Customs & Import Guide
Understand duties, taxes, and restrictions when ordering from Korea
How Customs Works
When your package arrives in your country, customs authorities may inspect it and assess import duties and taxes. The amount depends on the declared value, product type, and your country's regulations. Most personal-use orders from Korea clear customs smoothly.
Duty-Free Thresholds by Country
Orders below these values are generally exempt from import duties.
Under ยฅ16,666 โ generally duty-free
Varies by category โ check with customs
Under $800 โ duty-free (Section 321)
Under โฑ10,000 โ generally duty-free
Under โซ1,000,000 โ generally duty-free
Under เธฟ1,500 โ generally duty-free
Under ยฃ135 duty-free, but 20% VAT always applies
Under โฌ150 duty-free, but 20% TVA always applies
VAT & Duty Rates
If your order exceeds the duty-free threshold, the following rates may apply. Actual rates depend on the product type (HS code) and customs classification.
| Country | VAT | Duty | Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
| ๐ฏ๐ต Japan | 10% | 0-5% | ยฅ16,666 |
| ๐ฎ๐ฉ Indonesia | 11% | 7.5% | Varies |
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 0-10% | 0-15% | $800 |
| ๐ต๐ญ Philippines | 12% | 0-15% | โฑ10,000 |
| ๐ป๐ณ Vietnam | 10% | 0-15% | โซ1,000,000 |
| ๐น๐ญ Thailand | 7% | 0-15% | เธฟ1,500 |
| ๐ฌ๐ง UK | 20% | 0-4% | ยฃ135 |
| ๐ซ๐ท France | 20% | 0-4% | โฌ150 |
Product-Specific Tips
Cosmetics & Skincare
Generally low duty rates. No special permit for personal use. Declare as 'cosmetics for personal use'.
K-pop Albums & Books
Usually duty-free in most countries. Printed materials often have 0% duty rate.
Food & Snacks
Room-temperature packaged snacks usually clear customs. Perishable, fresh, or frozen food cannot be shipped.
Electronics
May have higher duty rates. Lithium battery items have air freight restrictions. Check destination country regulations.
Country-Specific Import Regulations
Each country has unique rules for importing cosmetics, food, and personal items. Check regulations for your destination before ordering.
๐ต๐ญPhilippines
Cosmetics & Skincare
Personal-use cosmetics generally don't need FDA Philippines registration. Orders of 3+ identical items may be flagged as commercial. Keep quantities reasonable.
Food & Snacks
Packaged room-temperature snacks (chips, candy, ramen) are allowed. Fresh, frozen, and dairy products are prohibited. Meat products require quarantine clearance.
Filipino customs (BOC) uses de minimis threshold of โฑ10,000. Orders over this may incur 12% VAT + duty.
๐ป๐ณVietnam
Cosmetics & Skincare
Personal-use cosmetics entering Vietnam are generally allowed without registration. Vietnam's Ministry of Health may inspect ingredient lists โ alcohol-based toners or products with certain active ingredients (retinol, AHA/BHA) may require additional review. Keep to 5 or fewer of the same product.
Food & Snacks
Vietnam strictly regulates imported food. Packaged snacks and candy in small quantities (personal use) usually pass. Any food in commercial quantities requires Vietnam FDA approval. All meat and dairy products are prohibited.
Vietnam customs applies โซ1,000,000 de minimis. Over this threshold: 10% VAT + 0-15% duty depending on HS code. Cosmetics are typically classified at 5-10% duty.
๐น๐ญThailand
Cosmetics & Skincare
Thai FDA requires cosmetic notification for commercial imports, but personal-use quantities (1-2 of each item) are normally exempt. Products containing whitening agents, mercury, or hydroquinone above 2% are banned. Sunscreens and anti-aging products clear customs easily.
Food & Snacks
Thailand prohibits importing meat, fresh produce, and dairy without permits. Packaged room-temperature snacks (Korean ramen, candy, chips) in small quantities for personal use are generally allowed. Avoid food items with pork or beef derivatives.
Thai customs applies เธฟ1,500 de minimis. Over this: 7% VAT + duty (cosmetics typically 5-10%, food 10-30%). Packages under 2kg with personal-use quantities rarely face delays.
๐ฌ๐งUnited Kingdom
Cosmetics & Skincare
UK has its own cosmetic regulations (UKCA) post-Brexit, but Korean cosmetics widely meet UK product safety standards. Personal-use quantities do not require product registration. Products must have English ingredient labels โ Korean products typically include these.
Food & Snacks
UK DEFRA regulations apply to food imports. Packaged room-temperature snacks (ramen, chips, candy) are generally allowed for personal use. Meat, dairy, and fresh produce face strict restrictions. Always check specific product eligibility.
UK VAT at 20% applies to ALL imports (no de minimis). Customs duty for orders over ยฃ135 โ cosmetics 0-6.5%, albums 0%, food varies. Royal Mail collects duties on delivery.
๐ซ๐ทFrance
Cosmetics & Skincare
France follows EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC 1223/2009). Korean cosmetics widely comply with EU standards. Personal-use quantities don't require EU CPNP notification. Products with certain ingredients (retinol, AHA/BHA) may be reviewed but generally pass customs.
Food & Snacks
France applies strict EU food safety regulations. Packaged room-temperature snacks in personal quantities generally clear customs. DGCCRF may inspect food imports โ all meat and dairy products are heavily restricted.
French TVA at 20% applies to all imports. Customs duty for orders over โฌ150 โ cosmetics 0-6.5%, printed materials 0%, food 5-20%. La Poste collects duties on delivery.
Restricted Items
- โขStandalone lithium batteries โ air freight restriction
- โขFlammable liquids, aerosols, and compressed gases
- โขPerishable food requiring refrigeration or freezing
- โขPrescription medication and controlled substances
Tips for Smooth Clearance
- โKeep orders under the duty-free threshold when possible
- โSplit large orders into multiple shipments to stay under limits
- โKeep your purchase receipt โ KboxShop provides invoices for all orders
- โWe declare accurate product values โ never under-declare