Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormUnmixed crystalline powder (bulk vitamin C / ascorbic acid; commonly traded under HS 2936.27 when unmixed)
Industry PositionDietary supplement and food-manufacturing input (health functional food nutrient ingredient; also used as food additive antioxidant)
Market
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in South Korea is primarily a regulated nutrient ingredient used in health functional foods (dietary supplements) and, separately, as an antioxidant/acidity regulator in food manufacturing. MFDS’s Health Functional Food Code includes vitamin C with defined permitted ingredient forms, compositional specifications, recognized health claims, and a daily intake range (30–1000 mg). Imported health functional foods, food additives, and related inputs are managed under MFDS’s imported food safety system, which includes importer/overseas manufacturer registration and border inspection steps during customs clearance. Market participation therefore depends heavily on regulatory compliance (specifications, labeling/claims for finished products, and import-clearance readiness) rather than agricultural seasonality.
Market RoleImport-dependent ingredient and downstream health functional food manufacturing/consumer market
Domestic RoleHigh-regulatory-focus domestic market for vitamin C health functional foods and food-manufacturing use, with compliance anchored to MFDS codes and import controls
Specification
Primary VarietyL-Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
Secondary Variety- Sodium L-Ascorbate
- Calcium Ascorbate
- Ascorbyl Palmitate
- L-Ascorbyl Stearate
Compositional Metrics- For vitamin C health functional foods, MFDS Health Functional Food Code specifies vitamin C content at 80–150% of labeled amount (finished-product specification).
- For vitamin C health functional foods, MFDS Health Functional Food Code specifies coliform as negative (finished-product specification).
- MFDS Health Functional Food Code sets a daily intake amount of 30–1000 mg for vitamin C health functional foods.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas manufacturing facility and importer registration (MFDS) → import declaration via KCS UNI-PASS → MFDS border inspection (document review / field test / laboratory test / random sampling as applicable) → certificate of completion of import declaration → customs clearance → domestic distribution or downstream formulation into health functional foods.
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighMFDS import controls and health functional food requirements can block or delay shipments if the importer/overseas facility registration status, import declaration information, or (for finished health functional foods) labeling/functional claim content does not align with MFDS requirements; border inspection may include document review and testing before release.Align finished-product claims and labeling strictly to MFDS-recognized functions; ensure importer and overseas manufacturing facility registration readiness (as applicable), and run a pre-shipment document checklist mapped to UNI-PASS filing and MFDS import-declaration items.
Food Safety MediumFinished vitamin C health functional foods must meet MFDS Health Functional Food Code specifications (e.g., vitamin C content range relative to label and coliform negative); stability losses or quality deviations can trigger non-compliance findings.Use validated assay methods and stability testing to support labeled potency over shelf life; implement incoming QC with documented lot traceability and retain samples for potential investigation.
Documentation Gap MediumMisclassification (unmixed HS 2936.27 vs. mixed/prepared products) or incomplete origin documentation can result in incorrect declarations, loss of preferential tariff eligibility, or clearance delays.Obtain a binding classification/advance ruling where available, and maintain origin-supporting records consistent with the applicable FTA guidance on the Korea Customs Service FTA Portal.
FAQ
What daily intake range does South Korea’s MFDS set for vitamin C health functional foods?MFDS’s Health Functional Food Code sets the daily intake amount for vitamin C health functional foods at 30–1000 mg.
What functional claims are recognized for vitamin C in Korea’s Health Functional Food Code?MFDS’s Health Functional Food Code recognizes claims that vitamin C is necessary for normal structure and maintenance of connective tissue, necessary for absorption of iron, and necessary for protection of cells from free radicals.
What are key clearance and compliance touchpoints for importing vitamin C-related products into South Korea?MFDS manages imported foods, food additives, and health functional foods through an imported food safety system that can include importer/overseas manufacturer registration and border inspection (document review and, where applicable, testing). Import declarations are handled through Korea Customs Service’s UNI-PASS electronic clearance system.