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Import to South Korea
As a digital powerhouse and leader in the semiconductor industry, South Korea is an ideal location for ambitious tech traders. Although exporting to South Korea carries heavy regulations, the TecEx DDP shipping solution will allow you to enter the market smoothly.
Tax
up to 10%
Duties
up to 18%
Lead Times
3-4 weeks
Restricted Items
Refurbished Goods, Second-hand Goods, and Products Produced by Samsung
Best Carrier Option
Courier or Freight Forwarder
Non-Working Days
Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays
Prominent Language
Korean
Exporting to South Korea
According to The Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), South Korea’s top exports include integrated circuits, refined petroleum, cars, broadcasting equipment, and motor vehicle parts and accessories, mainly to China, the US, Vietnam, Japan, and Hong Kong. South Korea’s top imports include crude petroleum, integrated circuits, petroleum gas, coal briquettes, and refined petroleum, mainly from China, the US, Japan, Australia, and Saudi Arabia.
South Korea has a formidable digital economy full of tech trade opportunities. With the world’s fastest web speeds, heavy investments in innovative technology, highly advanced ICT infrastructure, broad FTAs, tech-savvy citizens, and various initiatives to advance the country, exporting to South Korea could be profitable for tech traders. AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity are just a few sectors with potential for importers.
South Korea is a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC). APEC has a Committee on Trade and Investment (CTI) forum, which, according to APEC, exists to encourage solidarity as well as individual actions to facilitate an open trade environment, expand trade opportunities, and “develop initiatives to improve the flow of goods, services, capital, and technology.” The APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 has three drivers for a prosperous Asia-Pacific community. These are trade and investment, innovation and digitalization, and sustainable and inclusive growth.
Additionally, South Korea has 21 Free Trade Agreements (FTA) that importers and exporters can take advantage of. Two significant FTAs are AKFTA and KORUS FTA.
AKFTA
South Korea has a Free Trade Agreement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Importers and exporters that comply with AKFTA Rules of Origin can apply for preferential tariff treatment. Tariff rates are based on HS codes, and Singapore notably faces zero tariffs in trade with South Korea. Exporters wishing to benefit from this FTA require a Certificate of Origin (COO).
KORUS FTA
With the Free Trade Area between the US and South Korea, importers can benefit from a lower tariff rate and no duties if the goods originate from the US. A self-certification of origin is acceptable, but this application requires several documents. Korean Customs can request to authenticate this claim later, but failure to supply the necessary documents will result in penalties. It’s best to consult an expert like TecEx to navigate KORUS FTA imports smoothly.
South Korea is a notable leader in the international semiconductor market. In just 2022, South Korean manufacturers purchased $22 billion worth of semiconductor equipment. 18.9% of its exports in 2022 were semiconductors. This reflects vast opportunities to import semiconductor equipment, especially from the USA and Japan.
Other opportunities for semiconductor companies include temporary imports of products for trade events like SEMICON KOREA. In 2024, over 500 companies presented semiconductor equipment and materials at the event.
Delivery Duty paid DDP Shipping to South Korea
With our DDP shipping to South Korea, TecEx manages your shipment from door to door. From preparing your import declaration in Korean as required by customs to the last-mile delivery, we take all of the stringent import responsibilities off your hands.
Many tech goods require a Korean Certificate and potentially an Electrical Safety Certificate to be imported into South Korea. Some goods may have additional compliance requirements, such as obtaining Government Permission. Applications for the various certificates and permissions can be lengthy and costly. With TecEx DDP shipping to South Korea, we understand what regulations apply to a shipment, how to comply with them, and how to get the necessary documents together as fast as possible.
Furthermore, temporary imports to South Korea can be tricky, and importers must navigate applications and duties while ensuring their goods are stored in a bonded area. You’ll also need to understand temporary import options like the ATA Carnet. TecEx can help you temporarily import semiconductor goods to South Korea while you can focus on testing new markets.
We also offer Exporter of Record (EOR) solutions for South Korea. Exporting strategic goods is a complex process that requires additional permissions and licenses. As compliance experts in South Korea, we can assist you with safely exporting tech goods from South Korea.
Population
51,71 M
Biggest Industry by Export
Electrical and Electronic Machinery
Capital City
Seoul
Biggest Industry by Import
Mineral Fuels
Unique Pain Points
Exporting to South Korea means navigating stringent trade regulations. Certifications for tech goods like the KC and ESC can take weeks to obtain, and strategic tech goods may require Government Permission to be imported. These lengthy processes can delay your shipments, especially if you face them without a global compliance expert.
Certain technological goods may require additional documents, such as battery safety tests, to be imported to Korea. A pilot scheme for EV Battery Safety Certification has recently been launched. This scheme requires the rigorous testing of batteries to check for issues such as overheating, overcharging, and thermal shock.
Shipping secondhand or repaired tech goods to South Korea is also challenging. This brings additional compliance requirements and necessitates more documents. Refurbished goods may be re-imported while still under warranty, but this is not always the case. It’s best to consult a specialist like TecEx to ensure import compliance.
Additionally, exporting from South Korea requires understanding its extensive export controls. These cover goods with defense, military, or nuclear capabilities and goods subject to the Wastes Control Act.
The import and export of waste in South Korea are regulated per the OECD requirements and the Basel Convention. Under the Wastes Control Act, South Korea’s EPR Scheme includes the Act on Resource Recirculation of Electrical and Electronic Waste and End-of-Life Vehicles. This stipulates that imported tech goods like batteries, TVs, and cell phones must be recycled or reused.
Importers must report not only on imports but also on wastage and recycled goods. They must collect products at the end of their lifecycles to recycle them or pay for this to be done on their behalf. TecEx can assist you with the reverse logistics required to collect your goods for recycling.
Countries Associated with South Korea
Asia
Japan
Asia
China
Specific Compliance Regulations
Korea Certification | KC South Korea
This certificate is compulsory for importing many products into South Korea to ensure their safety and quality meet Korean standards. It is also necessary to import any finished parts into South Korea. The KC can take up to 6 weeks to acquire and costs up to $3,000.
Electrical Safety Certificate | ESC South Korea
Various electrical devices require an ESC to be imported into South Korea. This includes power supplies or adaptors exceeding 32V specifications and LCD screens larger than 3.4 inches.
Government Permission to Export Strategic Goods from South Korea
Strategic products cannot easily be exported from South Korea. Strategic goods refer to dual-use goods, technology, and software that can be misappropriated to develop weapons or weapons of mass destruction. These are defined by global organizations like the Foreign Trade Act, Public Notice on Trade of Strategic Items, Defense
Acquisition Program Act, and the Nuclear Safety Act.
Exporting strategic goods from South Korea requires Government Permission and an export license, which can take at least 4 weeks and incur additional costs. The South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (MOTIE) controls licenses for dual-use goods. Items not considered strategic goods but with potential for weaponization may require a situational license to be exported.
Exporting these goods without a license can result in seven years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to five times the transaction’s value, or both.
Important Dates
South Korea observes several public holidays. A significant one is the Lunar New Year, which usually falls in late January or early February. It is celebrated on the day of, the day before, and the day after. The mid-Autumn festival of Chuseok is also celebrated for three days, starting on the 15th day of the 8th month on the lunisolar calendar. Celebrations like these and other public holidays can affect trade and cause delays.
Your global trade solution for South Korea
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