South Korea reports progress toward establishing an international regulatory benchmark for its seaweed export industry at the United Nations food standards body, Codex Alimentarius. At the 49th Codex Alimentarius Commission general assembly in Switzerland, a draft global standard for “gim” (dried, roasted and seasoned seaweed sheets) advances after passing a mid-level review. The reporting says the absence of an agreed Codex standard had previously left exporters to manage a fragmented set of national rules, creating additional financial and logistical burdens for suppliers from a country described as accounting for more than 70% of global seaweed trade. The draft standard is described as defining and classifying dried, roasted and seasoned types, establishing quality baselines, and setting limits on the mixing ratios of other local marine plants. Supporters say the measure is intended to reduce non-tariff barriers and make it easier for Korean products to meet regulatory expectations in multiple markets. The step is also linked to South Korea’s goal of reaching $1.8 billion in annual seaweed exports by 2030.