To start a cosmetics brand, you need to register as a “responsible cosmetics distributor” — how this differs from manufacturing
To distribute cosmetics under your own brand in Korea, you need to register as a responsible cosmetics distributor. This also applies if you outsource manufacturing instead of making the products yourself.
Manufacturing vs. responsible distribution
- Cosmetics manufacturer
- What they do
- Manufactures products directly (factory/equipment)
- Who needs it
- A business that operates a factory
- Responsible cosmetics distributor
- What they do
- Distributes and sells products and is responsible for quality and safety
- Who needs it
- A business that sells a brand (including OEM)
| Category | What they do | Who needs it |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetics manufacturer | Manufactures products directly (factory/equipment) | A business that operates a factory |
| Responsible cosmetics distributor | Distributes and sells products and is responsible for quality and safety | A business that sells a brand (including OEM) |
Pre-registration checklist
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That’s right. The key is who distributes and sells the product under their own responsibility, rather than who made it. A business that sells products under its own brand, even if they are manufactured through OEM or ODM, is generally required to register as a responsible cosmetics distributor. By contrast, cosmetics manufacturing applies to businesses that actually manufacture products or operate manufacturing facilities or processes. One company can take on both roles, too.
In practice, it’s important not to stop at simply checking whether registration is required. From the outset, clarify the responsible cosmetics distribution manager’s qualifications and appointment requirements, quality control and safety management documents, labeling and advertising reviews, and the division of contractual responsibilities with the manufacturer. If the arrangement is complex, such as imported cosmetics or a co-branded product, the party responsible may differ, so check the latest standards in the MFDS guidance and with the relevant authority. Requirements and required documents may change, so it’s risky to proceed based only on “another brand did it this way before.”