- Registration date2026-10-22
- Attached file
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held the 14th meeting of the Korea–EU Committee on Trade in Goods with the European Union (EU) via videoconference on October 21, 2026. Established under the Korea–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the committee serves as a channel for consultations on tariff and non-tariff issues concerning trade in goods. The two sides reviewed the implementation of the FTA and discussed major trade issues and ways to address market-access challenges for companies on both sides.
Since entering into force in 2011, the Korea–EU FTA has served as a key foundation for expanding bilateral economic cooperation. The two sides have maintained solid economic ties despite growing uncertainty in the international trading environment, such as the spread of protectionism and the restructuring of global supply chains. In particular, bilateral trade increased by approximately 64 percent, from USD 83.3 billion before the FTA entered into force to USD 136.8 billion in 2025.
At the meeting, Korea requested the EU’s attention and cooperation to ensure that new EU regulations do not place excessive burdens on Korean companies or act as unreasonable trade barriers. These include the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), and requirements for cosmetics safety assessments.
In particular, on the IAA, Korea emphasized its role as a trusted partner that has contributed to strengthening EU industrial competitiveness through investment and job creation in key industries, including automobiles and batteries. Korea asked the EU to ensure that excessive local-content requirements do not undermine the competitiveness of companies on both sides or supply chain stability. In addition, given the mutually beneficial trade relationship under the Korea–EU FTA, Korea requested that Korean components and final assembly in Korea receive the same treatment as their respective EU counterparts in public procurement, public support, and other areas. It also requested sufficient transition periods and reasonable exemptions that reflect supply chain conditions in strategic industries, including automobiles, low-carbon steel, and nuclear power.
On CBAM, Korea requested that Korean verification bodies receive prompt accreditation on the same terms as EU-based bodies. It also emphasized that the extension of CBAM to downstream steel and aluminum products, scheduled for 2028, should cover as few products as possible and allow sufficient transition periods for companies to adapt to the regulation.
On the PPWR, Korea explained that semiconductor packaging requires special materials to prevent electrostatic discharge and protect products. To ensure a stable supply of semiconductors, Korea requested exemptions for semiconductor packaging from requirements on design for recycling, recycled content, and reuse.
On cosmetics, Korea requested clearer qualification criteria so that professionals who have earned relevant degrees in Korea can also be recognized as cosmetics safety assessors in the EU. It also requested improvements to the system to ensure that cosmetics safety reports prepared by specialized institutions in Korea are consistently accepted across EU member states.
The two sides also discussed expanding the recognition of equivalence between their automotive technical regulations and how to pursue a mutual recognition agreement (MRA). Korea expressed hope that additional technical consultations on amending the automotive annex would proceed smoothly. On the MRA, Korea agreed to continue discussions with the EU while taking account of regulatory conditions in each sector, with the aim of expanding opportunities for companies on both sides to enter each other’s markets by reducing certification costs and time.
On issues of interest to the EU, including offshore wind power; evaluation criteria for electric vehicle subsidies; warning labels, base spirit content labeling, and online sales rules for alcoholic beverages; and safety certification for textile products for infants, Korea explained the purpose of its rules and how they are currently implemented. The two sides also exchanged views on challenges faced by their companies.
The two sides agreed to maintain close communication and cooperation under the FTA to improve mutual market access and seek constructive solutions to major trade issues. They also agreed to work toward tangible results through future high-level dialogues, Trade Committee meetings, and other channels.