| Intro | South 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. |
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| 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).
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| 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
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Dispute resolution | Customs 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. |
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| Official sources | |
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