Restrictions on Carrying Animal Products into South Korea

SEOUL 14 August 2019 — The Department of Foreign Affairs, through the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, informs the public that the Korea Immigration Service–Ministry of Justice (KIS-MOJ) released an advisory on the restrictions being enforced by the Korean government on carrying animal products into South Korea.

Beginning 01 June 2019, carrying of animal products like raw meat, processed meat, canned meat, eggs and poultry products, milk and dairy products, pet food and supplies to South Korea is restricted and must be reported/declared at the quarantine office of the port of entry. This is to prevent the spread of highly-infectious diseases, such as African swine fever, foot and mouth disease, and highly pathogenic avian influenza, under South Korea’s Contagious Animal Diseases Prevention Act.

Those who would fail to report carrying animal products at airports and seaports could be fined up to KRW 10,000,000.00 (PhP 428,571.04), and those who would fail to pay the fine could be prohibited from entering Korea or be denied visa extension.

All Filipinos entering South Korea as visitors, workers, or residents are advised to refrain from bringing restricted items in their hand carried or checked-in luggage. All hand-carried and checked-in luggage of passengers are subjected to security screening at the airport terminals. END