Sending a package to South Korea – customs, costs and delivery time
Send goods from Germany to South Korea quickly and correctly
South Korea is an important sales market in Asia for German companies. Machinery, spare parts, electronics, measuring equipment and other high-quality goods are regularly shipped from Germany to the Republic of Korea.
- Shipping from Germany to South Korea
- Parcel, express and freight solutions
- Compare carriers and shipping costs
- International shipment tracking
- Centrally prepare customs and goods information
- Taking advantage of the benefits of the EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement
- DAP and possible DDP solutions
- Suitable for regular B2B shipments
10.000+
Shipments / Month
220+
Countries worldwide
< 2 seconds
per label
Up to 80%
günstiger
Efficiently prepare shipping to South Korea
South Korea has a modern customs and logistics infrastructure. Nevertheless, fast processing and accurate calculation of import costs depend heavily on complete product information.
Particularly important are a precise description, the value of the goods, the country of origin, and the correct [information/method]. Customs tariff number or HS code.
Select the appropriate shipping speed
South Korea has excellent connections to international express networks. Time-sensitive goods can often be delivered within a few business days. More affordable standard solutions are available for less urgent shipments.
Check preferential origin
The free trade agreement between the EU and South Korea can significantly reduce customs duties. However, this requires that the goods meet the applicable rules of origin and that the necessary proof of preferential origin is provided.
Record recipient data completely
In addition to the correct address, a telephone number and email address are particularly helpful. For private recipients, a Korean Personal Customs Clearance Code may also be required for import.
Shipping from
13.83 €
Delivery in
4-12 days
Guaranteed total cost for Platinum customers
Checkout-ready
for international orders
DDP / DAP
directly controllable
Carrier selection
including price & duration
More transparency
for dealers & customers
“We have automated our international shipping with the Billbee connection from Paket International and save several hours every day – especially with customs issues.”
Besler-Scharf – DLA Proficiency Tests
Important information about customs and import duties
DAP or DDP for shipments to South Korea.
For deliveries to South Korea, it should be determined who will cover customs duties, VAT, and other import costs before booking.
With DAP (Delivered at Place), the shipper organizes transport to the agreed destination. Import clearance and any import costs are generally borne by the recipient.
With DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), the agreed import duties are borne by the shipper. This can be particularly convenient for the buyer in e-commerce, as the costs can be factored into the purchase process.
Whether DDP can be offered depends on the carrier, type of goods, recipient and chosen shipping service.
We explain the differences between the delivery terms in more detail in our guide to DAP and DDP for international shipping.
Customs duties for South Korea: How to make the most of free trade agreements
Goods from the European Union have one important advantage: a free trade agreement exists between the EU and South Korea.
This allows goods with EU preferential origin to be imported at a reduced customs duty rate or completely duty-free, depending on their customs tariff number.
However, it is not enough that the goods are simply shipped from Germany. They must meet the respective rules of origin of the agreement.
For consignments of originating products valued at no more than 6.000 euros, each exporter may submit the required declaration of origin on a commercial document.
If the value of the originating products exceeds €6.000, an EU exporter generally requires authorization as an Authorized Exporter in order to issue a declaration of origin. For the EU-Korea agreement, this declaration of origin is the relevant proof of preferential origin.
Therefore, it should be checked before shipping whether the goods are actually eligible for preferential treatment.
Further information on product classification can be found in our guide to Customs tariff number and HS code.
What is the value-added tax (VAT) rate in South Korea?
The standard Korean VAT rate is 10 percent.
For imported goods, VAT is generally levied on a tax base that includes not only the customs value but also customs duties and, where applicable, other excise taxes.
Therefore, even with a customs duty rate of 0 percent, Korean VAT may still apply.
Customs peculiarities in South Korea
One of the most important features is the Free trade agreement between the EU and South KoreaCompanies should therefore check whether their goods have EU preferential origin before every commercial delivery.
Equally important is the correct proof of origin. The EU-Korea agreement does not use the standard EUR.1 certificate as proof of preferential origin. Instead, proof is provided via the required declaration of origin on a commercial document. Any exporter can generally issue this declaration for exports up to €6.000. Above this threshold, authorization as an authorized exporter is required.
For the regular import declaration, documents such as invoice, packing list, transport document and, if applicable, origin or inspection documents may be required.
Furthermore, certain products are subject to Korean approval, safety, quarantine, or labeling regulations. This includes, for example, food, plants, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and various technical products.
Sending a package to South Korea: What companies should know
South Korea is one of Asia's leading technological economies. For German companies, the country is a significant market, particularly for high-quality industrial and technological products.
