Surging Demand Meets 'Return Crisis': What's Happening with Insecticides?

With summer approaching, demand for insecticides is surging.

However, pharmacies are struggling with a wave of product returns. Let's find out why.

Starting July 1, the "Biocidal Products Approval System" will be fully implemented, allowing only government-approved products to be distributed and sold.

The problem is that with only one week left until the grace period ends, pharmacies are struggling to manage their inventory because return policies and supply availability vary significantly by pharmaceutical company and brand.

A pharmacist in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, expressed frustration, noting that it is difficult to decide whether to stock up on more products or remove them from shelves immediately, as the peak summer season—when demand for mosquito and cockroach repellents skyrockets—is here, but the response from pharmaceutical companies has been delayed.

This measure does not mean that these insecticides will be permanently discontinued.

Pharmaceutical companies are currently in the process of obtaining government approval, but they have opted for temporary recalls because they have not yet received approval stamps before the July 1 deadline.

Once they receive approval, the products can be sold immediately.

(Source: Maeil Business Newspaper, Video Source: Choroknuri, the Living Chemical Products Safety Portal)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.