How can you get products across the 2K km+ that separate China and South Korea? This China sourcing guide is here with answers.
Importing products from China has several benefits, such as affordable prices and quality. However, it requires several necessary steps. So you don’t get any steps wrong; we are here to help. Keep reading this China-South Korea import guide for all the required information.
Top Products to Import from China to South Korea
You must keep a list of products you want to import from China. The below table shows the top products imported from China to South Korea.
| Product Category | Available Products | Learn Here! |
| Electronics | Smartphones, Tablets, Laptops, Wearable Devices, Smart Home Devices | Import Electronics from China |
| Textiles and Apparel | Clothing, Footwear, Accessories, Home Textiles | Importing Clothing and Textiles from China |
| Kid’s Products | Toys, books, tent house | Import Children’s Products from China |
| Consumer Goods | Cosmetics, Home Appliances, Kitchenware | Importing Kitchen Utensils from China |
Getting Started Importing Products from China to South Korea
International trade can be complex. The sourcing process involves dealing with the import and export country’s customs. Importing from China to Korea is undoubtedly no different. There are regulations that you have to follow to ensure a seamless experience.
It demands up-to-date sector knowledge and staying in the loop about new updates. Familiarize yourself with necessary certifications, such as the Korean Certificate.
That aside, we also recommend you prioritize the right sourcing agent. While it is largely ignored, agents contribute immensely to importation success. Nonetheless, other crucial factors are:
- China and Korea customs regulations
- China and Korea Import and export policies and restrictions
- China to South Korea logistics
- Required shipping documents
- Suitable shipping options
Getting suitable carriers determines a lot. Hence, prioritizing connecting with a good freight forwarder is also crucial. They ensure speedy and cost-effective deliveries. But how do you get the best options as a first-timer?
We recommend you get the services of a sourcing agent like OwlSourcing. Our team would take your hands in ours and sort through the list of viable options. It ensures we get the best choice for your business needs.
How Long Does Importing From China to South Korea Take?
| Shipping Method | Duration |
| Sea Shipping From China | 3-7 days |
| Air Freight Service From China | 1-3 days |
| Global Express Shipping Services From China | 1-2 days |
What Is South Korea Import Duties?
South Korea’s import tax is 10% of the price of imported goods. However, a special excise tax ranges from 10 to 20% on luxury items. The import duties must be paid within 15 days after clearing from customs.
Cost to Ship from China to South Korea
| Factor | Impact on Shipping Cost |
| Package Weight and Dimensions | Large and heavy packages generally cost more to ship. |
| Shipping Method | Express shipping is fast but more expensive than standard shipping. |
| Shipping Carrier | Different carriers have varying rates and services. |
| Insurance Coverage | Adding insurance to your shipment increases the overall cost. For example, it can be 1-2% of the product value for basic insurance. |
| Customs Duties and Taxes | These factors can add significant costs, depending on the product and its value. The import duties can range from 0% to 10% (or more.) |
As you can guess, there is no set amount to ship from China to South Korea. Hence, offering a price point would be flawed. Instead, we recommend you visit the website of your chosen carrier and discuss.
What Are Prohibited Imports in Korea?
There are a couple of them. Of course, Korea is much like most countries; it doesn’t let everything through. Here are some prohibited items: alcohol, currency, combustibles, and dry ice.
To prevent losses, browse South Korea’s customs website for information on banned products.
Are There Custom Limits in Korea?
Yes, there are. The country has a weight limit. Also, there is a stamp that indicates how expensive imports can be. Hence, the weight of the products must be less than 40kg and cost 100,000 or less. You can contact us for more clarification on how to handle this.
Five Steps Necessary to Import Goods from China to South Korea
| Steps | Description |
| Consult trade laws | Familiarize with the set regulations regarding trading between China and South Korea. |
| Undergo market research | Learn more about the Korean market and the products that sell and the ones that don’t. Leverage e-commerce platforms for valuable insights. |
| Supplier selection and Negotiations | Browse through Chinese wholesale websites and trade shows for suitable suppliers. Also, negotiate for favorable prices. |
| Shipping and Logistics | Choose a suitable shipping method and freight forwarder for your product. Consider factors such as cost, time, and fragility. |
| Custom Clearance | Deal with customs clearance in China and South Korea. Get the documents and required fees ready. |
Like any process, importing from China to Korea has several steps. Here, we explore each step from start to finish. This way, you know how to source for product up until you get it home:
Step 1: Consult the Trade Laws in China and Korea
Buying goods from a foreign country makes you an importer. And with the new title change, there are expected rules and laws you should follow. Both countries have policies.
Moreover, these policies change often, so staying updated is crucial. We also recommend you get the required documents together during this step.
