The recent increase in single-person households, changes in lifestyles since the COVID-19 pandemic, and positive perceptions of own a pets have led to an increase in the population of own a pets, and the pet industry is growing rapidly, especially as the culture of considering pets as members of the family spreads. Amid these changes, interest in pet health, hygiene, and beauty has increased due to the popularity of pet humanization, and the pet cosmetics market is growing rapidly accordingly. Among pet cosmetics, shampoos, conditioners, perfumes, and skin care products have become necessities for own a pets clean and healthy. Demand for such pet cosmetics is increasing both domestically and internationally, and the market is expected to expand further in the future.
However, currently, there is no clear legal definition and classification system for pet cosmetics in Korea, which limits the development of the industry. In this study, we compare and analyze domestic and international laws and systems related to pet cosmetics and propose measures to improve the laws and systems for the systematic growth of the industry. Through this, we aim to derive policy implications for the sustainable development of the pet cosmetics market.
Currently, in Korea, pet cosmetics, such as shampoos, toothpastes, disinfectants, and skin moisturizers, are classified as non-pharmaceuticals for animals under current laws and are classified as "pet medicines" and "hygiene products." Currently, pet cosmetics are classified as "pet health care" in the industry classification, but the relevant laws and regulations are unclear, and it exists as a definition and classification system used only in the market.
To manufacture pet cosmetics, permission from the Food and Rural Affairs Bureau and item declaration by the Korea Animal Pharmaceutical Association are required, which requires various documents and facility inspections. In addition, there are many difficulties in manufacturing approval of pet cosmetics, as each manufacturer must have a manufacturing manager. Furthermore, since the industry classification of pet cosmetics is unclear, there is no consistency in the management system, causing confusion for both consumers and companies. To solve this problem, a separate classification system and management standards must be established along with a legal definition of pet cosmetics.
The United States does not apply the FD&C Act to pet cosmetics, and they are not regulated by the FDA, but manufacturers must comply with safety and performance standards. Germany classifies pet cosmetics as "animal care products," and although manufacturers do not go through the approval procedures for animal drugs, they are regulated by various laws and manufacturers must ensure the safety of their products. China classifies pet cosmetics as "pet products" and manages them without the permission of the National Medical Products Administration, but they are managed according to local regulations, and products must meet the safety technical requirements of the national recommended standards for the safety of pet products. In Japan, pet cosmetics classified as "animal miscellaneous goods" can be manufactured and sold without a separate license, while products classified as "animal medicines and non-medical products" must obtain a manufacturing license.
In order to strengthen the competitiveness of Korea's pet cosmetics industry, it is necessary to clarify the definition and classification system, relax the regulations on manufacturing and sales licenses, and improve the system to lower the entry barrier for small and medium-sized enterprises. In addition, measures must be taken to flexibly respond to changes in international regulations.
The main objectives of this study are to resolve the ambiguity of the legal definition and management system of the domestic pet cosmetics industry, present system improvement measures that reflect international regulatory trends, examine the details of the measures, and derive policy directions for the sustainable growth of the industry.