South Korea Food Export Guide: Requirements & Regulations

South Korea is one of the top economies in the world. It has a $47 billion agricultural import market opportunity that is the thirteenth largest economy worldwide. This makes it an attractive market for Latin American exporters who are seeking to enter the Korean food market. ConnectAmerica is the leader in resources for establishing strong import-export global relationships. Our extensive knowledge base provides invaluable information for the laws and regulations surrounding import-export business.

Latin America has a growing trade relationship with Korea, and as more food exporters look to the East for market expansion, more opportunities are presented.

There are four regulatory requirements that every exporter must complete and are mandatory for market entry. They are:

• Licensing
• Notification
• Registration
• Inspection

This guide will cover these regulatory requirements and provide vital information on how to export to South Korea.

Why South Korea is a Strategic Market for Latin American Food Exporters

There’s a lot of incentive for Latin American food exporters to consider exporting to South Korea. According to the IDB, the country’s current population is 51 million with a GDP or $33,000 per capita. Furthermore, 70% of all food is imported from other countries.

In 2021, LAC Korean trade growth reached $57 billion. The two regions have strong investment as well as trade ties that have seen significant expansion since 1990.

Latin America’s diverse climate and indigenous agricultural practices have resulted in a vast range of livestock and crops, boosting its agricultural strength. Colombia, Chile, and Brazil are several key players as some of the top exporters in the region. This puts Latin America in a prime position to become a primary component of the global movement to contribute to sustainability and food security.

Beverages, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic are one of the top Korean consumer demand trends. Others include breads and cereals, whole meat, dairy products, and wholegrains.

Understanding Korea's Food Import Regulatory Framework

South Korea’s food import regulatory framework ensures both quality and safety of imported food products.

The Special Act on Imported Food Safety Control oversees the regulatory management and safety of all food and food related products that enter South Korea. It requires that foreign food facilities register with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) prior to any import declaration. The food facilities must submit to on-site inspections to ensure that they are compliant with the criteria and standards set forth by the MFDS.

The food and agriculture imports are subject to specific requirements under the Special Act. This includes the Imported Food Acts “enforcement rule” and updates to the FAIRS Report. There have also been several recent amendments to strengthen oversight, streamline the process for import applications, and align Korea’s regulations on food safety with global standards.

The MFDS role is the primary food safety authority in South Korea. It is responsible for ensuring the efficacy and safety of not only food, but also cosmetics, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. It is designed to promote and support public health and regulatory compliance.

The Korean import system has more stringent requirements than US and EU frameworks. This includes Import requirements, investment commitments, and tariffs. There are some changes, particularly regarding tariffs, which are undergoing some changes. These are expected to provide the Korean import system with regulations that are more in line with the US and EU, thus making it more competitive in the global market.

Key Government Agencies and Their Roles

There are several different agencies in South Korea that handle different aspects of food imports.

MFDS is the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and is responsible for the safety of foods, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. It is a key player in safeguarding public health which is accomplished in several vital areas:

• Regulation and compliance
• Risk assessment
• Consumer protection
• Research and development

The agency is responsible for ensuring that processed foods meet certain standards for quality and safety. It has established a food safety management system which addresses the key stages for food safety: manufacturing, distribution, and consumption. It also has several systems in place to protect food from hazardous risks.

The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (QIA) have an integral role in animal and plant quarantine policies and procedures. It regulates import and export by maintaining strict measures that restrict the entry of plants, animals, and agricultural products that have been imported from other countries. These measures are in place to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases into the country.

The QIA also performs inspections at harbors and airports to ensure compliance with regulations regarding quarantine. Plants and agricultural products that meet its requirements for import are awarded a quarantine certificate.

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) is responsible for establishing regulatory frameworks and developing new standards. Its Korea Certification (KG) mark shows that a product meets the national conformity assessment requirements, which include Korea’s safety and regulatory standards for agricultural and food products.

