New Korean quarantine legislation, which came into force to combat the spread of Covid-19, is being enforced by authorities in respect of all vessel calling at Korean Ports.
Due to the number of vessel’s arriving at Korean ports without compliant PCR certificates, the KDCA, as of 8th September 2020, instructed local authorities to press criminal charges against the crew and owners that are in breach of the Quarantine Act. These charges could result in imprisonment and/or fines being imposed but almost certainly delays to the vessel’s operations.
It is highlighted that the ‘high-risk’ countries are designated by the Korean government and is updated routinely. The list currently stands as:
- Russia
- Philippine
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Uzbekistan
The PCR certificate must be issued by the designated medical institutes in those countries of which the list is available in the attachment ‘Designated Medical Institutes for PCR Certificate’.
It is highlighted that
Please be reminded that PCR certificate issued by medical institutes not designated on the list or issued at a time earlier than 48 hours of departure from port, will not be accepted by the Korean authorities.
