MFDS launches world’s first forum of cosmetics regulators to support K-beauty exports

South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) is launching the Global Cosmetics Regulatory Authorities Summit (GCORAS), the world’s first cooperation platform for heads of cosmetics regulatory agencies, and will hold its inaugural meeting in Seoul for three days starting May 7.

MFDS said today that it is launching GCORAS to discuss global cosmetics regulatory innovation and ways to strengthen cooperation, and will hold the first meeting at The Plaza Seoul from May 7 to 9.

The meeting will bring together 15 agencies from 12 countries, including South Korea, ASEAN countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, as well as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Brazil and Mexico. The participating countries account for about 46% of the global cosmetics market.

MFDS said cooperation among international regulatory agencies has become increasingly important as the global cosmetics market shifts toward high-mix, low-volume production in response to demand for hyperpersonalized products, while influencers help products cross borders and reach consumers.

Major countries are also strengthening safety, environmental and quality regulations, including introducing cosmetics safety assessment systems, making good manufacturing practices (GMP) mandatory and expanding halal certification, raising technical barriers.

On the first day, May 7, the program will begin with an opening ceremony, followed by a forum on global regulatory and technical trends, bilateral meetings to address export challenges, and a meeting with companies.

On May 8, the second day, a closed-door plenary session will be held with regulatory agencies from 11 countries. Participants will discuss electing a chair, deciding on a permanent secretariat, adopting rules for the summit’s establishment and operation, adopting the 2026 GCORAS declaration, and plans to establish working groups.

MFDS Commissioner Yu Kyung Oh said, “GCORAS is the world’s first global cooperation platform for heads of cosmetics regulatory agencies. It will be an important opportunity to raise the level of global cosmetics safety management through international regulatory cooperation and support the global competitiveness of the K-beauty industry.”