Four Essential Requirements for Food Exports to South Korea

South Korea has four essential requirements for food exports into the country:

• Licensing
• Notification
• Registration
• Inspection

All four of these requirements are mandatory for market entry and are crucial for ensuring that imported food products into Korea meet certain safety and quality standards.

1. Import Licensing and Declaration

South Korea’s import and export declaration process involves several important steps that ensure food entering the country is both safe and legal.

• Preparation of required documents: These include packing lists, invoices, any import certificates or permits, customs declaration forms, and other agricultural documentation as applicable.
• Submission of customs declaration form: The customs declaration form must be submitted to customs in South Korea and cleared before entry. Most imported products don't need prior licenses but do require a declaration.
• Inspection and quarantine by customs: Korean customs inspects and quarantines the food to decide whether to allow or deny clearance by customs.
• Payment of tariffs and taxes: If the product requires a tariff to be paid, then the taxes and tariffs must be paid before being allowed entry into the country.
• Clearance by customs: Once all steps in the process have been completed and the product has been cleared by customs; only then can it enter the country.

The required documents for import declaration include:

• Commercial invoice:  Original invoice and two copies. They must include the total value, unit value, quantity, marks, product description, and shipping information.
• Certificates of origin: This certifies the origin of the food but is only required for certain products.
• Bill of lading or airway bill: This is the receipt of the goods and serves as a contract between the transportation carrier and the shipper.
• Packing list: Provides information on how the goods are packed. Includes contents, size, and weight of each package.
• Customs declaration form: This has information regarding the nature of the goods as well as the value and country of origin.

Customs classification is vital in the export process. Properly classified goods are subject to appropriate duty and tariffs. This ensures that they meet the compliance requirements and legal standards set forth by the country, especially for agricultural commodities.

2. MFDS Notification Process

The MFDS has a detailed process for food import regulations. It involves several essential steps:

• Registration
• On-site inspection
• Amendments to regulations
• HACCP supervision
• Public comment period

The MFDS has strict, detailed requirements for food labeling. These include ingredients, manufacturing details, certificates, and allergens. Any claims made regarding the products must be accompanied by substantiating information in advertising and labeling. These are consumer protection measures that ensure all imported food products are safe.

Products that fail inspection are either returned, destroyed, or repurposed, depending on the product and why it failed.

3. Foreign Food Facility Registration

All foreign food facilities are required to register with MFDS in order to export products to South Korea. This registration must be completed prior to any import declaration.

Foreign food facilities that wish to register with the MFDS can apply online through the MFDS portal. The import declaration cannot be made before the application is submitted.

Some facilities may be required to submit safety certificates (i.e. GMP, HACCP, or ISO 22000) when registering. The MFDS website has up to date information on which facilities must complete this step.

On-site inspections of the facility may be conducted. This is to verify that the facility’s sanitation status meets MFDS requirements. The facility may also be certified as a “Good Foreign Food Facility” if it passes inspection.

Documentation that may be needed to successfully move through the process includes:

• Authorization documents per the laws of the exporting country
• Registration documents per the laws of the exporting country
• Declaration documents per the laws of the exporting country
• Safety control system documents
• Importer’s information documents
• Business approval
• Process flow charts

Foreign food facility registration must be renewed every two years. This ensures it remains compliant with food facility safety standards.

4. Import Inspection Categories

The MFDS has several food import inspection categories, each with specific requirements according to the type of food or beverage. It may also issue inspection orders for certain foods or food products that have a potential for high hazard levels or have a history of non-compliance.

Four inspection types include:

• Document
• Organoleptic
• Laboratory
• Random

Imported food is classified by the MFDS according to the risk factors it presents. This is the determining factor regarding the level of inspection that is required. New or first-time products that are being imported into the country must undergo thorough laboratory testing to ensure safety.

Imported foods that the MFDS deems as “safe imported food” due to a five year history of no non-compliance records receive an inspection exemption.

The Good Import Practices (GIP) Fast-Track System

Importers that meet certain qualifications can complete registration to be included in the Good Importing Practices System and become classified as a GIP Importer. The GIP system was created to facilitate the import of products that originate from registered manufacturing facilities, and this status accelerates market entry.

