Importing Goods into South Korea from USA
Transferring residences from the USA to Korea, whether you’re an expat or a returning citizen, can be pretty tedious. The paper work for both your residential and work permits and the shipment of your properties can be cumbersome. The overview of the shipping guidelines should help you through the process.
On household goods and effects
All household items and personal effects are considered used and could be imported duty-free as long as they have been in possession of the consignee for more than six months. These goods must, of course, be at the port(s) of South Korea within six months of the consignee’s arrival.
To clear these items, the consignee needs to present the original air bills or express bills (if shipped by sea). If the shipments are for an entire family, the passports of each family member should be presented to the Customs Agent. A full inventory is also in order with the shipments itemized, the quantity for each item stated, and the value of these items declared (as second hand goods).
If the consignee is a foreign resident, s/he will have to secure a work permit from the South Korea Embassy in the USA first, declaring that s/he will be residing in South Korea for more than 12 months. Upon the consignee’s arrival at the airport, s/he must also submit a General Declaration of Customs.
The clearance period for items shipped by air usually takes three to four days. If shipped by sea, the clearance period runs from eight to thirty days, depending on the number of items in the container. To hasten the process, consignees are advised to pack used and brand new items separately. Electronics should also be packed and labeled accordingly.
Returning Korean citizens must have lived abroad for more than 24 months (alone) or 12 months (with family) to be able to import household items. The clearance process does not require consignees to be present, but it is advisable for returning Korean nationals to be present during the inspection. All items which are considered “new” will be taxed and levied with customs duties.
On vehicles
The information on importing vehicles into Korea from the USA all pertain to personal motor vehicles. The declared necessary documents for this vehicle type are as follows:
i. AWL or OBL
ii. The consignee’s passport and Visa
iii. Residence and work permit for foreign residents, or proof or residence and employment abroad for returning locals.
iv. Detailed documents regarding the car’s make, age, the consignee’s length of ownership and the pertinent invoices/deeds
v. Clearance that the car is not involved in any criminal cases abroad
vi. General Declaration of Customs
vii. Documents pertaining to the vehicle’s insurance
All vehicles imported into Korea are dutiable and taxed, no matter what their ages are. Imported cars cannot be sold within three years upon its arrival to the country, and after three years, duties must still be paid to the Customs Agency for the vehicle to be sold.
There are no specific details online pertaining to the shipment or importation of boats, industrial machinery, and motor homes. It is understood that similar documentation for these vehicles are required to ship them into the country from the USA. They’re not listed as prohibited items. Duties and taxes will also be applied, unless the consignee enjoys diplomatic privileges. Diplomats shipping in household items may also enjoy duty- and tax-free transport of goods as long as they can provide and Exemption Certificate of Duty and a Customs Application form bearing the Seal of the Embassy and the signature of the Ambassador.
The information above is only a guideline and may not be complete. It is also understood that customs regulations change all the time. For the consignee’s assurance, s/he is advices to consult the Embassy of Korea in the USA before the shipment of the goods or vehicles. Korea is also particular about its wood packaging. The wood needs to be treated for pests. To know more about this, a consultation with the Embassy of Korea in the USA is necessary.