In 2025 alone, Germany exported goods worth approximately 17,9 billion euros to South Korea. This meant that the country remained one of Germany's most important export markets outside of Europe.
For companies shipping goods to Seoul, Busan, Incheon, or other regions of South Korea, the excellent international logistics connections offer a further advantage. Parcel and express shipments can be transported relatively quickly.
What documents do I need for South Korea?
For commercial shipments of goods, a commercial invoice is usually required.
It should contain, among other things, the following information:
- Sender and recipient
- detailed product description
- Quantity
- Value of goods and currency
- Country of origin
- Customs tariff number
- Purpose of shipment
For non-commercial goods movements, a pro forma invoice can be used, depending on the reason for shipping.
We explain when which document is needed under Commercial Invoice or Proforma Invoice .
Free trade agreements can reduce customs costs.
Shipping to South Korea offers a particular advantage for European companies.
If goods meet the rules of origin of the EU-Korea agreement, they can be imported into South Korea at a reduced customs duty rate or duty-free, depending on the customs tariff number.
The following is important:
Shipping from Germany does not automatically mean EU preferential origin.
The decisive factors are the manufacturing process, the materials used, and the product-specific rules of origin.
Specify product description and HS code correctly
In South Korea, too, the customs tariff number determines which customs duty rate and other import regulations apply.
A description such as:
“Machine Parts”
is therefore not very helpful.
A better example would be:
“Stainless steel valve for industrial filling machine”
This allows the goods to be classified more clearly.
For more information, see Determining the HS code and customs tariff number .
How long does shipping to South Korea take?
South Korea can be reached relatively quickly from Germany.
With express services, shipments can sometimes be delivered within approximately... two working days will be delivered. For standard parcel shipping, DHL currently states a delivery time estimate of 6 to 13 working days.
However, the actual transit time depends on the carrier, destination, type of goods and the duration of customs clearance.
Compare shipping costs to South Korea
The costs are calculated based on the specific shipment data.
The following are particularly important:
- Weight
- Dimensions
- pickup address
- destination
- desired speed
- Type of goods
- selected carrier
Via the <strong>integrated datalog</strong> the measuring values can be stored on the humimeter RH5 paper moisture meter and additional data can be added. You also have the possibility to use the Autolog function. This function automatically saves measuring values in adjustable time intervals. Shipping cost calculator from Paket International Available shipping services can be compared.
Avoid typical mistakes when shipping to South Korea
South Korea has very efficient customs processes. However, incomplete data can still slow down a shipment.
Problems often arise from an inaccurate product description or an incorrect customs tariff number.
There is also a typical pitfall with the free trade agreement: Not every good shipped from Germany is automatically a good with EU preferential origin.
Therefore, the following should be checked:
- Is the customs tariff number correct?
- Does the product meet the rules of origin?
- Is a declaration of origin possible?
- Is an authorization as an authorized exporter available for goods valued at over 6.000 euros?
- Do the goods value and the invoice match?
- Are there any Korean approval or import regulations that apply to the goods?
Private recipients should also ensure that the personal import data required for Korean customs clearance is available in good time.
The more precisely the broadcast is prepared, the lower the risk of unnecessary follow-up questions.
What goods are frequently shipped from Germany to South Korea?
South Korea is a highly developed industrial market. Accordingly, there is a high demand from Germany, especially for technically sophisticated products.
Relevant product groups include, among others, machinery and equipment, vehicles and spare parts, chemical products, electrical engineering, measurement and control technology, electronics and pharmaceutical products.
The market for machinery and equipment related to semiconductor production is particularly interesting. German machine manufacturers also have a strong presence in South Korea. In 2024, the country imported machinery worth approximately US$4,5 billion from Germany.
You can find more international markets in our Country overview for worldwide shipping.
Shipping information: South Korea
What shipping methods are available to South Korea?
South Korea has excellent connections to international transport networks.
Parcel and express services are available for small and medium-sized shipments. For time-critical spare parts or business shipments, a [unclear text] is often more suitable. international express shipping.
Larger or heavier goods can be considered Paddles or shipped via individual freight solutions.
You can find an overview on our page about international shipping methods.
How are goods transported to South Korea?
Parcel and express shipments from Germany are predominantly transported to South Korea by air freight.
The Seoul metropolitan area, with Incheon Airport, is an important international hub.
Sea freight also plays an important role for larger quantities of goods. South Korea has one of Asia's major container ports, Busan.
For larger or more complex shipments, a Individual international freight solution be useful.
What import duties are levied in South Korea?
The amount of import costs depends heavily on the goods.
