Koreans will no longer be able to directly purchase certain over-the-counter drugs, such as Tylenol (ingredient: acetaminophen), from overseas.

According to industry watchers, the Korea Customs Service has reportedly established a system to strengthen domestic customs clearance for Tylenol, Tums (antacids), and minoxidil products (hair loss).

The system follows the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's request to the Korea Customs Service to block customs clearance for the products two years ago, as the number of people buying cheaper products started to increase.

Notably, the purchase of Tylenol using such sites had increased significantly in recent years as Korea faced a shortage of the product during the Covid-19 pandemic.

MallTail, a cross-border shopping site, also announced in a notice that Tylenol, Minoxidil, and Tums have been banned from clearing customs.

"Tylenol products containing acetaminophen, Tums digestive products, and Minoxidil products have been designated as hazardous drugs and cannot be cleared by customs," the shopping site said. "The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has determined that there is a risk of harm to public health."

To purchase such items, users will need to provide a document of approval from the Minister of Food and Drug Safety, it added.