September 1, 2009

South Korea will apply beef traceability requirements onto imported beef starting from December 2010, according to the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

The standards will be similar to those applied to domestic Hanwoo beef.

First introduced in October 2004, the system operates with a 12-digit identity number printed on the package of domestic beef which allows buyers to obtain traceability information via the Internet or mobile phone devices.

After the implementation of the new requirement, major supermarkets and department stores are expected to install scanners or other devices to allow customers to readily determine traceability information. But the scanning is voluntary and it is expected many smaller retail outlets will not install the equipment due to cost.

Importers are expected to ensure that the number of the Bill of Lading (B/L) document is printed or attached as a barcode on product packaging.