How to Import from South Korea to US: Clear Guide

South Korea is a major trading partner with the United States. In 2024, two-way trade between the two nations exceeded $239 billion. This is an 8% increase from the previous year.¹ If you’re a US business looking to diversify your supply chain or source new products, it’s essential that you learn how to import from South Korea.

Key takeaways:

• South Korea offers competitive manufacturing and advanced technology under favorable trade terms
• Proper documentation and compliance are essential for smooth imports
• Strategic payment methods can save substantial money on currency conversion
• Understanding shipping options and customs procedures prevents costly delays

Consider a Wise Business account for low-cost, multi-currency transactions and free tools and templates for businesses importing from around the world.
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How to Import from South Korea: Key Steps

Source Suppliers and Products from South Korea

Finding reliable suppliers, especially in today’s volatile global markets, requires hard work. Dedication to staying current on import/export laws and procedures is also needed to keep up to date. South Korea’s primary exports are electronics, automotive parts, textiles, cosmetics, and advanced manufacturing. The tariff rate to import into the United States, as of July 30, 2025, is 15%.²

Tariff rates have been subject to change over recent months therefore it's best to check official sources for any changes.

You can learn more about sourcing on established platforms like Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) or Alibaba's Korean supplier section. For best results, ask for samples and verify certifications from potential suppliers. Korean manufacturers often hold ISO certifications and comply with international quality standards.

The worst thing you can do is rush the process. Allow a vetting period of 30-60 days to prevent costly mistakes that can hurt you down the line. You should also consider attending trade shows like the Korea Electronics Show or Seoul Fashion Week. These events provide direct access to manufacturers and allow you to assess product quality firsthand.

Negotiate Terms and Contracts

Korean business owners value honor and strive to form long-term business relationships. They also prefer to do business with a formal agreement in place. Korean manufacturers, in particular, want detailed contracts that clearly outline product specifications. They should also mention delivery schedules and quality standards.

Payment terms could include a down payment with a balance due upon shipment. For larger orders, the shipper might accept a letter of credit and offer net terms. Korean suppliers expect negotiation and often have flexibility on pricing. This is especially true for repeat customers. Hone your “haggling skills” before discussing terms.

Include penalty clauses for late deliveries and quality issues. Korean manufacturers are generally reliable. However, having these protections in your contract provides leverage if problems arise. You’ll also want to be careful about quantities. Mistakes on a small shipment won’t hurt you that much. Getting it wrong on a large shipment can be financially devastating.

Choose a Payment Method to Use when Importing from South Korea

International wire transfer fees are expensive. They can range as high as $50 in some cases.³ That’s not something you want to overlook when learning how to import goods from South Korea. The median fee is $45, and that doesn’t count the additional fee the bank will charge for a currency conversion. Those fees typically range from 1% to 3% over the mid-market rate.

If your goal is to learn how to import used clothes from South Korea, your margins will be small, making those transfer fees cost-prohibitive. Exploring how to import a car from South Korea might make the fee insignificant, unless you do it monthly in bulk.

Wise Business is a smart solution, with low and transparent fees. You can save time and money when making payments in South Korean Won. Make sure to explore Wise before finalizing a deal.

🔍 More in this article
What South Korean Import Regulations Are There? How Can I Ship from South Korea to the US? South Korea Tariffs, Duties, and Taxes Documentation Requirements What Are Some Common Challenges When Importing from South Korea? Streamline Your International Payments with Wise Business

What South Korean Import Regulations Are There?

What can I Import From South Korea?

South Korea produces virtually everything US businesses need, from advanced semiconductors to traditional textiles. Popular import categories include:

• Electronics and technology components
• Automotive parts and accessories
• Cosmetics and personal care products
• Textiles and apparel
• Machinery and industrial equipment
• Food products and beverages

The key is ensuring your chosen products meet US safety and regulatory standards. Korean products generally comply with international standards, but verification is essential.

Restricted and Prohibited Goods

The US restricts certain imports from South Korea. This includes items that could affect national security or public health. Prohibited items include:

• Certain pharmaceuticals without FDA approval
• Military or dual-use technology
• Protected wildlife products
• Counterfeit goods

Some electronics require FCC certification before importation. For instance, importing a car involves additional EPA and DOT compliance requirements that can be complex and expensive.

Required Licenses and Permits

Most consumer goods don't require special licenses, but certain categories do:

• Food products need FDA registration
• Medical devices require FDA clearance
• Telecommunications equipment needs FCC approval
• Textiles must comply with labeling requirements

Start the licensing process early – some approvals can take 90 days or more. Working with a customs broker familiar with your product category can streamline this process.

How Can I Ship from South Korea to the US?

How to Choose a Shipping Method

Express freight takes roughly three days, compared to the eight to ten days for air freight or as much as thirty days for ocean freight. As you might expect, the slower methods are also the cheapest. For example, an ocean shipment that costs $195 could cost you over $1,000 if you ship by air. On average, air freight is 12% to 16% higher than sea freight.⁴

For small, high-value items, air freight makes sense. Bulk orders of lower-value goods typically ship via ocean freight. Many importers use a combination of air freight for urgent orders and sea freight for regular inventory replenishment. Consolidation services that combine multiple small shipments into larger containers can reduce costs by 20-30%.

Customs Clearance Procedures

US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) requires advance notification through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system. Your customs broker handles this filing, but you must provide accurate product information and values. Don’t guess. Make sure all products are properly weighed and quantities are double-checked before shipping.

CBP also randomly inspects shipments, typically 3% to 5% of the time. Consider that part of the cost of doing business. The simplest inspection, an X-ray of your container or other conveyance, costs about $300. If the agent decides to conduct an "intensive exam," opening a container to look at the contents, your fee could amount to $1,000 or more.