Qualification criteria for GIP registration include:

• Packaging and ingredients must be maintained in a good, sanitary state
• Manufacturing facilities must be located no less than 20 meters from chemical contaminants or animal feces. If it is located less than 20 meters from these hazards, the facility must have a viable and effective protection plan.
• Facilities must meet certain requirements regarding processing and manufacturing areas:
• Proper ventilation
• Processing, manufacturing, ingredient treatment, and packaging areas must be separated
• Proper drainage system
• Pest control
• Equipment requirements include
• Essential safety features such as
• Waterproofing
• Thermostats to control temperature
• Metal detectors
• Stainless steel
• Auditors are required to have relevant training, education, and experience as well as on-the-job training and formal classroom education.

Registering to become a GIP importer streamlines the import process by allowing compliant importers to avoid routine inspections.

Facility Requirements for GIP Qualification

Facility requirements for GIP qualification are stringent. The facility itself must have proper ventilation, a proper, functional drainage system, and pest control. It must also keep the areas for ingredient treatment, processing, manufacturing, and packaging separate from each other.

There are also specific requirements for the equipment within these facilities. It must be stainless steel and have specific safety features such as temperature control, waterproofing, and metal detectors.

Documentation requirements for maintaining GIP status include:

• Commercial invoice
• Certificate of origin
• Special documentation
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• On-site inspections

A GIP status demonstrates a facility’s compliance to excellence and holding itself to a higher standard. That effort is rewarded with preferred treatment, such as streamlined export processes and increased confidence from buyers.

Korean Labeling Requirements for Imported Foods

Compliant labeling according to Korean requirements will prevent customs delays. The MFDS established labeling standards for imported food. The Food Sanitation Acts and Food Labeling Regulation outline these standards.

Foods that have labels printed in foreign languages must include the same information in Korean. All foods must display nutrition labels.

There are also application rules for stickers which include:

• Allergen labeling: If a product contains any allergens, regardless of the content, they must be listed on the label. Allergen labeling requirements:
• It must be separate
• Placed near the labeling for raw material
• Have a background color that is different from the other labeling
• Genetically modified food: Any product with genetically modified food must be labeled. If it cannot be confirmed whether raw materials have been genetically modified, it can be labeled as “Possibly Contains Genetically Modified.”
• Nutrition labels: Nutrition labels are mandatory for all food products, including processed animal foods, honey, etc.
• Functional food claims: Foods that are advertised to be labeled with certain functional claims must meet certain regulations in order to avoid deception in advertising and labeling.
• Electronic format: Barcodes and other types of electronic formats may be provided for some food labeling information.

All labels must include the product name, manufacturer, relevant dates, ingredients, allergens, GMO products, and mandatory nutrients.

Common Labeling Mistakes to Avoid

Labeling errors can be costly and cause applications to be rejected. This can be prevented by avoiding these labeling errors:

• Incorrect or missing ingredients: This can result in food recalls.
• Missing or inaccurate product information: Vital information like allergens can present significant safety ramifications.
• Illegible labels: Labels that are difficult to read or unreadable can result in product returns and in some cases legal consequences.
• Incorrect data: Errors with ingredient listings, nutrition data, symbols, and dates can lead to legal consequences and penalties.
• Misaligned labels: Labels that are crooked or out of alignment can affect the appearance of the product and result in inefficiencies at the operational level.

Translation accuracy is essential on labels and care must be taken to ensure that all required information is translated correctly.

Product-Specific Requirements

The MFDS has specific requirements for various food categories. These extend beyond the general requirements and include:

• Fruits and vegetables: Import inspections are mandatory, especially for processed fruits and vegetables. These inspections are based on the product names and production companies. Fruits and vegetables, berry products, natural spice powder products, and other specific imported foods are required to undergo safety testing.
• Meat: Livestock products must comply with specific health requirements and must undergo inspection to ensure safety.
• Cereals: Cereals have specific regulations with which exporters must comply. Safe consumption is a priority so there are maximum limits for pesticides used.

