# South Korea MFDS regulatory and administrative developments > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-korea-mfds-regulatory-and-administrative-developments > Updated: 2026-10-28T15:00:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) is managing both administrative challenges and new regulatory initiatives. The ministry has faced criticism regarding the recovery of 368 million won in advance payments for a digital medical product lifecycle management system. The project stalled after the contracted company abandoned the work and declared bankruptcy, leaving a significant portion of the budget tied up in litigation and suspended insurance payouts. Simultaneously, the MFDS is preparing to implement a certification system for raw materials used in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, such as cell lines and media. This initiative aims to bolster the domestic Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) sector and decrease import reliance. The certification process is part of a broader regulatory plan tied to the Special Act on Regulatory Support for Biopharmaceutical CDMOs, with guidelines expected in early December 2026. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-28: South Korea's MFDS to implement raw material certification for biopharmaceuticals South Korea's MFDS is introducing a certification system for biopharmaceutical raw materials to bolster the domestic CDMO industry and secure stable supply chains. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-koreas-mfds-to-implement-raw-material-certification-for-biopharmaceuticals ### 2026-10-11: South Korea's MFDS faces budget recovery issues after contractor bankruptcy South Korea's MFDS is struggling to recover 368 million won in advance payments after a contractor abandoned a digital medical product management system project and declared bankruptcy. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-koreas-mfds-faces-budget-recovery-issues-after-contractor-bankruptcy --- Cite as: South Korea MFDS regulatory and administrative developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-korea-mfds-regulatory-and-administrative-developments