Trade in agricultural products between the European Union (EU) and South Korea is set to become more efficient with the recent agreement on digitalizing procedures.
The European Commission and South Korea have signed an administrative arrangement that focuses on electronic health certification and harmonizing certificates for the export of agricultural goods from the EU to South Korea.
This agreement reflects the trust and cooperation between the EU and South Korea, aligning with commitments made in their bilateral Free Trade Agreement and at the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Expected to be in operation before 2025, this arrangement introduces a new electronic certification exchange system for bilateral agricultural trade. It benefits both parties by reducing administrative burdens for EU exporters and bolstering Korean consumers' confidence through streamlined processes. This initiative contributes to the ongoing digitization of trade, enhancing efficiency for producers, traders, and consumers, while also saving time and resources through real-time information exchange.
The electronic certification will initially apply to EU Member States exporting processed meat, dairy, and/or egg products. Additionally, it lays the groundwork for expanded cooperation covering more commodities in the future.
With the officialization of this arrangement, technical preparations and IT infrastructure development will commence. This will pave the way for harmonized certificates and pilot programs focused on specific products.
