plans to complete the necessary administrative procedures and implement the revised decree and notices next month. The revised notice on the verification of origin reflects the changing inter-Korean relationship and includes provisions for the Ministry of Unification and the Korea Customs Service to consult on origin verification through a working group. These regulatory improvements are expected to enhance transparency and trust in inter-Korean trade, with attention focused on whether both trade revitalization and public safety can be achieved.
The Ministry of Unification’s regulatory reforms represent a significant step toward reestablishing the framework for inter-Korean trade. By strengthening food safety management and simplifying administrative procedures, the reforms reduce burdens on traders and build public trust. As inter-Korean relations evolve, these institutional measures will be crucial for expanding exchanges and maximizing economic impact.