Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

Under the Korea–EU Free Trade Agreement (Korea–EU FTA), the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) held the 13th Korea–EU Committee on Trade in Goods meeting in Seoul on Thursday, November 13. As the consultative channel for tariff and non-tariff issues related to trade in goods, the committee reviewed the implementation of the Korea–EU FTA and discussed ways to resolve market-access challenges for companies on both sides.

Now in its 13th year, the Korea–EU FTA continues to provide a solid foundation for creating an open and transparent market and fostering a mutually beneficial trade relationship between Korea and the EU. Building on this framework, the two sides have maintained steady economic exchanges despite rising global trade uncertainties, including heightened protectionism and supply-chain instability.

The Korean side emphasized that strengthened EU regulations—such as the EU Battery Regulation, Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), and the F-gas Regulation—should not place excessive burdens on businesses and must be applied in a non-discriminatory manner to both EU and non-EU companies.

Regarding the steel import measures recently proposed by the European Commission, Korea emphasized that it is an FTA partner rather than a target of the restrictions and a trusted counterpart working with the EU to address global steel overcapacity. It also noted that the measure should not undermine the principles of free and fair trade between Korea and the EU and called for a mutually agreeable solution.

As the EU tightens regulations on packaging and packaging waste in the cosmetics sector—an industry of growing importance for Korea—the Korean side requested clear communication of the relevant rules and sufficient preparation time for companies before enforcement. It further highlighted the need for continued dialogue during the revision of the Cosmetic Products Regulation (CPR).

On issues of interest to the EU—such as labeling and online sales regulations for alcoholic beverages, offshore wind power systems, and safety regulations for children’s products—the Korean delegation shared its ongoing engagement with relevant industries and provided detailed explanations in response to the EU’s inquiries.

Both sides agreed to maintain close discussions and cooperation to achieve meaningful outcomes at the Trade Committee meeting scheduled for the first quarter of next year.