South Korea|Partial Amendment. of Standards and Specifications for Food Utensils, Containers and Packages (UCP)(No.2026-72)
South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has issued a partial amendment (Notification No. 2026-72) to the Standards and Specifications for Food Utensils, Containers and Packaging (UCP). The amendment was issued to enhance the safety of infants and young children. It introduces new standards and specifications for rubber products that resemble pacifiers in both form and usage, thereby establishing a separate regulatory framework for such rubber products intended for infants and young children.
Establishment of New Standards for Rubber Products for Infants and Toddlers
Recently, various products with shapes and uses similar to those of rubber pacifiers, such as fruit feeders / fruit teething feeders and rubber straws, have been developed and introduced to the market. In response, rubber utensils intended for use by infants and toddlers are now classified as "rubber products for infants and toddlers", alongside rubber pacifiers. The applicable standards and specifications have consequently been strengthened to the same level as those for rubber pacifiers.
Definition
Rubber products for infants and toddlers include rubber pacifiers, fruit feeders / fruit teething feeders and straws. For the purposes of this classification, infants refer to children under 12 months of age, while toddlers refer to children between 12 and 36 months of age.
Standards and Specifications: Residual Standards for the following items:
Notes:
Total volatility: The total amount of substances that volatilise from UCP materials.
Residual amount: The amount of unreacted raw materials or substances remaining in UCP materials.
Migration amount: The amount of substances used or generated during the manufacture and processing of UCP materials that may migrate from the materials into food.
Nitrosamines: The sum of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), N-nitrosodi-n-propylamine (NDPA), N-nitrosodi-n-butylamine (NDBA), N-nitrosopiperidine (NPIP), N-nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR) and N-nitrosomorpholine (NMOR).
Nitrosamine-generating substances: The sum of substances capable of generating nitrosamines, namely N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), N-nitrosodi-n-propylamine (NDPA), N-nitrosodi-n-butylamine (NDBA), N-nitrosopiperidine (NPIP), N-nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR) and N-nitrosomorpholine (NMOR).
Effective Date
This notification takes effect on the date of its promulgation, 30 October 2026.
Applicable Scope
This notification applies to UCP products that are manufactured, processed or imported (based on the shipment date) for the first time on or after the effective date of the notification.
What should manufacturers and importers consider?
Manufacturers, importers and suppliers of rubber products intended for infants and young children should review their product portfolios and assess whether their materials and finished products meet the newly established residual and migration requirements.
Understanding the applicable requirements and testing parameters will be important for maintaining regulatory compliance and ensuring continued market access in South Korea.
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