Possible cost components include:
Import duty
10% VAT
Excise taxes, if applicable
Possible fees for special inspection or clearance procedures
The EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement allows customs duties on goods with preferential EU origin to be reduced or eliminated entirely.
However, VAT can also be charged even if the goods are imported duty-free.
You can find further basic information in our guide to Customs and import duties.
How much does a package to South Korea cost?
Shipping costs depend on weight, package dimensions, destination and desired delivery time.
Express services are usually more expensive, but they allow for particularly fast delivery.
In addition to shipping costs, potential import fees should also be considered when shipping goods. However, the EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement can result in significant customs savings for goods with preferential EU origin.
Take advantage of the Shipping cost calculator, to compare available rates for your shipment.
Shipping to South Korea for online retailers
South Korea has a highly digitized e-commerce market. However, when shipping across borders, retailers should be aware of Korean requirements for private imports.
For certain express and small shipments from private recipients, a Personal Customs Clearance Code (PCCC) may be required. This code serves to identify the recipient during customs clearance. The Korean Customs Administration explicitly states that the Personal Clearance Code is required for certain simplified express clearance procedures.
For personal use goods, there is generally a duty-free allowance of US$150. However, this should not be automatically applied to commercial B2B deliveries.
Online retailers should also clearly distinguish between DAP and DDP so that buyers know who will bear the import costs before completing their order.
For more information, please visit DAP and DDP explained simply.
What makes shipping to South Korea special?
The most significant feature is the free trade agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Korea.
This allows European companies to benefit from tariff advantages on many goods. However, this is conditional on the goods meeting the respective rules of origin and the required proof of preferential origin being provided.
South Korea also distinguishes between simplified and regular import procedures. For example, postal shipments containing goods for sale, restricted products, and shipments exceeding certain value limits may require a regular import declaration.
Therefore, for regulated products, the product-specific Korean regulations should be checked before shipping.
Which shipping providers deliver to South Korea?
South Korea is very well connected to international parcel and express networks.
Depending on the shipment, different international carriers can be used. Which service is available and economically viable depends, among other things, on weight, dimensions, destination, type of goods, and desired transit time.
Paket International allows companies to compare available carriers and services for their specific shipment.
For particularly time-critical goods, a Express shipping to South Korea to be interesting.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping
Can I send a package from Germany to South Korea?
Yes. Parcels, express shipments, and merchandise can be sent from Germany to the Republic of Korea. The available services depend on weight, dimensions, contents, and destination address.
How long does it take for a package to arrive in South Korea?
Express shipments can reach South Korea within approximately two business days, depending on the service. DHL currently estimates a delivery time of 6 to 13 business days for standard parcel shipping.
Does a package destined for South Korea have to go through customs?
Yes. South Korea is not a member of the European Union. Therefore, shipments of goods must be documented for customs purposes, both for export and import.
What is the value-added tax (VAT) rate in South Korea?
The standard VAT rate is 10 percent. This tax can also be levied on goods imported duty-free under the free trade agreement.
Is there a free trade agreement between the EU and South Korea?
Yes. The free trade agreement allows for reduced or waived tariffs for goods with corresponding EU preferential origin. However, the product-specific rules of origin must be met.
Do I need a EUR.1 for South Korea?
Under the EU-Korea agreement, preferential origin is generally proven by a prescribed declaration of origin on a commercial document. Any exporter can issue this declaration for originating products valued up to €6.000. For higher values, an EU exporter requires authorized exporter status.
What documents do I need for shipping to South Korea?
Generally, commercial shipments require a commercial invoice and complete customs information. For standard import procedures, a packing list, transport documents, proof of origin, and, depending on the goods, approval or inspection documents may also be required.
Can I ship DDP to South Korea?
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) may be possible depending on the carrier, type of goods, and import conditions. In this case, the shipper assumes responsibility for the agreed-upon import duties. Specific availability should be checked before booking.
Who pays the import duties in South Korea under DAP?
Under DAP, the recipient is generally responsible for import clearance, customs, VAT and other import costs.
What is the Personal Customs Clearance Code in South Korea?
The Personal Customs Clearance Code, or PCCC for short, is a personal identification number used for Korean customs clearance. Private recipients may need it for simplified import procedures for express shipments, among other things.
Is there a duty-free allowance in South Korea?
For goods intended for personal use, there is generally a duty-free allowance of US$150. Different limits may apply to shipments from the USA. This rule should not be automatically applied to commercial goods shipments.
Which goods are prohibited from being imported into South Korea?
Prohibited or severely restricted items include narcotics, certain weapons, counterfeit goods, and other legally controlled products. Permits may be required for various foods, plants, pharmaceuticals, and other regulated products.