Incoterms and Their Impact on Shipping

Understanding international commercial terms, also called incoterms, prevents costly misunderstandings. Common terms for Korean imports include:

• FOB (Free on Board): You're responsible once the goods leave the Korean port
• CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight): Supplier handles shipping to your port
• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Supplier handles everything, including US duties

DDP seems convenient but often includes inflated costs. Most experienced importers prefer FOB terms for better cost control. You’ll learn more with experience.

South Korea Tariffs, Duties, and Taxes

Understanding South Korea's Free Trade Agreements

One of the most significant changes in trading with South Korea is the elimination of the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement (KORUS). This was enacted in 2007⁵ That agreement removed tariffs on 95% of consumer and industrial products shipped from South Korea. In 2025, US President Trump rescinded that agreement and instituted a 15% flat tariff on South Korean imports.

What is the Import Tax from South Korea?

The Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) provides duty rates for virtually everything. This customs fee is calculated at 0.3464% of the entered value (the cost of the merchandise, as entered on the commercial invoice you provide to your customs broker), with a minimum of $31.67 and a maximum of $614.35 for the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF).

How to Calculate VAT for South Korea?

The US doesn't impose VAT on imports, but you may pay state and local sales taxes when selling imported goods to customers. Those taxes vary by state and product category. This is one of the more commonly overlooked costs when new importers are learning how to import goods from South Korea. The cost could be significant.

Customs Valuation Methods

CBP, not the importer, makes the final determination of what the correct rate of duty is. US Customs values imports based on transaction value. They charge you on what you actually paid for the goods. This includes the product cost plus any commissions, assists, or royalties. Be careful. Penalties for customs fraud can reach 300% of the duty owed plus criminal charges.

Documentation Requirements

Commercial Invoice

Your commercial invoice must include specific information. This includes: complete product descriptions and country of origin. It should also have unit values and total shipment value. It is very important that this information be detailed and accurate. What is described on the invoice will determine the classification number and duty rate that Customs assigns to the item when it arrives in the United States.

Packing List

The packing list details exactly what's in each box or container. This document helps customs officers verify shipment contents during inspections. Make sure the dimensions and weights for each package are accurate. Accurate packing lists can speed up the clearance process and reduce inspection likelihood. This is especially important if you ship frequently.

Bill of Lading

The bill of lading serves as your receipt for shipped goods and a contract with the carrier. For ocean freight, you'll receive either a house bill (from your freight forwarder) or a master bill (from the steamship line). Ensure all information matches your other documents exactly. Discrepancies between documents will trigger customs delays.

Certificate of Origin

KORUS required a certificate of origin proving goods qualified for preferential treatment. That no longer applies, but the certificate of origin may still be required. Your Korean supplier typically provides this document, but you should verify that they understand the requirements. Some products qualify for self-certification, but those that don’t will be stopped at customs.

Other Specific Documents

Depending on your products, additional documents may include:

• FDA registration for food products
• FCC certificates for electronics
• Safety certifications for children's products
• Phytosanitary certificates for agricultural items

What Are Some Common Challenges When Importing from South Korea?

Language Barriers

While most Korean businesspeople speak English, technical specifications and contracts may require translation. Misunderstandings about product requirements can cost time and money. Consider hiring a Korean-speaking agent or translator for complex negotiations. The investment pays off through clearer communication and stronger supplier relationships.

Quality Control

Korean manufacturers generally maintain high standards, but quality expectations can vary between cultures. Establish clear quality specifications and inspection procedures before production begins. Consider third-party inspection services for large orders. These services typically cost $300 to $800 per inspection, but can prevent expensive quality problems.

Supply Chain Disruptions

Global events after the 2020 pandemic highlighted supply chain vulnerabilities. Korean suppliers may face raw material shortages or shipping delays beyond their control. Maintain relationships with backup suppliers and keep higher inventory levels for critical items. For instance, used clothing imports might face additional delays due to inspection requirements.

Streamline Your International Payments with Wise Business

Managing international payments efficiently can make or break your import operation. Banks often charge hidden fees through poor exchange rates and transfer costs, eating into your profit margins. Wise is not a bank, but a Money Services Business (MSB) provider and a smart alternative to banks.

The Wise Business account offers:

• Mid-market exchange rates with no hidden markups
• Transparent, low fees starting from 0.43%
• Multi-currency accounts to hold Korean won and US dollars
• Fast transfers typically arrive within 1-2 business days
• Integration with accounting software for seamless bookkeeping

Register with Wise Business 🚀

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Importing from South Korea offers tremendous opportunities for US businesses willing to navigate the process properly. Success requires attention to detail, strong supplier relationships, and efficient financial management. By following this guide and leveraging modern payment solutions, you can build a profitable import operation that scales with your business growth.

	Editor & Business Expert:
	Panna is an expert in US business finance, covering topics from invoicing to international expansion. She creates guides and reviews to help businesses save time and make informed decisions. You can read more useful business articles on her author profile.

	Author:
	Kevin D. Flynn is a retired financial professional, business coach, and financial writer. He lives in Leominster, Massachusetts with his wife Evelyn, two cats, and ten wonderful grandchildren. When he’s not working, you’ll find him at the golf course or on his back porch reading classic sci-fi novels.

Sources:

1. Korea | United States Trade Representative
2. Trump says US will set 15% tariff on South Korean imports under new deal | Reuters
3. Wire Transfer Fees: What Banks Charge - NerdWallet
4. Air Freight vs. Sea Freight: Which is Best for Your Business | Easyship
5. South Korea Free Trade Agreement - United States Department of State
6. Determining Duty Rates | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
   All sources checked December 2025.