Meats, fruits, vegetables, and raw foods face stricter inspections and requirements due to the potential volatility of the food which can present significant safety risks.

Processed Foods and Additives

The MFDS has several special requirements for processed food. This affects Latin America’s robust and growing processed food exports.

These requirements include:

• Mandatory nutrition labeling
• High caffeine labeling
• Sugar alcohol labeling

The extensive food additive list is found in the Food Additives Code published by MFDS. Foods with additives must go through an approval process. This includes:

• Recognition of international data: Some toxicity data obtained from certain sources is accepted by the MFDS as valid. This reduces duplicative safety testing which prevents bottlenecks in the approval process.
• Phased testing requirements: The submission process is carried out in two stages as well as a primary evaluation for toxicity. Additional testing is carried out only when warranted.
• Exemptions for new additives: Some new additives may be exempted from toxicity tests if they are proven to be the equivalent of food additives that are already approved.
• Modification procedures: Foods that have undergone temporary ingredient modifications or different mixing ratios may not be approved without complete reapplication. This makes way for expedited change processes.

The MFDS has also established requirements for the testing of a food’s shelf life. It gleans data from various experiments regarding a product’s shelf life and gleans values for specific food types.

Packaging is also scrutinized by the MFDS, which has strict safety standards in place. For instance, tin plating on surfaces that come in contact with food cannot contain more than 0.1% lead. There are also restrictions on certain materials, phthalates, and colorants.

Products such as liquid egg yolk, liquid egg white, and whole egg powder intended for human consumption may fall under additional sanitary controls and testing requirements.

Livestock and Meat Products

The Livestock Products Sanitary Control Act outlines additional sanitary requirements for meat production. In addition to the general requirements that include facility inspection and registration, the Act provides standards for slaughter, processing, and inspection. Further, countries that have sanitary control standards that are equivalent to those of Korea can import products into the country without inspection, provided they meet certain criteria.

Meat export establishments exporting to South Korea must undergo a registration process with MFDS. There are several steps to the process, such as submitting safety certificates (GMP, HACCP, ISO22000). Food that has potential risks falls under a more stringent registration scheme that involves more transparency and stricter oversight.

Korea has specific sanitary certificate requirements for meat products being shipped from the exporting country into Korea. These requirements include:

• Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP)
• Assurance that any chemical residue and contaminants do not exceed the maximum limits
• Food Sanitation Act compliance
• Proper packaging with sanitary and clean materials.
• Adherence to temperature specifications and freezing dates.
• Traceability requirement (voluntary)

The cold chain maintenance documentation for meat exports to Korea includes compliance with the Meat Docs System. This system is an information service portal for meat export and sales. It is secure and contains regulatory compliance documentation as well as product information. It increases the efficiency of the supply chain while reducing costs for the individual companies. It also is a vital player in facilitating global trade.

Fresh Produce and Agricultural Products

Exporters of fresh agricultural products to Korea have certain requirements that are specific to fresh foods:

• Phytosanitary certification
• Meeting pesticide residue limits
• Adherent to general food safety regulations

A phytosanitary certificate is required for all fresh foods, including fruits and vegetables. It must be issued prior to the on-board date that is on the Bill of Lading. This certificate must include vital information such as the country and state of origin as well as the total weight.

All products may be subjected to inspection, treatment, or refusal if examination reveals pesticide on the product when it arrives. Products are screened for pests according to Korea’s extensive pest list.

Korea maintains its own maximum residue limits (MRLs) for products exported to the country instead of deferring to the Codex standards. Korea lists positive MRLs for all foods. If the MRL for a specific chemical has not been assigned, the default MRL is 0.01 ppm. Imported fruit is closely monitored to detect chemical residues. For some foods, the first shipment from each manufacturer or distributor may require testing.

