It has been four years since the free trade policy between China and South Korea began in December 2015. Most of the products between China and South Korea have achieved zero tax rate or partial tax reduction. However, traders still need to pay attention to the following points for cargo shipping from china to korea.
- The free trade between China and South Korea does not include the SARs of Hong Kong and Macao, so the port of departure or destination on the bill of lading, packing list and invoice cannot be Hong Kong or Macao.
- The free trade accepts the certificate of origin unilaterally. All the certificates of origin to South Korea do not need the original, the copies are acceptable, and can be inquired online through the serial number.
- The origin shipping mark is very important. For example, if China exports to South Korea, the customs clearance document must indicate made in China, and if South Korea exports to China, there must be made in Korea.
- When agricultural products, fruits, vegetables and other food products are cleared at Korean customs, they need to provide animal and plant quarantine certificate, ingredient content description, manufacturing process and health certificate, and it is possible to conduct secondary test after arrival.
- Products such as water cups and dinner plates that are directly in contact with the oral cavity are classified as food grade by the Korean customs, and also need to provide health certificate, ingredient content description and manufacturing process.
- Toys and school-age children’s clothing are also classified as class 1 food by Korean customs, because preschoolers may put toys or clothes into their mouths.
- Electronic products such as lamp with plug, electrical appliance, power supply and batteries need to apply for KC certification when to be cleared at Korean customs.
- Products of well-known brands, such as Adidas, Nike, LV and other products with registered brands, are not allowed to be imported to South Korea.
- Fumigation certificate and food quarantine shall be provided for wooden products, solid wood or straw products when imported to Korea.
- Even if the goods are imported to South Korea by express delivery, as long as the quantity is more than one or the value reaches 250 US dollars, the customs duties shall be paid at customs.
- Goods to attend the exhibition in South Korea need to go through ATA carnet customs declaration. After the exhibition, they must return to China in the same quantity, otherwise there will be 20% or more tariffs.
- For products repaired and tested in Korea, corresponding contracts can be provided for temporary import and export declaration.
- The goods need to be returned from Korea due to quality, trade or payment reasons. No matter whether the customs clearance has been completed or not, the consent of the Korean buyer is required.
- The principle of pre declaration is applied in Korean import customs clearance. Goods must be declared in Korean customs before arrival, else there will be a customs fine.
- For personal belongings, international relocation and other situations, visa and other South Korean residence certificates shall be provided during customs clearance.
- For sports goods, exhibition works of art and concert goods, ATA manual shall be handled in advance.
