April 20, 2024

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[THE INVESTOR] About 11 tons of South Korean cosmetics have been returned as Chinese authorities banned entry in November 2016, according to data released by Korea International Trade Association on Jan. 10.

Citing reasons including incomplete paperwork, China has denied imports of 28 beauty products, 19 out of which were from South Korean manufacturers -- included Aekyung, CJ Lion and Iaso. 

Captured image featuring K-beauty products from global beauty emporium Sephora’s website

Aekyung’s two body cleansers were returned as “the products’ ingredients do not match those in the paper.” 

“We have not had any problems exporting 53 products that range from skin care to makeup since we started exporting to China in 2007, and believe the authorities found procedural fault in providing free samples,” said an official of Iaso, a medium-sized cosmeceutical brand.

South Korea’s cosmetics exports to China from January to November in 2016 reached US$1.42 billion according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. 

The industry has been bracing for the aftermath of feud between South Korea and China over deployment of THAAD deployment, especially after China banned airing Korean culture contents in August last year. 

By Hwang You-mee (glamazon@heraldcorp.com)