Introduction – Understanding Customs Duty for Korea
If you’re planning to send a package to South Korea, whether it’s a gift, personal item, or online purchase, understanding Korea customs duty rules is essential.
Many shipments are delayed or charged unexpectedly because the sender or receiver didn’t know about customs limits or declaration procedures.
This guide explains, in simple terms, how Korea customs duty works for personal shipments, including the duty-free threshold, common mistakes, and helpful tips to make your shipping experience smooth and stress-free.
1. What Is Customs Duty in Korea?
Customs duty is a tax imposed on imported goods entering South Korea.
When a shipment arrives, Korea Customs Service checks the declared value and determines whether the recipient needs to pay any import duty or VAT (Value Added Tax).
In short:
- Duty applies when the total declared value exceeds the duty-free limit.
- The amount depends on the product category, declared value, and origin country.
- FedEx and ArriveKR handle customs submission on behalf of the recipient, but accurate information is required from the sender.
2. Korea’s Duty-Free Allowance for Personal Shipments
For personal shipments (non-commercial use), South Korea offers a duty-free limit of USD 150 per shipment.
This means that if the total declared value, including shipping cost, is below USD 150, no customs duty or tax will be applied.
However, note these important exceptions:
| Type | Duty-Free Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 From the United States | USD 200 | Due to the Korea–US FTA (Free Trade Agreement) |
| 🌏 From Other Countries | USD 150 | General rule for personal imports |
| 💡 Important | Value includes both product cost + shipping cost | Always declare total accurately |
If your declared value exceeds this limit, customs may apply both import duty (typically 8–13%) and VAT (10%), depending on the product.
3. Gift Shipments and Personal Use Items
If you’re sending a gift to family or friends in Korea, it’s still subject to the same customs rules.
Even gifts can be taxed if their declared value goes beyond the duty-free threshold.
Examples:
- 🎁 Gift valued at USD 120 → No duty
- 🎁 Gift valued at USD 250 → Duty and VAT applied
Tip:
Avoid declaring “Gift” only without item details.
Korea Customs requires clear item names, quantity, and realistic value.
Example declaration:
“Clothing (2 pcs) – USD 60, Cosmetics (1 pcs) – USD 30”
4. What Happens When the Duty-Free Limit Is Exceeded
When your package exceeds the duty-free limit:
- FedEx notifies the recipient (usually via text or email).
- Customs calculates the applicable duty and VAT.
- The recipient pays the amount before final delivery.
Payment can be made through online banking or directly to the customs office via the link FedEx provides.
ArriveKR monitors this process and supports customers if clarification is needed.
5. How to Declare Personal Shipments Properly
Declaring your shipment correctly is the most important part of avoiding customs problems.
Here’s what to include in your invoice:
- Accurate item description (no vague terms like “goods” or “stuff”)
- Quantity and unit value in USD
- Country of origin
- Purpose: mark as “Personal Use” or “Gift”
Example:
| Item | Quantity | Unit Price (USD) | Total (USD) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skincare Product | 3 | 20 | 60 | Personal Use |
| Hoodie | 1 | 40 | 40 | Gift |
6. Prohibited or Restricted Items
Certain items cannot be imported to Korea through regular courier services like FedEx.
Common prohibited items:
- Cash, coins, or precious metals
- Fresh food, meat, fruits
- Flammable items, perfumes, aerosols
- Loose or spare lithium batteries
Conditionally allowed items:
- Electronics with built-in batteries (e.g., laptops, cameras)
- Health supplements (under personal-use quantity)
Always check the Korea Customs Service website or contact ArriveKR for clarification before shipping.
7. Tips to Avoid Customs Delays
✔ Declare all items clearly and honestly.
✔ Include the invoice inside and outside the box.
✔ Avoid under-declaring the value — customs may re-evaluate it.
✔ Use consistent sender/receiver names and contact numbers.
✔ Respond quickly to FedEx customs inquiries.
Even small errors (like missing invoice details) can delay clearance by several days.
8. How ArriveKR and FedEx Simplify Customs for You
When shipping to Korea through ArriveKR, you don’t need to handle customs paperwork directly.
ArriveKR helps you:
- Fill out your invoice and declaration form properly
- Submit all details to FedEx correctly
- Monitor customs progress and notify you of updates
- Ensure smooth delivery to your recipient in Korea
👉 Start your shipment with ArriveKR here
9. Common FAQs About Korea Customs Duty
Q1: Do all shipments to Korea require customs duty?
No. Only if the declared value exceeds USD 150 (or USD 200 from the US).
Q2: What if I declare a lower value to avoid tax?
Under-declaration can cause fines or shipment return. Always declare accurately.
Q3: Can gifts be duty-free?
Yes, if the total value is under the duty-free limit.
Q4: Who pays customs duty – sender or receiver?
The receiver in Korea is responsible for paying customs duty.
Q5: How long does customs clearance take?
Usually within 1–2 days if documents are correct; longer if inspection is required.
Q6: Can ArriveKR help if my parcel is held at customs?
Yes. ArriveKR assists by contacting FedEx and guiding you through additional documentation.
Conclusion – Clear Customs Easily with ArriveKR
Understanding Korea customs duty for personal shipments helps you avoid delays, fines, or unexpected costs.
By providing clear invoices, realistic values, and using trusted partners like ArriveKR and FedEx, your shipment to Korea will clear customs smoothly and arrive on time.
Start your shipment today and experience stress-free international delivery.
👉 Submit your FedEx shipping request via ArriveKR
Leave a Reply