As mosquito populations surge early this season, confusion is mounting at pharmacies ahead of a complete ban on the sale of unapproved pesticides starting July 1.
According to industry sources on June 28, the new approval system for biocidal products will be fully implemented next month as a follow-up to the Chemical Products Safety Act established after the humidifier disinfectant disaster in 2011. Consequently, unapproved pesticides will no longer be displayed or sold in pharmacies, large supermarkets, or online stores. However, products that have already received approval or are in the approval process will still be available for distribution and sale after July.
Pharmacies are experiencing a somewhat chaotic atmosphere as they navigate varying return policies and supply schedules from different manufacturers, making it challenging to distinguish between approved and recalled products. Many pharmacies have begun organizing their shelves and returning excess stock.
In the Jongno 5-ga pharmacy district, there has been a noticeable increase in customers seeking mosquito repellent over the past two to three weeks in anticipation of the new regulations. Pharmacist Kim stated, "There will be no additional stock of unapproved mosquito repellent products, so they may soon be out of stock," adding, "The quantity is limited."
Some pharmacies that did not manage their inventory in advance have already run out of products. Kim noted, "Customers have come to our pharmacy after being told that other pharmacies were out of stock of home mats." He further commented, "While this is not a major revenue item, the sales halt during the peak summer season is likely to cause inconvenience for consumers in the short term."
Major pharmaceutical companies are currently guiding distributors and pharmacies on the procedures for returning and recalling remaining stock. Products from Yuhan Corporation, such as 'Happy Home Power Mat', 'Aerosol Water', and 'Cockroach Aerosol', will be withdrawn from the market. Dongwha Pharmaceutical's 'Home Mat', 'Home Keeper Mosquito Coil', and Dongseong Pharmaceutical's 'Biokill' will also cease sales starting July 1.
However, some products are still undergoing the approval process, and if they receive approval in the future, they may be reintroduced to the market. Adjustments in distribution schedules between pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies are expected to be necessary.
Consumer confusion is significant, as incorrect information has circulated online stating that "mosquito repellent can no longer be purchased." In reality, some pharmacies have received numerous inquiries asking, "Can we no longer buy mosquito repellent?" Information on approved products can be verified on the Chemical Products Safety Portal, 'Choroknuri'.
An industry representative remarked, "This measure should not be viewed solely as a regulatory enhancement. If only products that have undergone approval remain on the market, safety verification will be significantly strengthened, but the key to the successful implementation of this system will be how much we can reduce the administrative burden and distribution confusion that arises during this process."
The Korean Pharmaceutical Association is actively working to minimize confusion on the ground. Park Chun-bae, Vice President of the Korean Pharmaceutical Association, stated, "As soon as the return and recall policies are organized by manufacturer, we will promptly share this information with member pharmacies to minimize confusion in the field." He added, "Using this change in sales standards for biocidal products as a starting point, we will systematically manage asset management indicators for each pharmacy and share verified information on approved products with frontline pharmacist organizations to establish an administrative infrastructure that aligns with this transition period."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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