Last year, the number of recalls conducted in South Korea increased for the first time in three years. This rise is attributed to efforts to block the distribution of hazardous products purchased overseas and to enhance food safety.
The Fair Trade Commission announced on August 10 the results of its comprehensive analysis of recall data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and local governments.
In total, there were 2,656 recalls last year, an increase of 119 cases (4.7%) compared to the previous year. Of these, 905 were mandatory recalls (34.1%), 886 were recommended recalls (33.3%), and 865 were voluntary recalls (32.6%). While mandatory and voluntary recalls decreased by 10.3% and 3.7%, respectively, recommended recalls saw a significant increase of 40.6%.
This marks the first increase in recall numbers since 2022. Over the past five years, the recall figures were as follows: 3,470 in 2021, 3,586 in 2022, 2,813 in 2023, 2,537 in 2024, and 2,656 in 2025.
According to the Fair Trade Commission, 95.3% of all recalls were based on seven major laws, including the Consumer Basic Act, Medical Device Act, Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, Chemical Products Safety Act, Automobile Management Act, Food Sanitation Act, and the Basic Product Safety Act.
Notably, recalls under the Consumer Basic Act increased by 41.6% to 851 cases compared to the previous year. This is interpreted as a result of proactive measures taken by relevant authorities to block the sale of recalled products in domestic open markets.
By category, consumer goods (1,282 cases) and medical devices (308 cases) saw increases of 8.6% and 8.5%, respectively, while recalls for automobiles (300 cases) and pharmaceuticals (295 cases) decreased by 24.8% and 13.5%. Local government recalls also rose significantly, recording 254 cases, a 144.2% increase from the previous year, based on the Food Sanitation Act and other regulations.
In light of the recent increase in overseas direct purchases, the government is enhancing monitoring through cooperation among relevant agencies to address the growing distribution of hazardous products from abroad. When products are subject to overseas recalls or identified as hazardous through domestic safety investigations, online platform operators are requested to swiftly block the distribution of these hazardous products.
A Fair Trade Commission official stated, "We are providing integrated information on recalls through the Consumer 24 portal to ensure that consumers can easily access domestic and international recall information. We will continue to work closely with relevant agencies to thoroughly block the distribution of hazardous products in the country."
The Fair Trade Commission announced on August 10 the results of its comprehensive analysis of recall data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and local governments.
In total, there were 2,656 recalls last year, an increase of 119 cases (4.7%) compared to the previous year. Of these, 905 were mandatory recalls (34.1%), 886 were recommended recalls (33.3%), and 865 were voluntary recalls (32.6%). While mandatory and voluntary recalls decreased by 10.3% and 3.7%, respectively, recommended recalls saw a significant increase of 40.6%.
This marks the first increase in recall numbers since 2022. Over the past five years, the recall figures were as follows: 3,470 in 2021, 3,586 in 2022, 2,813 in 2023, 2,537 in 2024, and 2,656 in 2025.
According to the Fair Trade Commission, 95.3% of all recalls were based on seven major laws, including the Consumer Basic Act, Medical Device Act, Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, Chemical Products Safety Act, Automobile Management Act, Food Sanitation Act, and the Basic Product Safety Act.
Notably, recalls under the Consumer Basic Act increased by 41.6% to 851 cases compared to the previous year. This is interpreted as a result of proactive measures taken by relevant authorities to block the sale of recalled products in domestic open markets.
By category, consumer goods (1,282 cases) and medical devices (308 cases) saw increases of 8.6% and 8.5%, respectively, while recalls for automobiles (300 cases) and pharmaceuticals (295 cases) decreased by 24.8% and 13.5%. Local government recalls also rose significantly, recording 254 cases, a 144.2% increase from the previous year, based on the Food Sanitation Act and other regulations.
In light of the recent increase in overseas direct purchases, the government is enhancing monitoring through cooperation among relevant agencies to address the growing distribution of hazardous products from abroad. When products are subject to overseas recalls or identified as hazardous through domestic safety investigations, online platform operators are requested to swiftly block the distribution of these hazardous products.
A Fair Trade Commission official stated, "We are providing integrated information on recalls through the Consumer 24 portal to ensure that consumers can easily access domestic and international recall information. We will continue to work closely with relevant agencies to thoroughly block the distribution of hazardous products in the country."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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