Government to allow single managers to oversee multiple AI cosmetic stores

The Ministry of Finance and Economy plans to amend cosmetics regulations in 2027 to allow one dispensing manager to oversee multiple locations using AI automation. This policy change follows demonstration special cases running until this December and aims to support a data infrastructure containing skin information from 17,000 people.

An era is approaching where artificial intelligence (AI) analyzes skin conditions and automated devices directly dispense cosmetics. In response to the pace of technological advancement, movements have begun to completely overhaul the existing regulatory framework.

According to a policy analysis from the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the government is pursuing an amendment to cosmetics regulations in 2027 to improve management methods for customized cosmetics stores using AI automation technology. The core of this change involves the operational methods of "dispensing managers." Currently, a dispensing manager must be stationed at every customized cosmetics store. If one operator runs two stores, they are required to have two managers, one for each location.

However, questions have been raised regarding whether it is necessary for managers to be stationed at every store in environments where automated devices dispense cosmetics. Consequently, the government plans to improve the system so that, when AI automation devices are utilized, a single dispensing manager can integrally manage the quality, hygiene, and safety of finished products across multiple stores.

Establishing Safety Standards and Data Infrastructure for Technological Advancement

The government clarified that the role of the expert is not being reduced. Even if automated devices mix raw materials, verifying the hygiene of dispensing tools, the accuracy of raw material mixing, and the safety of the final finished products remains the domain of experts. The essence of this policy is to change the "management method" so that experts can manage more efficiently in line with technological progress.

Safety measures against potential machine errors will also be established. The government plans to establish guidelines regarding "regular inspection items and calibration eligibility assessment" to allow for periodic checks on whether automated devices perform their required functions and whether measurements are accurate. The intention is to increase technical reliability by establishing standards to verify machine accuracy.

Strengthening the data infrastructure, which is central to AI customized services, will be carried out in parallel. The government will reorganize a databank that has accumulated skin characteristic information from approximately 17,000 people across 18 countries into a form optimized for AI learning. Through this, the government plans to expand the foundation for companies to develop sophisticated skin analysis and customized solutions. Additionally, a total of 7.2 billion won will be supported for corporate joint research and development (R&D) from this year to next year to develop AI technology in the fields of quality and processes that cosmetics companies can use collectively.

2027 Regulation Amendment Planned; Field Application Date Undetermined

However, these changes will not be applied to the field immediately. The plan announced by the government aims for an amendment to the cosmetics regulations in 2027. The currently ongoing demonstration special cases are scheduled to run until this December, after which the government is expected to begin full-scale legislative amendments following a process of gathering opinions from the industry.

Therefore, the introduction of automated devices does not mean a single manager can immediately manage multiple stores. The actual subjects of application and the timing may vary depending on the regulations and detailed standards to be finalized in the future. Companies preparing for related businesses should confirm the finalized standards through official announcements from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in the future.

Source: original video (YouTube)