With summer approaching, demand for insecticides is surging.

However, pharmacies are struggling with a wave of product returns. Let’s take a look at why this is happening.

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

The problem is that with only one week left until the grace period ends, pharmaceutical companies and brands have inconsistent return policies and supply capabilities, leaving local pharmacies unsure of how to handle their inventory.

A pharmacist in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, expressed frustration, stating that even though it is the peak summer season when demand for mosquito and cockroach repellents spikes, the delayed response from pharmaceutical companies makes it difficult to decide whether to stock more products or remove them from shelves immediately.

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 the official approval stamp before the July 1 deadline.

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

(Source: Maeil Business Newspaper, Video Source: Choroknuri, the Living Chemical Products Safety Portal)