Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency’s Campaign to Eliminate Illegal Transactions
“Must be sold at designated places such as animal hospitals and pharmacies”
“Online purchases could pose health risks to pets”,
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[Sejong=Newsis] Reporter Ahn Ho-kyun – The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency announced on the 7th that it will launch a promotional campaign targeting consumers from January to eliminate the rapidly increasing illegal online transactions of veterinary medicines.
The agency is also working to block the illegal sale of veterinary medicines online. The number of blocked cases has surged from 52 in 2021, 71 in 2022, 429 in 2023, to 1368 in 2024.
The Quarantine Agency emphasized that online sales of veterinary medicines are illegal. Veterinary medicines must be sold by professionals at designated places such as animal hospitals and pharmacies. Violations can result in criminal penalties under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act (up to 5 years imprisonment or fines up to 50 million won).
Consumers are also urged to be cautious. Medicines sold online are likely counterfeit or ineffective. Incorrect use without proper diagnosis and prescription could pose serious health threats to pets.
Authorities further explained that most veterinary medicines sold on international direct purchase platforms are not approved in Korea, thus their safety and efficacy are unproven.
Since 2016, the Quarantine Agency has been blocking illegal online sales sites to curb illegal online sales of veterinary medicines. Since December of last year, it has expanded online monitoring by adding dedicated enforcement personnel in cooperation with the Korea Animal Pharmaceutical Association. They are building a cooperative system with internet companies and platform operators to block exposure of illegal trading sites through search engines and illegal transactions on used goods platforms.
Efforts are also being made in promotional activities to eliminate illegal online sales. News cards and posters emphasizing that veterinary medicines must be purchased at designated places were posted on online sales platform websites and at animal hospitals. Starting on the 6th, a campaign is being launched by posting promotional videos in cartoon (animation) form on the websites of related organizations and groups for easy public understanding.
Kim Jeong-hee, head of the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, stated, “We will continue to do our utmost to eradicate the illegal distribution of veterinary medicines to protect the health of pets, and the cooperation of consumers will greatly aid in eliminating illegal distribution. We urge you to purchase veterinary medicines only through legitimate channels such as animal hospitals and pharmacies.”