K-food Expands in European Market, but Faces Customs Barrier

K-food, which is growing rapidly in the European market, has run into Italy's food regulatory barriers, leading to the large-scale seizure of export goods. As K-food accelerates its push into Europe, quarantine and customs hurdles are also tightening, prompting calls for extra caution.
According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Information service (KATI) on the 6th, a container of K-food shipped from South Korea to Italy late last month was flagged during a joint inspection by local authorities and was seized in full. The seized goods were Korean noodle products that are popular locally. The total volume came to 5,115 kilograms, or about 5.1 tons. At local market value, they are estimated to be worth about 50 million won.
The specific reason given by Italian quarantine and health authorities for the seizure was a violation of food labeling rules. The products were found to have breached mandatory local labeling requirements by failing to list some additives actually contained in the product, or by incorrectly listing ingredients that were not present.
However, Italian authorities have not disclosed detailed information such as the manufacturer or brand, citing concerns over market confusion. They have only said that the seized goods are noodles, along with the total volume and value.
Industry observers say the move reflects the fact that, as the profile of Korean ramen and other K-food products rises sharply in Europe, local health and quarantine authorities have placed Korean imports under closer scrutiny. K-food exports to Europe reached $498 million in the first half of this year, up 17.9% from a year earlier.
This is said to be the first case detected after a joint government control meeting was held in Italy last month. In other words, it was not a random catch during routine monitoring, but a targeted crackdown organized by the Italian government's top control body. The European Union (EU) is widely regarded as one of the strictest regions in the world when it comes to allergen disclosure, food additives, and nutrition labeling.
Under the EU Food Information to Consumers Regulation, the chemical name of every additive used in processing, or its E-number, must be listed. Even if the ingredient ratio is very small, omitting it can lead to immediate customs rejection.
That means similar cases could become more common unless K-food exporters adopt more advanced risk management systems. Companies need to build close monitoring systems across the supply chain so that even minor changes in raw material ingredients can be reflected in export labels in real time.
An industry official said, "Even wording or labeling practices that are acceptable under domestic standards may need to be revised overseas." The official added, "Even if there is nothing wrong with the product itself, the accuracy of the label alone can lead to an entire container being seized, so exporters need thorough preparation and management."
ssuccu@fnnews.com Kim Seo-yeon Reporter