South Korea has identified specific quarantine pests and products being exported to the country must not contain any of them. It may be required for exporting packinghouses and orchards to register with the exporting country’s authority, as well as the accredited Korean authorities.

Step-by-Step Export Process Timeline

Exporting to Korea involves several stages. The timeline below is approximate.

Pre-shipment stage: The buyer sends a list of their requirements, and the supplier provides a quote. This can take up to three days. Samples may be sent to the potential buyer prior to confirmation of the order. Sample receipt and approval can take from three to fourteen days. Once the order is confirmed, production begins. This can take as many as thirty days, plus up to three days for order confirmation/approval. Once the shipment is ready, it undergoes a pre-shipment inspection, which can take up to three days, and then it's packed and put on pallets, ready to ship. That’s another two days. In all, the pre-shipment phase can take as long as fifty-two days.

Shipping and customs stage: The freight forwarder schedules the shipment for shipping, booking space on an aircraft or vessel. This can take from five to ten days. The exporter then assembles the required documentation, such as the packing list, commercial invoice, and certificate of origin. The export declaration is then filed with the exporting country’s customs authorities. Customs reviews the declaration. They may inspect the shipment to ensure that the products are compliant with the country’s regulations. Once cleared, the shipment is loaded on the aircraft or vessel and shipped to its destination.

Post-shipment and arrival: Once the shipment arrives in Korean customs, it undergoes the necessary inspections to clear it. The importer must file the import declaration and pay any taxes or duties that may be applicable. The exporter hands over the necessary documents to the importer and the shipping agent clears the products. The importer then makes the final payment to the exporter.

Potential delays, re-inspections, and other bottlenecks can extend the length of time for the shipment to reach its destination and complete the shipping cycle. When planning a shipment, it is wise to build in buffer time to accommodate these possible delays.

Pre-Export Preparation Checklist

A pre-export preparation checklist ensures that the exporter has all necessary documentation, has prepared the required customs clearance and import declaration forms. The exporter completes all requirements to discuss shipping document requirements with the buyer before shipping.

• Documentation
• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Sales contract
• Proforma invoice
• Certificates needed depending on products
• Import declaration
• Bill of lading
• Certificate of inspection
• Classification and compliance
• Product classification
• Access FTA compliance
• Logistics and operations
• Export compliance
• Customs clearance
• Shipping and insurance
• AES filing
• Payment
• Communication and confirmation
• Order confirmation
• Maintain contact with the importer throughout the process
• Quality inspection

The Korean partner identification and agreement process is necessary for successful food export to Korea. It begins by identifying and partnering with a registered Korean importer, then registering with Korea’s MFDS foreign food facility.

Costs and Fees Associated with Korean Food Exports

Costs and fees associated with exportation to Korea include regulatory compliance, tariffs, logistics, and production.

Internal production and distribution costs depend on what is being produced. Areas to consider include raw material costs, distribution, logistics, labeling, packaging, manufacturing, and labor.

The international and regulatory fees include:

• Tariffs (largely dependent upon the exporting country)
• Customs inspection fees
• Customs clearance
• Value added tax (VAT) – 10% VAT on all imports to South Korea
• Freight and shipping insurance
• Inspections and certifications
• Organic certification
• GMO certification
• Labeling compliance

Before exporting to South Korea, check the current laws and regulations. The laws are routinely amended, and you want to have the most up-to-date information possible.

Digital Opportunities: E-commerce and Cross-Border Sales

Online channels can provide alternative market entry strategies. E-commerce is booming, and many exporters are taking full advantage of the opportunities online food exports offer. There are several advantages of cross-border e-commerce. Simplified documentation is one that creates a major draw for businesses entering the global market.

The Coupang marketplace is a major Korean e-commerce platform that can provide major opportunities for exporters. It requires registration, but can be an essential tool, especially for businesses just entering the market. When setting up an e-commerce business, make sure to register your business and register your trademark to protect your intellectual property. These are absolutely vital to do before entering the market.

