Introduction – Why the FedEx Invoice Matters
When shipping packages to South Korea, one of the most common mistakes people make is submitting an incomplete or inaccurate FedEx invoice.
This small document plays a huge role in customs clearance — it tells the Korean Customs Office what’s inside, who it’s for, and how much it’s worth.
If the invoice is unclear or missing details, your shipment may get delayed, returned, or even charged unexpected taxes.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to fill out a FedEx invoice for Korea step by step, with clear examples, useful tips, and information on how ArriveKR can make the process stress-free.
1️⃣ What Is a FedEx Invoice?
A FedEx commercial invoice is an international shipping document that provides details about the contents of your package. It’s required by customs authorities to determine:
- What items are being shipped
- The declared value of each item
- Whether the shipment is for personal, gift, or commercial use
- Any taxes or duties that may apply
Even for personal shipments, a FedEx invoice is mandatory.
It serves as your shipment’s “passport” for customs clearance in Korea.
2️⃣ Basic Information You Need Before Filling It Out
Before you start completing the invoice, make sure you have the following information ready:
| Section | Information Required | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sender (From) | Your full name, address, phone, email | John Park, Toronto, Canada |
| Receiver (To) | Recipient’s full name, address in Korea, phone | Kim Jiho, Seoul, South Korea |
| Item Description | Clear, specific names for each item | T-shirt, Skincare Product, Toy |
| Quantity & Value | Number of units and accurate price | 2 pcs – USD 20 each |
| Purpose | Mark as “Gift” or “Personal Use” | Gift |
| Country of Origin | Where the goods were made | Made in Canada |
3️⃣ Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out a FedEx Invoice for Korea
Step 1: Sender and Receiver Information
- Sender: Write your full legal name, not initials.
- Receiver: Include Korean phone number — it’s crucial for customs contact.
- Make sure the address is written in English, not Korean.
Example:
Sender: John Park
Address: 123 Main St, Toronto, ON, Canada
Phone: +1-416-555-9876
Receiver: Kim Jiho
Address: 45 Gangnam-daero, Seoul, South Korea
Phone: +82-10-1234-5678
Step 2: Describe Each Item Clearly
Korea Customs requires detailed and realistic item descriptions.
| Good Example | ❌ Bad Example |
|---|---|
| Skincare Product (Moisturizer) | Cosmetics |
| Hoodie (Cotton, Size L) | Clothes |
| Toy Car (Plastic, 1 pc) | Gift |
Avoid generic terms like goods, stuff, or miscellaneous items — these trigger manual inspections.
Step 3: Declare the Value Properly
- Write the actual retail value of each item in USD.
- Do not under-declare to avoid tax — customs can re-assess values using online data.
- Include both unit price and total value per line.
Example:
| Item | Quantity | Unit Price (USD) | Total (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoodie | 1 | 40 | 40 |
| Skincare Product | 3 | 20 | 60 |
💡 Total Declared Value: USD 100 (Below Korea’s duty-free limit — ✅ No tax)
Step 4: Indicate the Purpose
Tick or write one of the following:
- Gift – for personal presents
- Personal Use – for your own items
- Sample / Commercial Use – for business purposes
If your purpose is unclear, customs might assume it’s a commercial shipment and apply tax.
Step 5: Add the Country of Origin
Every item must have a country of origin, even if all items are from the same place.
Example: Made in Canada / Made in USA / Made in Japan
This affects customs tariff rates and possible FTA exemptions (e.g., USA → Korea shipments up to USD 200 are duty-free).
Step 6: Sign and Date
At the bottom of the FedEx invoice, you’ll find a section for signature and date.
Example:
I declare that the information provided is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
Signature: John Park
Date: January 20, 2025
✍️ Don’t forget this part — missing signatures are one of the top reasons shipments get delayed in customs.
4️⃣ Sample FedEx Invoice Layout
| Section | Example Entry |
|---|---|
| Sender | John Park – Toronto, Canada |
| Receiver | Kim Jiho – Seoul, Korea |
| Description | Clothing (2 pcs), Skincare (3 pcs) |
| Quantity | 5 total |
| Total Value | USD 100 |
| Purpose | Gift |
| Country of Origin | Canada |
| Signature | John Park, Jan 20, 2025 |
If you’re using ArriveKR, you don’t need to create your own form —
our team provides a pre-filled invoice template after you submit your shipment request.
👉 Start your shipment with ArriveKR here
5️⃣ Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Result |
|---|---|
| Declaring “Gift” only | Customs delays, value check required |
| Missing phone number | FedEx can’t contact receiver |
| Under-declaring value | Re-assessment, fines, or shipment return |
| No signature/date | Invoice invalid |
| Using vague item names | Manual inspection or rejection |
✅ Pro Tip:
Double-check all spelling, especially your recipient’s phone number and postal code.
Incorrect info = delayed customs release.
6️⃣ How ArriveKR Makes the Invoice Process Easier
When shipping internationally with FedEx, you’ll need to fill out the commercial invoice yourself.
We understand that for first-time shippers, this step can feel confusing — especially when you’re unsure how to describe items, list values, or choose the right purpose.
That’s where ArriveKR can help.
While customers complete their own invoices, our team provides guidance and sample examples to make sure you understand how to do it correctly.
If FedEx later requests clarification or document updates, ArriveKR can assist by reviewing your form and helping you adjust it as needed.
💬 In short:
You write your own invoice — but you’re never on your own.
ArriveKR is always available to offer tips, explanations, and friendly support whenever you need it.
Here’s how ArriveKR can support you:
- Provide invoice templates and sample examples for reference
- Offer guidelines to avoid common mistakes (item names, values, purpose, etc.)
- Help review or clarify documents if FedEx requests revisions
- Support you during customs inquiries or follow-up requests
✅ You’re in full control of your FedEx invoice,
but ArriveKR is here to make sure you do it confidently and correctly.
7️⃣ FAQs About FedEx Invoices for Korea
Q1: Do I need an invoice for a personal shipment?
Yes. All international shipments require an invoice, even for gifts or personal items.
Q2: What happens if I forget to attach the invoice?
FedEx will hold your shipment until you email or upload it. This causes 1–2 days of delay.
Q3: Can ArriveKR make the invoice for me?
Yes! Once you complete the shipment form, ArriveKR generates and verifies the invoice for you.
Q4: Should I write in English or Korean?
Always fill in English. Customs officers in Korea process English documentation faster.
Q5: Can I include multiple categories in one invoice?
Yes, as long as each item is clearly listed with quantity and value.
Q6: Do I need to include shipping cost in total value?
Yes — Korea Customs calculates duty based on product value plus shipping cost.
8️⃣ Conclusion – Make Your Invoice Right the First Time
A properly completed FedEx invoice ensures your package arrives in Korea quickly and without problems.
By writing clear item descriptions, declaring honest values, and including all contact details,
you’ll avoid delays, extra taxes, and customs rejections.
For even faster and safer shipping, let ArriveKR handle your invoice and customs declaration for you.
We make FedEx shipping from Canada, the US, and other countries to Korea easy and reliable.

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