Import taxes and duties for shipping goods to South Korea.

Overview

When shipping goods to South Korea, the recipient is required to pay import duties and taxes, whether the goods are for personal or commercial use. The assessment method is based on the CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight) price, meaning duties and taxes are calculated on the full value of the imported goods, including the cost of the goods, insurance, and freight. In addition to duties, shipments to South Korea may also be subject to sales tax, education tax, STRD tax (Standardized Revenue Tax), transportation tax, special consumption tax, and in some cases, liquor tax.

South Korean tax and duty rates.

South Korea levies variable tariffs ranging from 0% to 40%, with an average rate of 4.17%. 
Certain types of items can be shipped to South Korea without paying customs duties, such as books.
 

Sales tax in South Korea

Shipments to South Korea are subject to Value Added Tax (VAT) at the standard rate of 10%, calculated on the total CIF (Cost, Inclusive of Tax) price plus duties and other taxes (if any).

Minimum taxes and duties in South Korea.

Goods shipped to South Korea are calculated on a CIF (Cost, Inclusive of Tax) basis. Shipments with a value not exceeding KRW 150,000 are exempt from customs duties and VAT.

Other taxes and customs fees in South Korea.

Shipments to South Korea are subject to a Special Consumption Tax (SCM) on specific goods at a rate determined by the Ad Valorem method, ranging from 5% to 20% of the total CIF price plus duties. Some goods may have additional tax calculations, such as those based on specific units of measurement.

STRD (Special Tax for Rural Development) is a tax levied on specific goods at a rate of 10% of the Special Consumption Tax.

Transportation tax is levied based on the quantity of imported goods.

Liquor tax is levied on imported alcoholic beverages at a rate between 5% and 72%, calculated based on the total CIF price plus duties, or using special methods such as per kilogram.

The Education Tax is levied at a rate between 10% and 30%, using one of the following tax bases: Special Consumption Tax, Liquor Tax, or Transportation Tax.

Location and contact information of the South Korean Customs Department.

Further information regarding import procedures and restrictions on sending goods into South Korea can be found on the South Korean Customs website:  https://www.customs.go.kr/english/main.do

How to send goods to South Korea.

For shipments to South Korea, SME SHIPPING provides document and parcel delivery services via DHL EXPRESS., FEDEX EXPRESS, TNT EXPRESS, Global Mail, and international sea freight services.