South Korea passes laws to tighten narcotics control and medical supply management

The South Korean National Assembly has passed four legislative amendments—covering the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, Medical Device Act, Narcotics Control Act, and Cosmetics Act—to strengthen public health and safety management.

Under the revised Narcotics Control Act, judicial police officers are granted the authority to conduct drug tests on medical professionals or handlers suspected of illegal drug use. Additionally, punitive fines and the public disclosure of disciplinary actions will be implemented for serious violations, such as the illegal leakage or misuse of narcotics.

The Pharmaceutical Affairs Act amendment institutionalizes patient support programs, allowing pharmaceutical companies to provide rare medicines to patients free of charge through the Korea Rare and Essential Drug Center.

To ensure medical stability, the Medical Device Act now allows the government to designate and manage ‘national essential medical devices’ that are critical for treatment but difficult to supply through market forces alone. Finally, the Cosmetics Act amendment provides measures to prevent consumer damage from counterfeit products and establishes a support center to help domestic companies navigate global regulatory standards.