Providing Successful Regulatory Support for New Product Launches by Global F&B and Alcohol Companies

Global food, beverage, and alcohol companies have steadily expanded into the Korean market. With Korean consumers’ tastes evolving quickly and a keen sensitivity to trends, many international F&B brands are eager to launch new products locally.

In addition to the Food Sanitation Act, Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (“MFDS”) enacted the Special Act on Imported Food Safety Control in 2016, which imposes stringent regulations specifically on imported products. As a result, newly launched products must undergo a rigorous process—including customs clearance and inspection by local MFDS branches—before they can be approved for importation. For global F&B and alcohol companies with strong compliance cultures, this regulatory landscape requires thorough legal and regulatory review to ensure full compliance prior to product launch.

In anticipation of this growing demand, in 2023, Lee & Ko brought on board Mr. Kangbong Lee as a senior advisor. Mr. Lee has over 30 years of experience at MFDS, where he held key roles, including Director of Imported Food Policy Division. Leveraging his extensive expertise, Lee & Ko has provided highly effective regulatory advice on a wide range of issues related to imported food compliance and safety management, which often can be complex to navigate.

As a result of close collaboration with Lee & Ko’s Healthcare Practice Group, several leading F&B and alcohol companies could successfully launch their new products in the first half of 2025. These achievements reflect Lee & Ko’s deep regulatory expertise and seasoned experience in the F&B sector.