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13-1 · Alcohol manufacturing & distribution

Liquor Quality Certification Application (8 Liquor Types incl. Traditional Liquor and Makgeolli)

Liquor quality certification is carried out under Article 22 of the Act on the Promotion of the Traditional Liquor Industry to improve liquor quality and protect consumers. A licensed liquor manufacturer that wishes to obtain it applies, product by product (by manufacturing method), to a quality certification body designated by the Director of the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service (NAQS). Certification standards are published for 8 liquor types: takju (makgeolli), yakju, cheongju, fruit wine, distilled soju, general distilled spirits, liqueur and other liquors, and the review covers manufacturing method standards, manufacturing site standards (facilities and quality control), physicochemical quality standards and sensory evaluation standards. The processing period stated on the application form is 45 days, the certification is valid for 3 years from the date of certification, and an extension application must be filed at least 2 months before the validity period ends. A person whose certification was revoked less than 1 year ago, or whose sentence of a fine or heavier punishment for violating the same Act became final less than 1 year ago, may not apply.

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#Liquor Quality Certification Application (8 Liquor Types incl. Traditional Liquor and Makgeolli)#Official check#13-1
🌐 How to Apply for Liquor Quality Certification
01

Procedure

Procedure

  1. 01

    Decide the liquor type and application unit: A separate application is filed for each liquor (each manufacturing method), and the applicant enters the manufacturing method code and approval date already approved by the competent tax office under the Liquor Tax Act. First match the approved manufacturing method to the relevant standard among the 8 liquor types.

  2. 02

    Check against the standards and prepare descriptions: Each liquor type has its own manufacturing method standards; for takju, for example, grains must make up at least 80% of the combined weight of starch materials and raw sugar, and brewing base brought in from another plant or seasonings may not be used. Raw material receipt and use records, manufacturing process and quality control records are checked against the standards, and the product description and the description of manufacturing facilities and equipment are prepared.

  3. 03

    Analysis certificate and attachments: The analysis and appraisal certificate for the product must be issued by the National Tax Service Technical Service Institute within 6 months before the application date. Copies of the manufacturing method application and process flow chart, the main and auxiliary labels (photos for coated bottles, paper packs or ceramic containers) are prepared, and the consent form for disclosure of certified company information on the back of the application is completed.

  4. 04

    Submission to the certification body and supplementation: After the application is submitted, the certification body sets and notifies the review schedule. The certification auditor checks the application and documents and, if supplementation is needed, sets a deadline; supplementary documents are submitted within that period.

  5. 05

    Manufacturing site review and product review: The auditor visits the plant to review the manufacturing method and site standards, takes samples (6 bottles for products of 500 ml or more, about 3 L for smaller products) and conducts physicochemical analysis and a sensory evaluation by a trained panel of at least 10 people. The applicant or an agent attends each stage.

  6. 06

    Certificate issuance and follow-up management: If the standards are met, a quality certificate is issued; if not, the reasons are notified. If the applicant reapplies within 6 months of a nonconformity notice, items already found conforming may be exempted from review. Certification-related records must be kept for 3 years, and a person who takes over the business by transfer, inheritance or merger must report the succession to the NAQS Director within 30 days.

02

Filing route

Filing route

Liquor quality certification body designated by the NAQS Director (succession reports go to the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service)

Confirm the current filing office, jurisdiction, and online availability on the official website.

Official check
Actual processing agencyCompetent Korean authority or official service · Competent Korean authority or official service
Statutory and policy authorityMinistry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs · Competent Korean authority or official service
Online routeOfficial check
03

Deadlines & processing notes

Deadlines & processing notes

Check deadlines and next steps against the notice, filing date, and any request for additional documents.Official check
04

Basic documents

Basic documents

Basic documents0 / 8

The extension application must be filed at least 2 months before expiry; if the quality certification mark on the label continues to be used after the validity period ends, it may be treated as marking uncertified liquor as certified, which is punishable by up to 3 years in prison or a fine of up to KRW 30 million.

Scope of services

Scope of services

Hwang Yunsang Administrative Agent Office prepares and translates documents for administrative agencies, submits them on your behalf, and guides you through permit, application, and notification procedures. Services that require the principal’s personal appearance, principal’s application, or electronic signature may be limited in delegation.