Find the Harmonized System (HS) codes that are appropriate for your products. This will ensure that your tax calculation is correct and you will have accurate customs declarations. Also, research the specific export and import regulations for your product so that you can be compliant and avoid any penalties or legal issues.

You must also comply with Korea’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) as well as any other data regulations. This is especially important if you are managing user data on international servers.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Regulatory compliance is one of the most common challenges when exporting food products to South Korea. The country has strict food safety regulations, so partnering with a local importer is recommended. They can handle the registrations that are required and ensure that the product is compliant with all Korean standards prior to shipment.

Competition can be high, but making your product stand out can help. This can be accomplished by creating a unique value proposition or a compelling brand story. Focus on building relationships and investments over the long term. This is how you build a loyal customer base.

Products may need some modification to appeal to the Korean consumer. Market research can help you understand the cultural and local tastes.

Packaging requirements for Korean products are stringent and precise. Work with your importer to design a Korean language label that is complementary to the package design and meets all requirements.

Direct translation may not be appropriate for all translations because words can have different meanings in different cultures. Use a translation service that offers localization to ensure your translations are culturally accurate.

Tariffs and taxes can be high. Research the current rates and seek out potential reductions under KORUS FTA and other similar agreements. Also, make sure that the HSK code is correct when applying tariffs to ensure that you don’t pay too much or not enough.

Distribution to a foreign market can be tough, but partnering with an experienced Korean distributor can help. Coupang is a highly recommended avenue for exploring and testing the market.

Working with Korean Importers and Distributors

Working with a qualified import partner is essential for entering the South Korean market. Thoroughly researching any potential partners is necessary before establishing a partnership. Background checks are vital to ensure that your partner is reliable. The International Trade Administration provides a number of helpful resources for this.

Adapting products and procedures to be more palatable for Korean tastes can help increase your success in the market. Focusing on features that appeal to the Korean consumer may include culturally focused packaging that is more appealing, natural ingredients, and healthier alternatives.

Relationships are important in Korean culture, so building relationships with Korean companies and adjusting business and negotiation strategies to come more in line with Korean business culture can help with not just market entry, but also with forming lasting relationships that can build your business.

Success Stories: Latin American Companies in Korea

Latin American exporters have been making significant strides in South Korea. This trend highlights that entering new markets is possible when high-quality products, regulatory readiness, and strategic partnerships come together. While larger companies have been rolling out their products, small and medium-sized enterprises are also making their mark. Events focused on business matchmaking, along with support from platforms like ConnectAmericas, are crucial for opening doors to new markets and opportunities.

Brazil has emerged as a leading supplier of beef and agricultural goods to Korea. The country adheres to stringent sanitary controls, produces top-notch products, and meets the rigorous import standards set by Korea. Brazilian beef exports to Korea have been on the rise, backed by transparent traceability systems and strong, long-term collaborations.

Mexico has successfully introduced its products into the Korean market, particularly in the realm of consumer-packaged goods. Several Mexican food brands have made their way into Korean retail. Mexican sauces, snacks, and beverages have carved out a niche in various markets and retailers.

Individual success stories from users of ConnectAmericas illustrate how targeted B2B matchmaking can lead to tangible commercial success. Take Eco-Orgánicos de Colombia, for instance, a company that specializes in organic granulated panela. After participating in LAC Flavors in Busan, they landed their first Korean buyer and transformed their business from sporadic exports to shipping one container per month, achieving a remarkable 300% growth.

A second example comes from Casón El Monte, a women-led company in Chile that specializes in low-sodium Atacama salt, a one-of-a-kind ingredient exclusive to the region. Thanks to LAC business rounds and ConnectAmericas, they were able to introduce these distinctive products to a wider audience and grew from making occasional shipments to exporting eight containers every month. This impressive growth resulted in new job opportunities, increased productivity, and solid long-term partnerships with international distributors. By carving out a niche and focusing on health-oriented products, they successfully made their mark in Korea’s premium food market.

