The designated operator of the REP. of Korea has informed us that from 5 September 2026 all imports of seeds for sowing and pollen for pollination must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate issues by the national plant protection organization (NPPO) of the exporting country, regardless of the meant of transport, import or quantity.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) of the Rep. of Korea has previously allowed, subject to prior approval, the importation of small quantities of seeds for sowing and pollen for pollination imported by hand-carried baggage, mail, courier service, or household goods, without a phytosanitary certificate.
However, due to the repeated detection of unauthorized living modified organisms and quarantine pests in seeds imported through mail and hand-carried baggage, MAFRA has modified its relevant regulation in order to manage the associated phytosanitary risks.