Asia
Trade terms in South Korea: what works and what catches people out
Import declarations in Korea are normally prepared by the importer, in Korean. Regulated goods such as pharmaceuticals and medical devices can only be imported by licensed importers. Whether a foreign seller can act as importer for DDP is not yet verified.
Record last reviewed · Check a route to South Korea →
DDP when importing into South Korea Unverified Unverified
Can a foreign seller clear the goods and pay import taxes in this country?
Not yet verified. trade.gov only states that the import declaration is normally prepared by the importer in Korean. We still need a Korea Customs Service source on non-resident importers.
Sources: U.S. International Trade Administration (trade.gov) · last checked
CIF when importing into South Korea Unverified Unverified
Can the seller buy the cargo insurance abroad for goods going into this country?
No CIF barrier is listed for South Korea in ICC's January 2025 barrier tables. We have not yet checked national sources, so treat this as unverified.
Sources: International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) · last checked
CIP when importing into South Korea Unverified Unverified
Can the seller buy the cargo insurance abroad for goods going into this country?
No CIP barrier is listed for South Korea in ICC's January 2025 barrier tables. We have not yet checked national sources, so treat this as unverified.
Sources: International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) · last checked
EXW when exporting from South Korea Unverified Unverified
Can a foreign buyer handle export clearance out of this country?
No EXW barrier is listed for South Korea in ICC's January 2025 barrier tables. We have not yet checked national sources, so treat this as unverified.
Sources: International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) · last checked
FCA when exporting from South Korea Unverified Unverified
Are there export-filing traps when the buyer arranges carriage from this country?
No FCA barrier is listed for South Korea in ICC's January 2025 barrier tables. We have not yet checked national sources, so treat this as unverified.
Sources: International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) · last checked
FOB when exporting from South Korea Unverified Unverified
Are there local quirks with FOB when shipping from this country?
No FOB barrier is listed for South Korea in ICC's January 2025 barrier tables. We have not yet checked national sources, so treat this as unverified.
Sources: International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) · last checked
Key facts
- Licences & registrations ✓ Verified
Medical devices and pharmaceuticals must be registered with the Ministry of Food & Drug Safety and can only be imported by licensed importers.
Sources: U.S. International Trade Administration (trade.gov) · last checked
What catches people out
- Documents ✓ Verified
The bill of lading is expected to show the freight and insurance charges; if the exporter is responsible for insurance under the agreed rule, an insurance policy or certificate is required.
Sources: U.S. International Trade Administration (trade.gov) · last checked
Sources used on this page
- South Korea – Import Requirements and Documentation — U.S. International Trade Administration (trade.gov)
- National regulatory barriers to the Incoterms® 2020 rules (updated January 2025) — International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
Snapshot as of December 2024, compiled from ICC national committees. Used as a lead list: facts that rely only on this document are flagged for review until confirmed against national law.
'Needs review' means the fact relies on a secondary source (often ICC's January 2025 barrier list) or an inference we have not yet confirmed against the national law. Spotted an error or a change? Tell us.