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Busan Metropolitan City Cracks Down on Illegal Activities by Online Cosmetics Distributors and Sellers

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Busan Metropolitan City Mayor Park Heong-joon and the Special Judicial Police (hereinafter referred to as “the Special Police”) announced that they will conduct an intensive crackdown on illegal activities—such as false and exaggerated advertising—by online cosmetics distributors and sellers in the city from July 21 to August 22.

○ The crackdown is prompted by a recent surge in cosmetics purchases through social media platforms (SNS) and shopping apps, with growing concerns over misleading advertisements suggesting acne cures or stem cell regeneration that may cause confusion with pharmaceutical products. These unlawful practices are being targeted to prevent consumer deception and harm.

Key areas of inspection include:
▲ Misleading advertisements that falsely suggest cosmetics have medical effects
▲ Advertising that contradicts the approved functionality of functional cosmetics
▲ Advertising that exceeds the defined scope of cosmetics or may mislead consumers

The Special Police plan to impose strict penalties on any businesses found in violation, including criminal charges and administrative actions through the relevant regulatory agencies.

○ According to Article 13 of the Cosmetics Act, any person who falsely advertises cosmetics as pharmaceutical products may be subject to imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million KRW.

Additionally, the Special Police are accepting citizen reports of violations of the Cosmetics Act. Reports can be made by phone to the Public Hygiene Investigation Team at 051-888-3104~3106.

Mayor Park Heong-joon stated, “Through this crackdown, we will strive to eliminate deceptive advertising in the online cosmetics market, protect citizens from related harm, and establish a healthy and lawful distribution system.”