South Korea Rolls Out Digital Food Labels | Compliance Tips for Exporters Shipping to South Korea

Introduction

South Korea is rolling out reforms for food labelling. Since 2024, domestic processed foods in South Korea have been allowed to use digital labels. In August 2025, the revised Food Labelling and Advertising Act extended the QR code digital label scheme to imported food. Exporters may move part of label information online via QR codes to simplify packaging printing. Still, mandatory compliance rules must be strictly followed. Seafood and food foreign trade companies need to get familiar with the new rules in advance to avoid customs clearance delays.

Scheme Overview: Combined Labelling – Physical Packaging + QR Code

The regulation upgrades traditional barcodes to QR digital labels:

• Only core mandatory information is printed on packaging;

• Full label details are accessible via scanning the QR code;

• Packaging design can be simplified, but all information shown on the linked webpage must comply with local requirements.

✅ Information That MUST Be Printed on Packaging (Cannot Be Placed Only in QR Code)

1. Product name and net content

2. Top 3 ingredients and primary functions of key food additives

3. Company name

4. Consumer safety warnings (nitrogen-filled marking excluded)

5. Date marking

6. Storage conditions

7. Mandatory nutrition items: energy, sodium, sugar and trans fat. Nutrient values and %DV shall also be listed if nutritional claims are made.

Font requirement: Minimum 12pt font in general.

📱 Mandatory Specifications for QR Codes

1. Placement: On the main display panel or near the ingredient list; not on curved, tiny or blurry areas.

2. Size: Recommended ≥15×15 mm at 300 dpi; minimum 10×10 mm for limited packaging space to ensure scannability.

3. Quiet zone: At least 1 mm blank margin around the QR code.

4. Colour: Black code on white background preferred; other colour combinations must guarantee sufficient contrast.

5. Instruction text: A prompt next to the QR code: Scan here for full labelling information.

6. Accessibility: Voice guide, sign language video access and tactile marks are recommended for visually impaired users.

⚠️ Key Compliance Risks for Exporters (Training Focus for Sales Teams)

1. Products adopting digital labels must complete product registration on the designated Korean portal before import declaration.

2. Apart from the product ID, the QR code link should include the import licence / business report number to distinguish imported goods from local Korean products.

3. The webpage linked by the QR code must remain accessible at all times. Broken links may trigger inspection or even shipment rejection.

Takeaways for Foreign Trade Practitioners

1. Digital labels do NOT mean all label details can be moved online. Certain information must be printed physically.

2. Confirm with your Korean importer early whether digital labels will be used, and complete online registration accordingly.

3. Include QR code size, margin and prompt text in packaging review and approval.

4. These rules also apply to seafood exported to South Korea. Keep sales, documentation and sourcing teams aligned on updated compliance requirements.