Document gathering can be a hassle for most, but it doesn’t have to be. For example, a first-time kitchen utensil retailer couldn’t understand the required documents. We informed her of the needed documents at only a fraction of the mainstream charge.
From there, we gathered the documents and filed them to respectable destinations. Getting a China-South Korea trade agent is an ultimate option for you.
Step 2: What Product You Want to Import
Before you consider importing, you probably had a product in mind. However, you have to put this product underneath a magnifying glass. Try to spot if it’s worth it from a business standpoint.
You need to know if there is a demand for this product in Korea. Do market research to find out what Koreans like. This way, you know the best products to import from China.
Use local e-commerce and social media platforms to see what is causing a stir. After you do so, try to figure out what the potential profit margin will be. Detailed market research is one way you can never go wrong.
While you want a thriving industry, you don’t want to enter one with excessive competition. Finding the sweet spot is why market research is crucial.
Step 3: Find A Reliable Chinese Supplier
It goes without saying that to import, you need a willing exporter. Finding China suppliers for South Korea is demanding. You need to seek a mutually beneficial relationship with the supplier. Moreover, you need Chinese manufacturers for the South Korean market. It is crucial as they have the required certification.
But where do you find a manufacturer in China? Here are the top choices available regarding finding the best suppliers:
1) Popular B2B e-commerce websites from China. These places have many suppliers and often include their ratings and reviews. Famous B2C websites are also great alternatives. You can find desired suppliers here, too.
2) Quick Google or social media search. You can type best sportswear suppliers in China in the search bar. The search engine will generate some notable names, which you can further research.
3) Attend trade fairs in China. Here, you can meet different suppliers all in one place. You get to ask questions that bother you. Moreover, they also have their product on display so that you can inspect it for quality.
4) Hire freight forwarders. Popular forwarders are in regular contact with most Chinese suppliers. Good freight forwarders can introduce you to trusted and reliable companies.
5) Our best option remains a sourcing company. A China sourcing service provider knows the crème de la crème. They have worked with many options and often have a name ready when asked for recommendations. You can reach out to us so you don’t have to do tedious research; we will take over the entire product sourcing process.
Finding a supplier doesn’t end when you see a suitable option but when both parties agree. Discuss the prices you are willing to pay. Also, you want to bring other factors like MOQ, shipping, and quality.
While striving for beneficial terms, we recommend quality control measures. These measures ensure that the delivered products match your desired quality standard. So, here are some notable suggestions for performing quality control in China:
- Sampling
- Third-party quality inspection in China during production
- Visit to the production site
- Inspection upon delivery
Together, these measures ensure you get the best possible service.
Step 4: Hire A Freight Forwarder and Choose A Shipping Method
You probably don’t have a couple of cargo planes in your backyard. So, if you want to get your products from China to Korea, you need the help of those who do. The agencies responsible for this importation process are freight forwarders.
Notable examples are UPS, FedEx, TNT, EMS, and DHL. You can contact any of them or do your research for other viable options. Compare prices and choose the option that best matches your needs.
If you are unsure of the freight forwarder, ask the suppliers for recommendations. They work with several forwarders. Hence, they would have picked on who is better at doing their jobs. Moreover, you have to choose a shipping route:
- Air freight
- Sea Freight
- Express shipping
The air freight option is fast, at 1 to 2 days, and excellent for fragile goods. However, it can get quite expensive. Express shipping is the fastest of the three and great for quick orders. Sea freight is the most affordable and perfect for large orders.
Step 5: Familiarize with the Legal Aspect of Importing
South Korean customs impose a 10% tax on imported goods. However, the tax often varies depending on the type of product being imported. Knowing the taxes and paying them will avoid unwelcome surprises and fees.
South Korea has Incoterm (rules and regulations) and customs regulations. Get familiar with these rules. And when it comes to customs clearance, here are the steps:
- Entering the required information for the system
- Printing and declaration
- Goods assessment
- Get the necessary permits
- Paying the cost
- Going to the warehousing
- Exit
If the taxes and customs are overwhelming, get our services. We once had a first-time Korean importer who was overwhelmed by the prices and Incoterms to take note of. He chose our best-performing China sourcing service plan, and we helped him from start to finish. It only cost him a fraction of what he expected. Yes, our prices are affordable. And now, he hires us whenever he wants to import from China.
Read More:
- How To Buy Wholesale From China?
- How to Find China Shipping Agents?
- How to Import from China to Japan
- How to Import From China to the USA
Final Thoughts!
Importing products from China to Korea can be arduous. Both countries have regulations, and ignoring them can affect your operations. So, you don’t face delays and penalty fees; get our product sourcing service.
We have a team of experts with over a decade of experience riding these waves. Stop worrying about the costs and process. Let’s take over all the steps while focusing on improving your business.
