Seoul: South Korea's standards agency unveiled a blueprint Wednesday for enhancing its monitoring of children's products sold on overseas shopping platforms amid growing concerns over the influx of goods that fail to meet local safety standards. The initiative is set to run through 2027, addressing the increasing demand for children's products purchased from international online platforms. This rise in demand is illustrated by a direct purchase volume reaching US$91.8 billion in 2023, which marks a 16 percent increase from $78.7 billion recorded in 2020.
According to Yonhap News Agency, safety tests conducted in 2024 on 227 children's products available on online platforms revealed that 32 items, or 14 percent, contained traces of hazardous elements. This alarming statistic has prompted the government to establish legal grounds to ensure enhanced safety measures. The plan includes requiring overseas online shopping platforms to appoint a representative in South Korea and the authority to request the removal of products from listings if they are deemed dangerous.
In addition to these measures, South Korea will actively monitor products recalled in other countries and enforce a sales ban if such items are imported into the country. The ministry emphasized that through the diligent implementation of this plan, the government aims to create a safer environment for the use of children's products.