Ministry of Interior and Safety Sets Standard Fees for Local Government Administrative Services

The government is establishing standard fee amounts for various administrative service fees that vary by up to 140-fold across local governments, moving to address irrational fee disparities.

Starting on the 13th, the Ministry of Interior and Safety will conduct a legislative notice regarding amendments to "the regulations on collection standards for national unified fees under Article 139(1) proviso of the Local Autonomy Act," setting standard amounts for 160 fee categories that show significant price differences between local governments.

According to the Ministry of Interior and Safety on the 12th, a comprehensive survey of 210 fee categories across local governments identified 160 fee types with large differences between local governments, which have been added as targets for standard fee collection.

Until now, only 27 fee categories had standard amounts specified in laws and regulations, with specific amounts delegated to local government ordinances. However, even for identical administrative services, fees have varied significantly between local governments.

Notably, in the case of "petroleum retail business (gas station) registration" fees, Samcheok in Gangwon Province charged only 500 won, while Chuncheon and Yangyang, which belong to the same metropolitan government, charged 70,000 won—a difference of up to 140-fold.

With the amendment of related regulations, the total number of fee categories subject to standard fee collection will increase from the existing 27 to 187.

When it is necessary to consider regional characteristics, local governments are granted discretion to adjust within 50% of the standard amount through ordinance (previously 10%).

An official from the Ministry of Interior and Safety stated, "This amendment comprehensively addresses fees with large differences among local governments and enhances fairness in citizens' fee payments."