Countries / Asia-Pacific

South Korea

Medicines, tobacco, alcoholChecked 17 Oct 2026
SystemMFDS medicines serialization, reported to KPIS
Code on the product2D DataMatrix or RFID with GTIN, serial, batch, expiry on the folding box
AggregationNot required.
First stepRegister your products and GTINs in the national system: MFDS medicines serialization.
Supplier checklist (PDF)

Overview

Serial numbers were phased in from 2015, starting with products that make up 30% of each company’s sales, and supply reporting to the national pharmaceutical information service KPIS became mandatory from 2016. Companies choose between 2D DataMatrix and RFID.

If you supply this market

  1. Register your products and GTINs in the national system: MFDS medicines serialization.
  2. Print a unique serialised code on every saleable pack.
  3. Verify every code on the line; aggregate into cases and pallets where required.
  4. Report production and shipments to the national system.

Typical steps for this type of regime. The exact rules are in the sources. Choosing equipment: printing methods.

Timeline

Already in force

  • 2015Serial numbers on products covering 30% of sales
  • 2016Supply reporting to KPIS mandatory

What the code looks like

GS1 DataMatrix on the medicine pack

GS1 DataMatrix on the medicine pack

(01) 09506000134352
GTIN: the product number
(17) 271231
Expiry date, YYMMDD
(10) AB1234
Batch
(21) 7G4K9P2XQ5
Serial number, unique to this pack

The same data is printed next to the code as text (GTIN, SN, LOT, EXP). Illustration built on the GS1 example GTIN; the code does not identify any product.

How this code is built →

Frequently asked questions

Is product marking mandatory in South Korea?

Yes, for medicines, tobacco or alcohol, depending on the product: MFDS medicines serialization. Other consumer goods are not marked unit by unit.

What is already in force?

2015: Serial numbers on products covering 30% of sales; 2016: Supply reporting to KPIS mandatory.

What code goes on the product?

2D DataMatrix or RFID with GTIN, serial, batch, expiry on the folding box.

Is aggregation required?

Not required.

What changes next?

No announced changes found yet.

Where can I check the rules?

Start with GS1 / KPIS: serialisation and traceability in South Korea. All sources are listed at the end of this page.

Sources

Checked 17 Oct 2026. Seen something outdated? Send a correction.