Minister of Food and Drug Safety Oh Yu-Kyoung (10th from right) on Sept. 7 poses for a group photo with officials from the cosmetics regulatory bodies of 12 countries at the opening ceremony of the Global Cosmetics Regulatory Authority Summit at the Plaza Hotel Seoul in the capital's Jung-gu District. (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety)

By Yoo Yeon Gyeong

The country has launched the world's first global cooperation platform for the heads of cosmetics regulatory agencies, marking the start of international efforts to raise the safety and quality competitiveness of Korean beauty and cosmetics.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on Sept. 7 announced the first Global Cosmetics Regulatory Authority Summit (GCORAS) from Sept. 7-9 at the Plaza Hotel Seoul in the capital's Jung-gu District. The event is a forum to discuss regulatory innovation and stronger cooperation in the global cosmetics industry.

Fifteen organizations from 12 countries are taking part in the event including Korea, major countries in Southeast Asia, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil and Mexico. Together, the 12 account for 46% of the cosmetics export market.

The purpose of GCORAS is to respond to the rapidly shifting cosmetics market and raise cross-border cooperation in safety management and regulation. Topics of discussion include cosmetics safety management, responses to digital distribution and regulatory directions.

"GCORAS is the world's first global platform for cooperation among the heads of cosmetics regulatory agencies," Minister Oh Yu-Kyoung said. "It will be a turning point for raising global standards for cosmetics safety through global regulatory cooperation and support for boosting the global competitiveness of the K-beauty industry."

dusrud21@korea.kr