South Korea’s Pet Health Supplement Market Prepares for Regulation

The booming market for pet health supplements in South Korea is finally moving toward a structured regulatory framework. As more pet owners seek advanced nutrition options for their furry companions, the government has stepped in to address concerns about product quality and misleading claims.

A Growing Market Without Rules

Currently, there are no official standards governing pet health supplements in South Korea. Unlike human health supplements, which are strictly regulated under the Health Functional Food Act, pet products fall under the Feed Management Act as either supplementary or mixed feed. This legal ambiguity has allowed unchecked growth in the sector, with some companies making unverified claims about their products' benefits.

Government Takes Action

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) has announced plans to revise its regulations by 2025. These changes will introduce clear labeling standards and require scientific evidence or clinical data to support functional claims. Misleading advertisements will also face stricter scrutiny under the new guidelines.

Market Potential

The domestic pet industry is projected to grow from 8 trillion won in 2022 to 30 trillion won by 2032. Functional pet food could make up as much as 40% of this market. Products targeting specific health issues—such as joint health, digestion, immunity, and weight management—are already gaining traction among consumers.

Building Trust Through Regulation

Once implemented, these regulations will mark a significant milestone for South Korea’s pet industry. By defining "functional" criteria and enforcing strict standards, the government aims to eliminate false advertising and foster consumer trust. Industry experts believe that verified functionality and quality will drive future growth, benefiting both businesses and pet owners alike.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are functional pet foods?

Functional pet foods are specially formulated products designed to address specific health issues in pets, such as joint pain, digestive problems, or immune support.

2. Why is regulation necessary?

Without regulation, companies can make unverified claims about their products' effectiveness. This misleads consumers and undermines trust in the market.

3. How will the new regulations impact businesses?

Businesses will need to provide scientific evidence or clinical data to support their product claims. While this may increase costs initially, it will promote fair competition based on verified quality.

4. What changes can consumers expect?

Consumers can look forward to clearer labeling and more reliable information about product benefits. This will help them make informed decisions when purchasing pet supplements.

5. How big is the South Korean pet market?

The domestic pet industry is expected to grow significantly—from 8 trillion won in 2022 to 30 trillion won by 2032—with functional pet food playing a major role.

Original Article Summary

The Era of Pet Health Supplements: Government Moves Toward Regulation

The market for pet-specific health supplements has been rapidly growing without formal regulation. In response, the South Korean government is taking steps to establish a regulatory framework for these products.

Government Action: The Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) is working on revising regulations to create labeling standards for functional pet food. This marks the first attempt to regulate this sector.
Current Legal Gap: Under current laws, "health functional food" applies only to humans. Pet supplements are categorized as feed additives or mixed feed under the Feed Management Act, leaving a regulatory void for functional claims and ingredient standards.
Market Trends: Despite the lack of regulation, the market is expanding with premium and functional products. Companies like Cosmax Pet and major pharmaceutical firms are developing pet-specific supplements targeting immunity, skin health, and more.
Proposed Changes: MAFRA aims to finalize its revised guidelines by 2025, requiring scientific evidence or clinical data to validate functional claims. The framework will also address misleading advertisements.
Market Growth: The domestic pet industry is expected to grow from 8 trillion won in 2022 to 30 trillion won by 2032. Functional pet food could account for 30–40% of the feed market.
Challenges: Misleading claims and unverified functionality in current products highlight the need for regulation. The new system will help build consumer trust and promote quality-driven competition.

If implemented, this will be the first official recognition of pet health supplements in South Korea, paving the way for a more transparent and reliable market.

#PetHealthSupplements
#FunctionalPetFood
#PetIndustryGrowth
#RegulationMatters
#HealthyPets

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