"You Need to Buy Now, Sales Banned from July"... Pharmacies Face Inventory Crisis Ahead of Insecticide Approval System

Confusion Over Returns Ahead of Approval System Implementation
Divergent Responses from Pharmaceutical Companies Deepen Uncertainty
Concerns Over Supply Disruption as Summer Peak Season Approaches

The photo is for illustrative purposes to aid understanding of the article and is not directly related to the content. Photo by Yonhap News.

Despite the arrival of peak summer mosquito season and the resulting increase in demand for insecticides, pharmacies are currently scrambling to return insecticide supplies. This is because, starting next month, only insecticide products that have received official government approval will be allowed to be distributed and sold, as the 'Biocidal Product Approval System' will be fully implemented.

According to industry sources on June 23, the revised 'Act on the Safety Management of Household Chemical Products and Biocidal Products' (the Biocidal Product Act) will be enforced in full from July 1. As a result, the display and sale of insecticide products that have not received formal government approval will be completely prohibited.

This new system was introduced to strengthen the safety management of household chemical products following the humidifier disinfectant disaster in 2011. To minimize confusion during the transition, the government had granted a grace period, permitting the manufacture and import of such products until the end of last year, and allowing distribution and sales until June 30 of this year.

Grace Period Nears End... Confusion in the Field Intensifies

The problem is that confusion on the ground persists even though the end of the grace period is imminent. Because each pharmaceutical company and brand has differing return policies and supply plans, pharmacies are struggling to distinguish between products that can still be sold and those that must be recalled.

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This confusion is especially acute ahead of the summer peak season, when demand for insecticides surges, making it difficult for pharmacies to decide whether to secure additional inventory or liquidate stock early.

Pharmaceutical Companies Respond Differently... Inventory Burden Grows

Some companies have taken proactive measures. Dong Sung Pharm has suspended the sale and distribution of its flagship insecticide, 'Biokill,' and has decided to recall all remaining inventory, regardless of expiration date. SC Johnson Korea has also informed distributors of its recall policy and the list of restricted products for the 'F-Killa' line.

In contrast, other major brands with significant market share, such as 'Home Keeper' (distributed by Dong Wha Pharm) and 'Happy Home' (by Yuhan Corporation), have yet to announce clear return guidelines or recall plans. As a result, there are concerns that some of the inventory burden may be shifted onto pharmacies.

Approval Delays and Cost Burdens... Market Realignment Variables

Industry insiders point to the stricter approval requirements as the main reason for the current confusion. The shift from a registration system to an approval system has greatly strengthened the requirements for submitting toxicity and safety data, significantly increasing both the cost and time needed for approval.

The photo is for illustrative purposes and not directly related to the article. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Furthermore, a surge of last-minute approval applications near the end of the grace period appears to have led to administrative processing delays. In some cases, companies may have decided to forgo applying for approval altogether, considering factors such as profitability.

Sales Can Resume Once Approved

However, this measure does not mean that the affected products will be permanently discontinued. Many products are currently undergoing the approval process, and sales can resume immediately upon approval.

According to the Chemical Product Safety Portal 'Choroknuri,' certain F-Killa products and Happy Home liquid-type products have already obtained approval and will be available for sale after next month.

While there is a consensus on the need to strengthen safety—the intended purpose of the system—there is also confusion and supply uncertainty in the field due to insufficient preparation. It is expected that the market will face some inconvenience for a period of time until the new system settles in.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.