Comprehensive Guide to the Import Procedures for Plants Used as Medicinal Herbs Released

The importation of plants intended for medicinal or edible use is subject to various regulations requiring specific quarantine and licensing procedures. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide to the process.

1. Plant Quarantine

First, you must verify whether the plants are subject to quarantine under the Plant Protection Act. If applicable, you must file an import declaration and undergo inspection by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (QIA).

• Inquiries: Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (www.qia.go.kr / Plant Quarantine Division: +82-54-912-0616).
• Note: Importation is strictly prohibited for plants originating from restricted regions.

2. CITES Compliance (If Applicable)

You must check if the species is regulated under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) pursuant to the Wildlife Protection and Management Act.

• Regulated items are listed in Annex 6 of the Ministry of Environment's "Integrated Public Notice."
• If the plant is a regulated species, you must obtain separate authorization from the Head of the Regional Environmental Office.

3. Procedures for Medicinal Plants

When importing for medicinal purposes, you must obtain relevant documentation—such as an inspection certificate, a sample collection certificate, or an import approval—from the Regional Food and Drug Administration or the Korea Pharmaceutical Traders Association (KPTA) under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act.

• Regional Food and Drug Administration: www.mfds.go.kr (+82-1577-1255)
• Korea Pharmaceutical Traders Association (KPTA): www.kpta.or.kr (+82-2-6000-1841)
• The specific requirements may vary depending on the type of herb; therefore, consulting these agencies directly is essential.

4. Procedures for Edible Plants

If the plants are for food consumption, you must complete an import declaration with the Regional Food and Drug Administration in accordance with the Special Act on Import Food Safety Management.

• For detailed procedures and eligibility, please consult the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) directly.

5. Customs Import Declaration

Once you have completed all the above steps and obtained the necessary evidentiary documents and permits from the respective agencies, you must submit them to Korea Customs Service during the import declaration process to finalize customs clearance.

Important Note: It is vital to contact the relevant authorities beforehand to confirm import eligibility and required documentation. Having the scientific name (genus and species) of the plant ready will ensure more accurate guidance when making inquiries.