Men's Socks Import Duty & Landed Cost: Vietnam to South Korea
Full 2026 tariff breakdown, customs duty calculations, and compliance alerts for importing into South Korea.
2026 Tariff & Cost Breakdown for Importing Men's Socks
Importing Men's Socks from Vietnam to South Korea incurs a 10% duty and 10% VAT based on the CIF value in USD. The total cost includes the original price of the goods, insurance, and freight, plus the applicable duty and VAT rates.
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Product Value | — | EUR 220.00 |
| Shipping | — | EUR 0.00 |
| Insurance | — | EUR 0.00 |
| CIF Value | — | EUR 220.00 |
| Customs Duty | 10% | EUR 22.00 |
| VAT/GST | 10% | EUR 24.20 |
| Total Landed Cost | — | EUR 266.20 |
HS Code Classification for Men's Socks
Primary HS Code: 6203.431330 — What It Covers
The HS code 6203.431330 specifically covers Men's Socks made from synthetic fibers, which is crucial for accurate classification and duty calculation. The Korea Customs Service strictly enforces correct HS code usage to avoid penalties and confiscation of goods.
Why Misclassification Carries Risk in South Korea
Misclassifying Men's Socks under the wrong HS code can result in fines and potential confiscation of goods by the Korea Customs Service. Accurate HS code classification is vital to avoid these penalties and ensure smooth customs clearance.
Step-by-Step Guide: Importing Men's Socks from Vietnam to South Korea
Step 1: Verify Your HS Code & Product Description
Verify the HS code 6203.431330 and ensure the product description matches the Men's Socks being imported. This step helps avoid misclassification and ensures compliance with Korea Customs Service regulations.
Step 2: Gather Required Import Documents
Gather all necessary documents, including the commercial invoice, certificate of origin, and packing list, to submit to the Korea Customs Service. These documents must accurately reflect the HS code, product description, and value of the Men's Socks being imported.
Commercial Invoice Requirements
The commercial invoice must include the HS code, product description, quantity, weight, and value of the Men's Socks in USD. The invoice must also include the seller's and buyer's information and be signed by the seller.
Certificate of Origin
A certificate of origin is required to prove the Men's Socks originate from Vietnam and to claim preferential duty rates under the Vietnam - Korea Free Trade Agreement. The certificate must be issued by the Vietnamese authorities and must accompany the commercial invoice.
Packing List & Shipping Documents
A detailed packing list and shipping documents are required to facilitate customs clearance and ensure the Men's Socks are properly identified and valued. These documents must be accurate and match the information on the commercial invoice.
Step 3: Calculate Your Landed Cost
Calculate the landed cost of the Men's Socks using the formula: CIF + Duty (10%) + VAT (10%) = Total in USD. This calculation ensures the importer is aware of the total cost of importing the Men's Socks into South Korea.
Step 4: Submit to South Korea Customs Authority
Submit the required documents, including the commercial invoice, certificate of origin, and packing list, to the Korea Customs Service for customs clearance. The Korea Customs Service will review the documents and calculate the applicable duty and VAT.
Step 5: Pay Duties & Clear Goods
Pay the calculated duty and VAT to the Korea Customs Service and clear the Men's Socks from customs. The Men's Socks can then be released to the importer and sold in the South Korean market.
How to Legally Reduce Duty on Men's Socks Imports into South Korea
Applicable Free Trade Agreements in 2026
The Vietnam - Korea Free Trade Agreement provides tariff reductions for qualifying Men's Socks imports from Vietnam. The agreement allows importers to claim preferential duty rates, reducing the overall cost of importing Men's Socks into South Korea.
Duty Deferral Options: Bonded Warehouses & FTZs
Importers can use bonded warehouses or Free Trade Zones (FTZs) to defer duty payment on Men's Socks imports. The Free Trade Zone in South Korea allows importers to store Men's Socks without paying duty until they are released into the domestic market.
Preferential Tariff Programs
The Generalized System of Preferences and the Special Act on Imported Goods for Exhibition or Display are preferential tariff programs that can reduce duty rates on Men's Socks imports. These programs provide opportunities for importers to minimize their duty liability and increase their competitiveness in the South Korean market.
South Korea Customs Compliance Rules for Men's Socks
Korea Customs Service Requirements for Men's Socks
The Korea Customs Service requires importers to comply with labeling requirements, including the use of the Korean language for product labels and instructions. The Men's Socks must also meet the KC Mark certification requirements to ensure compliance with South Korean safety and quality standards.
De Minimis Threshold
The de minimis threshold in South Korea is 200 USD, below which duty and VAT are exempt. However, importers must still comply with all other customs regulations and requirements, including accurate HS code classification and labeling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Men's Socks Import Duty from Vietnam to South Korea
What is the HS code for Men's Socks imported from Vietnam to South Korea?
The HS code for Men's Socks imported from Vietnam to South Korea is 6203.431330. This code is specific to Men's Socks made from synthetic fibers.
What is the duty rate for Men's Socks imported from Vietnam to South Korea?
The duty rate for Men's Socks imported from Vietnam to South Korea is 10%. The VAT rate is also 10%, and the total cost includes the original price of the goods, insurance, and freight, plus the applicable duty and VAT rates.
Do I need a certificate of origin to import Men's Socks from Vietnam to South Korea?
Yes, a certificate of origin is required to prove the Men's Socks originate from Vietnam and to claim preferential duty rates under the Vietnam - Korea Free Trade Agreement.
What is the de minimis threshold for importing Men's Socks into South Korea?
The de minimis threshold in South Korea is 200 USD, below which duty and VAT are exempt. However, importers must still comply with all other customs regulations and requirements.
Can I use a bonded warehouse to defer duty payment on Men's Socks imports?
Yes, importers can use a bonded warehouse or Free Trade Zone (FTZ) to defer duty payment on Men's Socks imports. The Free Trade Zone in South Korea allows importers to store Men's Socks without paying duty until they are released into the domestic market.
What are the labeling requirements for Men's Socks imported into South Korea?
The Korea Customs Service requires importers to comply with labeling requirements, including the use of the Korean language for product labels and instructions. The Men's Socks must also meet the KC Mark certification requirements to ensure compliance with South Korean safety and quality standards.