Policy announcement: Completely blocking dangerous overseas direct purchases?

Haebom

May 17, 20242y ago

Just a day later, as of the afternoon of May 18th, it was re-announced as "on hold."

정부, 인증 없는 전자제품·장난감 직구 금지 정책 보류 정부는 국내 안전 인증(KC 인증)이 없는 80개 품목의 직구 금지 정책을 사실상 보류하고, 직구한 제품의 국내 반입을 계속 허용하기로 함. 직구 제품 중 유해성이 확인된 모델에 대해서만 반입을 차단할 예정이... - 혼잣말해봄

정부, 인증 없는 전자제품·장난감 직구 금지 정책 보류 정부는 국내 안전 인증(KC 인증)이 없는 80개 품목의 직구 금지 정책을 사실상 보류하고, 직구한 제품의 국내 반입을 계속 허용하기로 함.

slashpage.com

YouTube, news outlets, and group chats are all abuzz. The reason is a recent report. The headline's bold phrase, "total ban on overseas direct purchases," seems to have drawn even more attention. Especially since TECH YouTubers quickly posted videos on the topic, I watched them—and there are five key points.

Overseas direct purchases of children's products and electrical or household goods without KC certification, as well as household chemical products without approved notification, are prohibited.

It is prohibited to bring cosmetics, hygiene products, accessories, and similar items containing harmful substances into the country.

Overseas platforms are now required to appoint domestic agents and are encouraged to sign voluntary agreements to prevent consumer harm.

The government will support advanced logistics systems and promote reverse overseas direct purchasing to help domestic small and medium distributors and small businesses boost their competitiveness.

We will consider reforming the small-scale tax-free system and reinforce customs procedures and inspection staff.

안전 인증 없으면 해외직구 원천 차단…유모차·완구 등 80개 품목

다음 달부터KC 인증이 없는 어린이 제품과 생활용품은 물론, 신고·승인을 받지 않은 생활화학제품은 해외 직접구매(직구)가 원천 금지된다. 또해외 플랫폼의 국내 대리인 지정이 의무화되고, 소비자24에 해외직구 관련 정보를 통합하는 등 소비자 피해 예방과 구제 활동을 강화한다. 정부는 16일 이같은 내용의 해외직구 급증에 따른 소비자 안전 강화 및 기업 경쟁력

korea.kr

Although "AliExpress" and "Temu" aren’t mentioned by name in this policy, it’s clearly aimed at responding to the two platforms, which are currently the biggest direct purchase services. That’s probably why this sudden news has made such a splash among people enjoying low prices as consumers, or those who’ve started new economic activities through these platforms.

The primary aim of this measure is to ensure consumer safety. KC certification is a system that certifies the safety of domestic children's products and electrical appliances, and products lacking this certification may pose potential risks. Of course, KC certification doesn’t address every safety issue, so it’s important to keep reviewing and improving the standards themselves and the effectiveness of the testing methods.

Another important goal of this measure is to strengthen the competitiveness of domestic distribution companies and small businesses who are struggling due to the surge in overseas direct purchases. Cross-border e-commerce is an unstoppable trend, but I believe government support and institutional fixes are essential to create a fair playing field.

From the consumer’s standpoint, it’s understandable to feel disappointed that some options for overseas direct purchase will be limited. Still, in the long run, we can expect positive changes—like safer products being distributed, more oversight of unfair practices, and more ways to get help if a dispute arises.

Honestly, it might feel a bit sudden, but as I looked into related policies, it seems they've been working on this for about a year. It does feel like the policy was pushed out rather forcefully and abruptly under pressure from Chinese commerce like Ali/Temu... I really think we need to sort things out a bit now.

There are still details not yet specified in this measure. For example, the scope of products subject to KC certification, the criteria for appointing domestic agents, and the specifics of tax exemption reform for small purchases—these are all topics that will need further discussion and review going forward.

Overseas direct purchasing is already deeply integrated into our daily lives. In this changing distribution landscape, now’s the time for the government, businesses, and consumers to work together to boost consumer safety, business competitiveness, and convenience for shoppers. I hope social attention and discussion on this issue will keep going.

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