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Compare Country Trade Regulations

Pick up to 4 economies and see customs authorities, licensing regimes, prohibited & restricted lists, sanctions overlays and dispute forums side by side. Decision-support only - always confirm with local counsel.

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South Korea
KR →
IntroSouth Korea operates a highly automated customs regime through the Korea Customs Service (KCS) and the UNI-PASS single window. Export controls sit with MOTIE and the Strategic Trade Institute of Korea (KOSTI). Korea's dense FTA network (with US, EU, UK, ASEAN, CPTPP-pending, RCEP) makes origin discipline critical.
Primary authorities
  • Korea Customs Service (KCS)Customs entry, tariff, valuation, UNI-PASS filings.
  • MOTIE / KOSTIStrategic goods, dual-use export controls, wassenaar alignment.
  • MFDSFood, pharma, medical device, cosmetic import approval.
  • NRS / KATSKC mark conformity, radio equipment (RRA).
Licensing regimes
  • Strategic goods export licenceMultilateral regime items (Wassenaar, NSG, MTCR, AG). · MOTIE/KOSTI
  • K-BASIS chemical importK-REACH pre-registration & registration. · NIER
  • Food import declarationMFDS overseas facility registration + shipment-level declaration. · MFDS
  • AEO (Authorised Economic Operator)Tiered A/AA/AAA - MRA with US, EU, China, Japan, ASEAN. · KCS
Prohibited goods
  • · Beef with BSE risk (case-by-case age/origin controls).
  • · Radioactive material without NSSC licence.
  • · IPR-infringing goods (Customs Act §235).
  • · Publications / media violating National Security Act.
Restricted goods
  • · Strategic dual-use goods requiring MOTIE licence.
  • · Chemicals - K-REACH tonnage-band registration.
  • · Waste (Basel-aligned) - MoE approval.
  • · Cosmetic ingredients - MFDS negative list.
Labelling requirements
  • · KC mark on regulated electrical, telecom and consumer goods.
  • · Korean-language labelling for retail food (aligned Codex).
  • · Cosmetic labelling per MFDS notification; children's product safety label under KATS.
Sanctions overlay
  • · UNSC measures implemented via Presidential decrees.
  • · Autonomous DPRK sanctions - the world's most granular, including secondary-shipping restrictions and North Korea-nexus screening.
  • · Aligns with G7 Russia price cap and dual-use export controls on Russia/Belarus.
Dispute resolutionCustoms objection within 90 days; National Tax Tribunal appeal. KCAB (Korean Commercial Arbitration Board) is the primary domestic institutional forum with KCAB International rules for cross-border. NY Convention party since 1973.
Official sources

Frequently asked questions

How do I compare import regulations between two countries?

Pick two to four countries above. The table lines up the customs authority, import licensing, VAT/GST rate, prohibited and restricted goods, sanctions overlays and dispute forums, with links to each official source.

Is this comparison legal advice?

No. It is decision support built from published government sources. Regulatory positions change often, so confirm every action with the named authority or licensed local counsel before you ship.

Where do I calculate the duty once I know the rules?

Use the Import Duty & VAT Calculator for a quick CIF-based estimate, or the Landed Cost Calculator for the full cost stack including freight, insurance and destination charges.

Next step: Import Duty & VAT Calculator or Landed Cost Calculator. Last reviewed 14 October 2026.

Comparison is decision-support only. Regulatory positions change frequently - confirm every action with the named authorities or licensed local counsel.