HS 3004Pharma & Medical · South Korea

Insulin - HS 3004 classification, duty and landed cost - Import into South Korea

Duty and tax snapshot for importing pharma & medical (HS 3004) into South Korea. Typical MFN duty ~0%, VAT 10% on CIF + duty. Decision-support only - confirm the 10-digit line and preferential status with your broker.

Typical duty

VAT

10%

Total taxes / CIF

10.0%

Worked landed-cost example

USD 50,000 FOB parcel of pharma & medical (HS 3004) shipped to South Korea.

FOB valueUSD 50,000

Origin chargesUSD 750

FreightUSD 4,000

InsuranceUSD 250

CIFUSD 55,000

Import duty @ 0%USD 0

VAT @ 10%USD 5,500

Destination inlandUSD 1,000

Landed cost ≈ USD 61,500

Run your own numbers in the Landed Cost by HS & Country tool.

Sample HS codes

Code	Description
3004.31	Medicaments containing insulin

South Korea duty regime

MFN and preferential tariffs under KORUS FTA (USA), Korea-EU FTA, RCEP, Korea-UK FTA, Korea-ASEAN, Korea-India CEPA and Korea-China FTA.

Customs notes

· HSK: 10-digit Korean tariff code (HS 6 + 4 national digits) managed by Korea Customs Service (KCS).
· UNI-PASS is the electronic clearance system.
· Individual Consumption Tax applies to select goods (autos, jewellery, tobacco, alcohol) before VAT.

Frequently asked questions

What is the typical import duty on pharma & medical (HS 3004) into South Korea?

South Korea applies an MFN duty of about 0% on HS chapter 3004 at the 6-digit line. National tariff schedules add 2–4 further digits, so the exact rate can shift once you confirm the 8- or 10-digit code. Preferential rates under FTAs (MFN and preferential tariffs under KORUS FTA (USA), Korea-EU FTA, RCEP, Korea-UK FTA, Korea-ASEAN, Korea-India CEPA and Korea-China FTA) may reduce this to 0% for qualifying origins.

How is VAT calculated on imports of pharma & medical in South Korea?

South Korea charges VAT at 10% on the CIF value plus duty. 10% VAT on CIF + duty + ICT

What is the landed cost of a USD 50,000 FOB shipment of pharma & medical into South Korea?

On a USD 50,000 FOB parcel with ~8% freight and 0.5% insurance, CIF works out to USD 55,000. Applying 0% duty and 10% VAT brings total taxes to about USD 5,500 (~10.0% of CIF). Landed at buyer's warehouse ≈ USD 61,500.

Which HS code should I use for pharma & medical in South Korea?

Start with the 6-digit international HS heading - for example 3004.31 (Medicaments containing insulin). South Korea customs then requires the full national code (8- to 10-digit national tariff line). Confirm the exact line with your licensed customs broker before filing.

Which Incoterm is best for shipping pharma & medical to South Korea?

Most importers into South Korea prefer CIF or CFR for sea freight so the seller arranges main-carriage transport, while retaining control of destination clearance. DDP shifts import duty and VAT to the seller - attractive to buyers but often priced with a risk premium. Compare all 11 Incoterms with our Landed Cost by HS & Country tool.

What documents does South Korea customs need to clear HS 3004?

HSK: 10-digit Korean tariff code (HS 6 + 4 national digits) managed by Korea Customs Service (KCS). Regulated commodities may also require a health certificate, phytosanitary certificate or import licence depending on the exact HS line.