Seoul, 18 August 2025 — The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) has announced a package of reforms aimed at dismantling regulations that restrict competition and hinder business activity, including measures affecting LPG vehicle refuelling, pet-care products, senior housing, and health supplements.
The reforms, unveiled on Monday, are part of the KFTC’s ongoing effort to identify and remove regulatory hurdles that block new market entry or limit innovation. A total of nine measures, agreed with relevant ministries, are set to be implemented later this year and in early 2026.
One of the most visible changes will allow drivers of LPG-powered vehicles to refuel their cars at self-service pumps for the first time, beginning in November. Until now, LPG refuelling required station staff, driving up labour costs and reducing access during nights and holidays. Officials expect the change to ease operating pressures on LPG stations, expand consumer choice, and boost demand for LPG vehicles, which emit fewer pollutants than petrol or diesel models.
Other reforms include:
- Pet-care products: Looser qualification requirements for managers overseeing the manufacture of pet shampoos, rinses and perfumes, enabling cosmetics companies to expand into the pet-care market and easing hiring difficulties.
- Senior housing: Clearer guidelines on what health management services may be provided in senior welfare housing, including non-medical monitoring such as blood pressure checks and emergency first aid by medical staff.
- Health supplements: Expanding the right to apply for approval of new functional food ingredients to specialist distributors, not just manufacturers, allowing for more innovation and proprietary product development.
- SMEs and cooperatives: Simplified certification rules for joint-branded products and relaxed requirements for small business cooperatives applying for government support programmes.
- Safety and licensing: Online reporting for hazardous materials safety managers and clearer medical check requirements for firearms and explosives licensing.
- Waste recycling: Clarification that waste recycling firms do not face minimum vehicle capacity rules for collection and transport, removing a barrier to entry.
KFTC Chair Han Ki-jeong said the reforms are designed to prepare the economy for the future by supporting eco-friendly, low-carbon and senior-focused industries while reducing unnecessary burdens on businesses.
The commission said it will continue discussions with ministries on additional measures that were not finalised for this announcement, with further reforms to be presented by the end of the year.