A few strategies that can really pave the way for a successful market entry:

• Get involved in specialized business meetings where you can connect with serious, high-intent buyers.
• Focus on showcasing certifications, sustainability, and reliability.
• Build solid relationships with importers and distributors, emphasizing reliability and a commitment to long-term partnerships.
• Set your products apart by highlighting their quality and origin, taking advantage of the unique agricultural strengths of Latin America.

These points illustrate that when thorough preparation meets market insight, Latin American exporters can achieve lasting commercial success in South Korea.

Resources and Support for Latin American Exporters

There are a number of government and public resources that can help businesses exporting to South Korea and other countries.

• International Trade Administration (ITA)
• BID for the Americas program 
• Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
• U.S. Small Business Administration
• Caribbean-Central American Action (CCAA)
• Korea-LAC Tech Corps
• Korea-Ecuador SECA
• Knowledge Sharing Program (KSP)

Exporters can also access the MFDS English resources and help desk contacts.

ConnectAmericas is another powerful resource with a vast knowledge base and extensive regulatory information for exporters worldwide.

The annual Korea-LAC Business Summit is another excellent resource.

Take Action: Start Your Korean Export Journey with ConnectAmericas

If you are a business owner and you are planning to export to South Korea, the ConnectAmericas platform is for you. This free business platform is the largest business community in the Americas. Created by the IDB, it facilitates access to international markets, allowing you to connect with suppliers and customers all over the world.

Sign up is fast and easy, and it gives you immediate access to ConnectAmericas' vast assortment of business tools and resources. Members receive exclusive benefits like special training, access to a database of connected companies, exclusive events, and so much more!

All you have to do is join now to get started!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does MFDS foreign facility registration take?

MFDS foreign facility registration is typically processed within three business days upon successful submission of the online application. There is a required seven-day waiting period from the time the company registers until it can import any products.

What are the total costs for exporting food products to South Korea?

Actual dollar amounts for exporting food products to South Korea are contingent upon many factors, primarily the product that is being exported. There are a number of expenses to consider, including those related to the product, logistics, import duties, and a 10% VAT. The product’s HS code largely determines the specific costs associated with the product.

Can I export to Korea without a Korean importer or distributor?

Technically, yes, but it depends on your sales model. For B2B (Business-to-Business), South Korean law requires a registered local entity to act as the Importer of Record for customs clearance (Korea Customs Service). This means you must either establish a local branch or hire a third-party service (U.S. International Trade Administration).

For B2C (Direct-to-Consumer), individual buyers can act as the importer using a Personal Customs Clearance Code (PCCC). As of January 1, 2025, this code is strictly mandatory for all e-commerce imports, and passport numbers are no longer accepted for clearance (Korea Customs Service Official Notice). Keep in mind that regulated goods like food, cosmetics, and electronics often require a licensed local representative to manage mandatory safety certifications and registrations (Customs Act of Korea, Article 241).

Which Latin American food products have the highest demand in Korea?

The Latin American food products that have the highest demand in Korea are meat, coffee, produce, and certain seafoods like shrimp and squid.

What happens if my product fails the Korean import inspection?

If your product fails the Korean import inspection, it will be refused entry into the country. The importer will have several options that are mandatory, including destruction or re-exportation. In some cases, criminal penalties or fines may be imposed, but these are dependent upon the severity and nature of the failure to comply.

Do I need to translate all my documentation into Korean?

No. All your documentation does not need to be translated into Korean, but certain documents do, such as those for any legal or official purposes. Documents that do need to be translated are the import declaration, product labeling, specialized documentation, and legal or official use documents.

How do I qualify for the GIP fast-track import system?

To qualify for the GIP, your business must have a significant record of business longevity. You must also have a business plan and be able to present documents showing audited accounts, proof of business background, and business licenses. A substantial investment in a GIP select fund or SFO is also required.

What certifications does Korea accept from Latin American countries?

Korea accepts many certifications from Latin American countries. They primarily depend upon the product type. Some common certificates that are accepted include:

• Certificate of Origin
• Sanitary-phytosanitary (SPS) certificates
• Organic certifications
• GMO certifications