South Korea Customs Duty Rates 2025: Gateway to the Asian Market

As a global leader in the technology, automotive, and electronics sectors, South Korea is a strong player in foreign trade. South Korea has Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with many countries, including Turkey, and operates a transparent and orderly customs system for import and export transactions. However, customs duty rates and documentation requirements vary depending on the product, making them key factors for businesses to consider.

How Does the South Korean Customs Duty System Work?
Taxes applied during imports in South Korea are as follows:

Customs Duty: Varies from 0% to 40%

Value Added Tax (VAT): Standard rate of 10%

Special Consumption Tax: Applies to luxury and specialty items

Non-Tariff Measures: Quotas, licenses, technical regulations

Tax rates are determined based on the HS (GTIP) code of the imported product. Products entering under the FTA may be exempt from duty under certain conditions.

South Korea Customs Duty Rates (2025 - Sector-Based)
Product Group Customs Duty Rate (%) Additional Taxes
Electronic Products 0% – 8% + 10% VAT
Automotive & Parts 8% – 13% + 10% VAT + special consumption tax
Food Products (processed) 5% – 30% + 10% VAT
Textiles & Clothing 8% – 13% + 10% VAT
Cosmetics 6% – 20% + 10% VAT + 10% special tax
Alcoholic Beverages 30% – 40% + VAT + consumption tax
Note: Due to the Turkey-South Korea FTA, 0% tax is applied to many product groups for products originating in Turkey.

Documents Required for Imports to South Korea
Commercial Invoice

Packing List

Bill of Lading / Air Waybill

Certificate of Origin

Import Declaration

Product Certificates (e.g., HACCP for food, KFDA permit for cosmetics)

HS Code Determination

South Korea's Free Trade Agreements
South Korea has signed FTAs with many countries around the world. These agreements allow products to be imported with low or no customs duties. The FTA with Turkey has been in effect since 2013.

Some of the countries with which South Korea has signed FTAs:
Turkey

European Union

USA

ASEAN Countries

Canada

India

To benefit from FTA benefits, a certificate of origin (Form A.TR, EUR.1, or Korean-specific forms) must be issued.

Exporting from South Korea
South Korea offers a highly systematic structure for exporting companies. Customs procedures are largely digitalized, and declarations are submitted through the UNI-PASS system.

Documents Required for Exports:
Invoice and Packing List

Bill of Lading

Certificate of Origin

Export Declaration

Product quality certificates (if applicable)

Advantages of Trade with South Korea and Things to Consider
Advantages:
0% customs duty on many products under the FTA with Turkey

Advanced digital customs system

Transparent procedures for imports

Strong demand for technology and high-quality products

Challenges:
The certification process is sensitive

Korean language barrier (documents can be translated into the local language)

Strict inspections for food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics

Cultural differences in doing business (relationship management is important)

Conclusion: Strategic Preparation is Essential for the South Korean Market
South Korea is a strategic gateway for companies seeking to expand into the Asian market. However, a successful foreign trade process requires knowledge of customs duty rates, document preparation, and FTA advantages. With the right preparation, trading with South Korea in 2025 could be quite profitable.