Customs - South Korea

KOREA (SOUTH)

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

Original Passport for each member of the family

Visa (valid for over one year)

Work Permit from Embassy stating that customer will be in Korea for over twelve months

Residence Card for each member of the family or an Employment Certificate (terms of stay should state over two years)

Inventory (original and one copy) must be legible and include model and serial numbers for ALL electrical appliances
Customs declaration forms
Power of Attorney
Delivery address and contact phone number
NOTE: CUSTOMER'S CORRECT NAME (AS SHOWN IN PASSPORT) MUST BE SHOWN ON ALL DOCUMENTS OTHERWISE SHIPMENT WILL NOT BE RELEASED BY KOREAN CUSTOMS

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

KOREAN CUSTOMER MUST BE PRESENT FOR CUSTOMS EXAMINATION
All shipments 100% inspected
Shipment must arrive within six months of customer's arrival (three months if coming from Southeast Asia)
Used household goods and personal effects are duty-free for foreigners, if intending to reside in Korea for over one year with family or two years alone (immigrant removal). If estimated length of stay is less than two years, shipment is classified as a quasi-immigrant removal, resulting in higher duties
Used household goods and personal effects duty-free for Koreans if they have lived in a foreign country for over two years alone; or one year with family
All items (even if used) dutiable if owner does not meet above duty-free criteria
NOTE: ALL KOREAN CUSTOMS PROCEDURES ARE TIGHTLY CONTROLLED AND CLEARANCE CAN BE OBTAINED ONLY AT BUSAN, INCHON OR SEOUL BY SURFACE; SEOUL OR BUSAN BY AIR

DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS

New items (less than six months old) or duplicate items are dutiable/taxed

Any item (new or used) valued over $1,500 is dutiable
Some electrical items, cameras (of any type), foodstuff, musical instruments, pianos, carpet, ski and air cleaners, crystal ware, golf clubs, luxurious furniture, mink coats and jewelry are all dutiable in accordance to actual condition
Alcohol and tobacco products are dutiable
CD's (five allowed import, any in excess of that must be approved by the Secretary of Culture and Athleticism with a Letter of Recommendation completed by the customer)

PROHIBITED ITEMS

Narcotics and medicines without prescriptions

Firearms, weapons and ammunition (rifles can only be imported with a special permit from the proper Korean authority)

Pornographic or politically sensitive material

Imitation banking notes or coins of foreign countries

Plants must pass inspection in the quarantine office

Meats and fish

MOTOR VEHICLES

Motor vehicles are generally dutiable regardless of whether new or used

Foreign made cars may not be sold or transferred for at least 6 months
Boats and motorcycles are dutiable
Japanese made cars are not allowed to be imported
Documents required:
- Original Registration Certificate
- Original Purchase Receipt or Invoice, with certified purchase amount
- Work Permit valid for more than one year
- Passport
- Customs Declaration
- Title
- Insurance Policy
- Vehicle must be listed on the inventory with full technical specifications (make, model, plate number, year, etc.)

PETS

Health and Rabies Inoculation Certificates required (must show proof that vaccination was administered at least 30 days prior to flight)

Quarantine of 30 days required unless imported from a rabies free country, then only a one day quarantine is required

Documents required:

Passport of owner and family

USEFUL INFORMATION

Korean customs do not allow port-to-door delivery of a loose load container. It must be unloaded at the customs bonded warehouse and inspected. After customs clearance, the goods will be transported to the residence by truck.

NOTE - Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.