Last year, compensation for defects in industrial products and automobiles decreased by about 10% compared to the previous year.
The Fair Trade Commission analyzed and announced the '2024 defect compensation (recall) results' on the 5th.
According to the Fair Trade Commission, the number of recalls last year was 2,537, which is a decrease of 276 cases (9.8%) compared to 2,813 cases in 2023.
Looking at the details by type, the number of recall orders decreased from 1,623 in 2023 to 1,009 last year, a drop of 614 cases. In contrast, voluntary recalls increased from 689 to 898, and the number of recommended recalls rose from 501 to 630 during the same period.
By related laws, the number of recalls according to the Chemical Products Safety Act, the Basic Consumer Act, the Automobile Management Act, the Basic Product Safety Act, the Pharmaceutical Act, the Medical Device Act, and the Food Sanitation Act amounted to 2,448, accounting for 96.5% of the total recall count.
Recalls under the Chemical Products Safety Act decreased from 928 in 2023 to 456 last year, impacting the overall decline in the number of recalls. The Fair Trade Commission explained, "As a result of various efforts such as monitoring illegal product markets, administrative guidance, and inspections of business sites to prevent defective products from circulating in the market in advance."
Examining the number of recalls by major items, there was a slight increase in all items except industrial products (1,554 cases to 1,180 cases). The number of pharmaceuticals, including herbal medicines and non-pharmaceutical products, increased from 260 in 2023 to 341 last year. The number of medical devices rose from 235 to 284 during the same period, and the number of automobiles grew from 326 to 399.
Looking at the recall status of local governments, the number increased from 64 cases in 2023 to 119 cases last year, an increase of 55 cases (85.9%). Most of these recalls were related to food products based on the Food Sanitation Act, Livestock Product Sanitation Management Act, and Sanitary Goods Management Act.
The Fair Trade Commission noted, "The 'Consumer 24' integrates various recall information conducted both domestically and abroad through connections with each ministry and relevant organizations," adding, "If a product is subject to a recall overseas or if safety investigations confirm risk in Korea, we will proactively block the distribution of that product."