Photocard Import Duty & Landed Cost: South Korea to United States
Full 2026 tariff breakdown, customs duty calculations, and compliance alerts for importing into United States.
2026 Tariff & Cost Breakdown for Importing Photocard
The 0% duty and 0% VAT on Photocards from South Korea make them an attractive import option, with costs based on the CIF value in USD, including shipping and insurance.
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Product Value | — | USD 510.00 |
| Shipping | — | USD 0.00 |
| Insurance | — | USD 0.00 |
| CIF Value | — | USD 510.00 |
| Customs Duty | 0% | USD 0.00 |
| Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF)Min $31.67, Max $614.35 | 0.3464% | USD 31.67 |
| Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) | 0.125% | USD 0.64 |
| VAT/GST | N/A (state sales tax varies) | USD 0.00 |
| Total Landed Cost | — | USD 542.31 |
HS Code Classification for Photocard
Primary HS Code: 4911.992000 — What It Covers
The HS code 4911.992000 covers Photocards, which are classified under this code for import purposes, and importers must ensure accurate classification to avoid penalties, using tools like Photocard documentation.
Why Misclassification Carries Risk in United States
Misclassification of Photocards can result in monetary penalties and potential loss of import privileges, emphasizing the need for accurate HS code classification and compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations.
Step-by-Step Guide: Importing Photocard from South Korea to United States
Step 1: Verify Your HS Code & Product Description
Importers must verify the HS code and product description for their Photocards to ensure compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements, referencing the Harmonized System and Photocard documentation.
Step 2: Gather Required Import Documents
Required documents include a commercial invoice, certificate of origin, and packing list, which must be accurate and complete to avoid delays or penalties.
Commercial Invoice Requirements
The commercial invoice must include the HS code, product description, and value of the Photocards, as well as the country of origin and supplier information.
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 must be prepared to facilitate customs clearance and ensure compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations.
Step 3: Calculate Your Landed Cost
The landed cost is calculated by adding the CIF value to the duty (0%) and VAT (0%), resulting in a total cost of CIF + 0 + 0 = CIF in USD.
Step 4: Submit to United States Customs Authority
Importers must submit their shipment to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for clearance, providing all required documents and information.
Step 5: Pay Duties & Clear Goods
Since the duty is 0%, importers only need to pay any applicable fees and clear their goods through U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
How to Legally Reduce Duty on Photocard Imports into United States
Applicable Free Trade Agreements in 2026
The United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) eliminates or reduces tariffs on eligible Photocard imports from South Korea to the United States, providing a preferential tariff program for importers.
Duty Deferral Options: Bonded Warehouses & FTZs
Importers can use Class 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 Bonded Warehouses or Free Trade Zones (FTZs) to defer duty payments on their Photocard imports.
Preferential Tariff Programs
The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) is a preferential tariff program that can provide duty-free treatment for eligible Photocard imports from South Korea.
United States Customs Compliance Rules for Photocard
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Requirements for Photocard
U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires importers to comply with the 'Reasonable Care' standard when classifying and declaring imported Photocards, ensuring accurate HS code classification and documentation.
De Minimis Threshold
The de minimis threshold is $800 USD, below which no duty or tax is payable on Photocard imports, but importers must still comply with all applicable regulations and requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Photocard Import Duty from South Korea to United States
What is the HS code for Photocards?
The HS code 4911.992000 covers Photocards, and importers must use this code for import purposes. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires accurate classification to avoid penalties.
Do I need to pay duty on Photocards from South Korea?
No, the duty on Photocards from South Korea is 0%, but importers must still comply with all applicable regulations and requirements, including the U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements.
Can I use a bonded warehouse for my Photocard imports?
Yes, importers can use Class 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 Bonded Warehouses to store their Photocard imports and defer duty payments, while also using Photocard documentation for record-keeping.
What is the de minimis threshold for Photocard imports?
The de minimis threshold is $800 USD, below which no duty or tax is payable on Photocard imports, but importers must still comply with all applicable regulations and requirements.
Do I need a certificate of origin for my Photocard imports?
Yes, a certificate of origin is required to verify the country of origin and eligibility for preferential tariff programs, such as the KORUS FTA.
How do I calculate the landed cost of my Photocard imports?
The landed cost is calculated by adding the CIF value to the duty (0%) and VAT (0%), resulting in a total cost of CIF + 0 + 0 = CIF in USD.