Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormShelf-stable (Canned)
Industry PositionProcessed Food Product
Market
Canned kidney beans in South Korea are supplied primarily through imports of prepared/preserved shelled beans (HS 200551), with import volumes indicating an import-dependent consumer market. In 2024, South Korea imported about USD 34.2 million (about 26.3 million kg) under HS 200551, with China the dominant supplier and Italy a secondary supplier. Market access is shaped by MFDS imported-food controls (including foreign facility registration and import inspection) and by Korean labeling requirements for processed foods sold domestically. As a shelf-stable canned product, supply is available year-round and typically moves via sea freight into importer warehousing and retail/foodservice distribution.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (net importer)
Domestic RolePackaged pantry staple and foodservice ingredient supplied largely by imports; importers manage compliance (labeling, inspection readiness) for domestic sale
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityYear-round availability driven by shelf-stable canning and continuous import/distribution rather than local harvest seasonality.
Risks
Food Safety HighCommercial sterility failure in low-acid canned foods can enable Clostridium botulinum toxin risk; any suspected can integrity/processing failure can trigger acute consumer-harm risk, recalls/withdrawals, and import disruption under Korea’s MFDS safety management and inspection regime.Use validated retort schedules (process authority), tight seam/can integrity controls, and importer-ready documentation to support MFDS inspection; hold-and-release on critical lots when risk signals appear (swells, seam defects, thermal deviation).
Regulatory Compliance MediumLabeling noncompliance (missing/incorrect Korean labeling elements, allergen statements, dates, net contents, business info, or nutrition panel where applicable) can lead to detention, relabeling orders, or market withdrawal for imported processed foods.Run a pre-shipment Korean label compliance checklist aligned to MFDS Food Labeling Standards; ensure durable label application and consistent ingredient/additive declarations.
Trade Concentration MediumImport supply for HS 200551 is highly concentrated in China, increasing exposure to origin-specific disruption (policy, logistics, quality incidents) and price volatility for Korea’s canned/shelf-stable bean supply base.Qualify secondary origins (e.g., EU/ASEAN suppliers) and maintain multi-origin contracts for core SKUs; monitor MFDS import noncompliance notices for origin-linked signals.
Logistics MediumOcean freight rate spikes and container-route disruptions can raise landed costs for heavy canned goods and cause stockouts if inventory buffers are thin.Use safety stock and staggered sailing schedules; diversify ports/forwarders and negotiate index-linked freight clauses for high-volume lanes.
Sustainability- Packaging and waste footprint (metal can recycling and packaging reduction expectations in modern retail).
- Transport emissions sensitivity due to ocean-freight reliance for bulk canned goods.
Standards- HACCP
- FSSC 22000
- ISO 22000
- BRCGS
FAQ
Which documents are typically required to import canned kidney beans into South Korea?Korea Customs generally requires an import declaration plus supporting documents such as an invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and (as applicable) a certificate of origin and inspection/quarantine certificates.
Do overseas food facilities need to register with MFDS before exporting canned foods to Korea?MFDS states that registration of foreign food facilities must be completed before the import declaration, and the application is submitted online through the Imported Food Information Maru system.
What are the key labeling items expected for imported processed foods sold in Korea?MFDS describes processed-food labeling as requiring core items such as product name, ingredients, manufactured/expiration (or quality retention) dates, net contents, business information, and nutrition information, under Korea’s Food Labeling Standards framework.