A bill that mandates the labeling of product information in braille and audio/sign language conversion codes on cosmetic containers and packaging, as well as accompanying documents, has been proposed but is currently pending in the National Assembly.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety is also showing caution. The reason is that mandating braille labeling imposes significant technical and expense burdens. Most production is small-batch and varied, making it difficult for small businesses to manage.
According to related industries on the 26th, Representative Kim Ye-ji of the People Power Party proposed a partial revision of the Cosmetics Act aimed at mandating braille labeling in September. Under current law, while it is possible to label cosmetic containers or packaging with braille for visually impaired individuals, it is not mandatory. Even when braille is displayed, it is most common to include only the product name and business name without other detailed information.
If components that cause allergies are not labeled in braille, visually impaired individuals could misuse the products and suffer harm. In response, Representative Kim proposed a bill mandating that cosmetic manufacturers display detailed product information in braille or audio/sign language conversion codes.
This bill passed examination by the Health and Welfare Committee of the National Assembly on the 3rd but has been re-evaluated due to opposition from government departments. Given the political turmoil over impeachment, it is likely to remain pending for a long time.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Startups are exhibiting caution, as this could impose burdens on cosmetic companies and typically leads to disputes.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety told Chosun Biz, "There are several technical limitations," adding, "Braille cannot be engraved on plastic, and paper is likely to be damaged during distribution." They also noted, "If only Korea mandates braille labeling, all cosmetics imported from Europe and the U.S. must also feature braille, which could raise issues overseas."
Vice Administrator Kim Yoo-mi of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety stated to the Health and Welfare Committee, "I agree with the intention of expanding information accessibility, but it would be better to encourage companies to voluntarily apply braille labeling while cautiously considering mandatory implementation."
The Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Startups also expressed opposition to the committee. They stated, "In the case of the cosmetics manufacturing industry, the majority are small and medium-sized enterprises, and labeling different information in braille on each cosmetic's container and packaging would increase expenses due to changes in packaging materials and production facilities, thereby burdening businesses."
In the previous 21st National Assembly, a partial revision of the Cosmetics Act to include braille and audio/sign language conversion codes for individuals with visual and hearing impairments was also proposed. That bill faced opposition due to economic concerns and was discarded due to the expiration of the term for members of the National Assembly.
Accordingly, the current bill includes provisions allowing the head of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to provide administrative and financial support if small businesses struggle with braille labeling.
In the case of food, the revised Food Labeling and Advertising Act established last June includes provisions regarding braille labeling for visually impaired individuals. However, because it lacks enforcement, there are few foods labeled in braille.
The amendment to the Food Labeling and Advertising Act was introduced by Representative Kang Sun-woo of the Democratic Party in the 21st National Assembly. At that time, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety stated, "Unlike pharmaceuticals, there are numerous and diverse food products, making it practically challenging to mandate braille labeling."
As an alternative to mandating braille labeling, QR codes have been suggested. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has begun full-scale operation of 'Food QR,' a real-time food information verification service, starting this month.
By scanning the QR code displayed on food packaging with a camera, consumers can enlarge small text to view food information, and individuals with visual or hearing impairments can receive summary information via avatar sign language videos, braille conversions, or voice conversion apps on their mobile phones.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety stated, "Currently, the e-label pilot project for cosmetics is underway, and we encourage incorporating features for voice conversion using QR codes."
Vice Administrator Kim Yoo-mi stated to the Health and Welfare Committee, "After the first phase of the e-label pilot project concludes in February next year, I plan to ensure that the second phase starting in March will require the inclusion of voice conversion features." She also mentioned, "The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's participation in braille sticker projects has been minimal, but we will strive to encourage companies to actively participate."