Mercury-containing cosmetics from China sold in Korea

Whitening cosmetics products containing mercury 58,000 times of the permissible level, which are produced in China, are circulating in South Korea. Such products are reportedly circulating in secrecy at Jangmadang (black market) in North Korea as well.

According to the Korea Customs Service on Sunday, the agency has launched disposal process for “Vison Cream,” which was found to have contained heavy metal far exceeding the permissible level. The cosmetics made in China were smuggled into South Korea through travelers’ belongings.

The permissible level of mercury in cosmetics products under the Cosmetics Safety Standards is up to 1 ppm (1 milligram per kilogram). The Korea Food and Drug Administration (Currently Korea Food and Drug Ministry) banned import of the Vison Cream in 2001, but the product is circulating in black market due to rumors that it is highly effective in whitening the skin.

The Vison Cream is also in circulation recently through Jangmadang in North Korea. According to Radio Free Asia of the U.S., the Vison Cream sells for about 10 U.S. dollars per bottle at Jangmadang in Pyongyang. North Koreans who cannot afford to high-end cosmetics products are reportedly using this relatively cheap product widely. People who lack information about harmful effect of mercury misunderstand the peeling of their skin due to exposure to heavy metal as whitening of the skin.

To ensure safety, the Korea Customs Service has decided to reinforce customs clearance of cosmetics products that are brought in through travelers’ belongings or special delivery service.