Medical Products Import Duty & Landed Cost: United States to South Korea
Full 2026 tariff breakdown, customs duty calculations, and compliance alerts for importing into South Korea.
2026 Tariff & Cost Breakdown for Importing Medical Products
When importing Medical Products from the United States to South Korea, the total cost includes the CIF value in KRW, plus a 6.5% duty, and a 10% VAT. This means that for every 100 KRW of CIF value, an additional 16.5 KRW will be added in duties and taxes.
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Product Value | — | EUR 0.06 |
| Shipping | — | EUR 0.00 |
| Insurance | — | EUR 0.00 |
| CIF Value | — | EUR 0.06 |
| Customs Duty | 6.5% | EUR 0.00 |
| VAT/GST | 10% | EUR 0.01 |
| Total Landed Cost | — | EUR 0.07 |
HS Code Classification for Medical Products
Primary HS Code: 3005.901000 — What It Covers
The primary HS code for Medical Products is 3005.901000, which covers a range of medical devices and equipment. Korea Customs Service requires accurate HS code classification to determine the applicable duty rate.
Why Misclassification Carries Risk in South Korea
Misclassification of Medical Products can result in fines and potential confiscation of goods, as the Korea Customs Service enforces strict penalties for HS code misclassification.
Step-by-Step Guide: Importing Medical Products from United States to South Korea
Step 1: Verify Your HS Code & Product Description
Verify the HS code and product description to ensure accuracy and compliance with Korea Customs Service regulations. This step is critical to avoid misclassification and potential penalties.
Step 2: Gather Required Import Documents
Gather all required import documents, including a commercial invoice, certificate of origin, and packing list. These documents must be accurate and complete to facilitate smooth customs clearance.
Commercial Invoice Requirements
The commercial invoice must include the CIF value, HS code, and country of origin, among other details. Korea Customs Service requires this document to determine the applicable duty rate.
Certificate of Origin
A certificate of origin is required to verify the country of origin and eligibility for preferential tariff programs, such as the KORUS FTA.
Packing List & Shipping Documents
A packing list and shipping documents, such as a bill of lading, are required to facilitate customs clearance and verify the shipment details.
Step 3: Calculate Your Landed Cost
Calculate the landed cost using the formula: CIF + Duty (6.5%) + VAT (10%) = Total, in KRW. For example, if the CIF value is 100,000 KRW, the duty would be 6,500 KRW, and the VAT would be 10,000 KRW, resulting in a total landed cost of 116,500 KRW.
Step 4: Submit to South Korea Customs Authority
Submit the required documents and information to the Korea Customs Service for customs clearance. This step must be completed accurately and efficiently to avoid delays or penalties.
Step 5: Pay Duties & Clear Goods
Pay the applicable duties and taxes, and clear the goods through customs. This step completes the import process, and the Medical Products can be released to the importer.
How to Legally Reduce Duty on Medical Products Imports into South Korea
Applicable Free Trade Agreements in 2026
The KORUS FTA is an applicable free trade agreement that reduces or eliminates tariffs on certain Medical Products imported from the United States to South Korea. Importers can take advantage of this agreement to reduce their duty liability.
Duty Deferral Options: Bonded Warehouses & FTZs
Free Trade Zone (FTZ) programs offer duty deferral options for importers, allowing them to delay payment of duties until the goods are released into the domestic market.
Preferential Tariff Programs
The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) is a preferential tariff program that offers reduced or eliminated tariffs on certain Medical Products imported from the United States to South Korea.
South Korea Customs Compliance Rules for Medical Products
Korea Customs Service Requirements for Medical Products
Korea Customs Service requires Medical Products to be registered with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety prior to importation. This registration process can be complex and time-consuming, and importers must ensure compliance to avoid penalties.
De Minimis Threshold
The de minimis threshold in South Korea is 150,000 KRW, below which no duties or taxes are applicable. However, this threshold does not apply to Medical Products that require registration with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Products Import Duty from United States to South Korea
What is the HS code for Medical Products?
The primary HS code for Medical Products is 3005.901000, which covers a range of medical devices and equipment. Korea Customs Service requires accurate HS code classification to determine the applicable duty rate.
What is the duty rate for Medical Products imported from the US to South Korea?
The duty rate for Medical Products imported from the US to South Korea is 6.5%. However, this rate may be reduced or eliminated under applicable free trade agreements, such as the KORUS FTA.
Do I need to register my Medical Products with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety?
Yes, Medical Products must be registered with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety prior to importation. This registration process can be complex and time-consuming, and importers must ensure compliance to avoid penalties.
What is the de minimis threshold in South Korea?
The de minimis threshold in South Korea is 150,000 KRW, below which no duties or taxes are applicable. However, this threshold does not apply to Medical Products that require registration with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
Can I use a bonded warehouse to defer duty payment?
Yes, Free Trade Zone (FTZ) programs offer duty deferral options for importers, allowing them to delay payment of duties until the goods are released into the domestic market.
What certifications are required for Medical Products imported into South Korea?
KFDA certification and ISO 13485 certification are required for Medical Products imported into South Korea. Importers must ensure that their products comply with these certification requirements to avoid penalties.