Who can file a Korean import declaration?

A customs broker or the owner of the goods, through the UNI-PASS electronic clearance system.

Can robots from China get a lower duty rate?

Goods that meet the rules of origin of the Korea–China FTA may qualify for preferential rates. Your broker should confirm the rule for each code, and the supplier must provide the certificate of origin.

Do demonstration units need radio certification?

The RRA lists exemptions for limited quantities of market research samples not for sale and for equipment used at exhibitions. Check the conditions before shipping and keep the units out of sale.

Where can I ask Korea Customs a question?

The Korea Customs Service runs a customer service centre covering clearance, FTA, classification and valuation. It can be reached on +82-2-3438-5199 from outside Korea. KCS: Customs counselling

Importing Robots from China into South Korea

1. File the import declaration

Import declarations are filed electronically through UNI-PASS, the Korea Customs Service clearance system. They can be filed by a customs broker or by the owner of the goods. KCS: Import Declaration Guideline

In principle, goods are declared after they arrive at the port, but importers may file the declaration before arrival to speed up clearance. The basic document is the import declaration form; additional documents include the invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificate of origin. KCS: Import Declaration Guideline

Customs selects shipments for physical inspection by risk management. Once the declaration is accepted, a certificate of import declaration is issued and the goods are released from the bonded area. KCS: Import Declaration Guideline

For goods designated under other laws, the head of the customs office checks at clearance whether the import approvals and other conditions those laws require have been met. Confirm early whether any line in your shipment is subject to this check. KCS: Import Declaration Guideline

2. Classify the goods in the Korean tariff

The Korea Customs Service publishes its tariff database, which can be searched by a 10-digit HS code or by the name of the goods. Confirm the full Korean code with your broker rather than reusing the code on the supplier's Chinese export declaration. KCS: Tariff database

The duty payment declaration states the HS code and duty rate of each line and the customs value for each HS code. Give your broker enough detail to classify every line on the invoice. KCS: Tax payment report and making payment

Line on the invoice	What to tell your broker	Reference
Complete robot: humanoid, quadruped, wheeled or service	Its main function, and whether the controller, charger and spare batteries are packed with it	KCS: Tariff database
Industrial or collaborative arm	Whether the control box and teach pendant are included and which industrial process it runs	KCS: Tariff database
Joint actuators, motors and reducers	Whether each item is a motor, a gearbox or an integrated module with driver and encoder	KCS: Tax payment report and making payment
LiDAR, depth cameras, force and tactile sensors	Measuring principle, output signal and whether the device works on its own	KCS: Tariff database
Separate battery packs	Cell chemistry, watt-hours per pack and number of packs	KCS: Tax payment report and making payment

3. Declare the customs value

When making an import declaration, importers declare the value of the goods to customs, with documents on the transaction and on how the dutiable value was calculated. KCS: Price Report on Imported Goods

A separate value declaration may be waived for some goods, including goods with a customs value of USD 10,000 or less, subject to exclusions such as split shipments. It is mandatory where commissions, packing costs, assists, royalties or subsequent proceeds must be added to the price paid. Tell your broker about any software licence, tooling or engineering fee paid separately from the hardware. KCS: Price Report on Imported Goods

The Korea Customs Service publishes its customs exchange rates for imports and exports, quoted in Korean won. KCS: Customs exchange rate

4. Pay customs duty and VAT

In principle, customs duties and internal taxes on imported goods are paid for each transaction, or in a lump sum within a fixed period. Most imported goods are cleared under duty payment declaration, in which the importer declares and pays the tax. Declared duties are generally subject to post-clearance audit within five years of acceptance. KCS: Tax payment report and making payment

Small and medium-sized businesses and middle-standing companies that meet export ratio, trading history and compliance criteria can apply to defer payment of VAT on imports until they file their VAT return. KCS: Deferred Payment of VAT on Imported Goods

Small and medium-sized manufacturers importing goods of HS chapters 84, 85 and 90 for their own use may apply for installment payment of customs duty. Conditions include the annual duty amount and a confirmation that the goods are difficult to manufacture domestically. Installments can run for up to five years, and the application must be filed before the import declaration is accepted. KCS: Installment Payment of Customs Duty

5. Claim Korea–China FTA rates and mark the origin

The Korea–China Free Trade Agreement entered into force on 20 December 2015. The Korean government FTA portal publishes the agreement text and its origin information. FTA portal: Korea–China FTA (Korean)

Preferential claims can be checked after import. For the Korea–China FTA, the Korea Customs Service first asks the issuing agency in China to verify the origin. It can then visit the exporter, with a Chinese customs officer present. Ask your supplier for the certificate of origin before shipment and keep its supporting records. KCS: Examination of origin

About 56 percent of imports, 687 of 1,219 four-digit HS items, must be marked with their country of origin. Accepted forms include "Made in China" and "Country of Origin: China", in a legible font and in a place buyers can easily find. Check whether your goods are on the list before production is finished. KCS: Marking of origin

6. Radio conformity for connected robots

Broadcasting and communication equipment conformity assessment is required under Article 58-2 of the Radio Waves Act. It takes three forms: certification of conformity, registration of compatibility and interim conformity. A party that intends to manufacture, sell or import such equipment must hold one of the three. RRA: Conformity Assessment System

Certification of conformity requires a test report from an authorised testing agency or a testing agency in an MRA country. The RRA also lists exemptions, including limited quantities of samples imported for market research and not for sale, and equipment used for exhibitions. RRA: Conformity Assessment System

7. Lithium batteries in transit

Legged, humanoid and mobile robots usually carry lithium battery packs. Whether a pack can fly depends on its configuration and watt-hour rating, so send the battery specifications to your forwarder before booking. IATA: Lithium batteries

8. Keep the records

The certificate of import declaration, the import contract and the documents used to determine the customs value must be kept for five years from the date the declaration was accepted. KCS: Retention of reported and submitted documents

Before you ship

Appoint a Korean customs broker, or confirm that the importer of record can file on UNI-PASS, before the goods leave China.
Ask the broker to confirm the 10-digit code of each invoice line and whether any line needs a clearance-requirement check under another law.
Request the Korea–China FTA certificate of origin and origin marking samples from the supplier with the quotation.
Ask the manufacturer for the Korean radio conformity details of each wireless module and of the finished robot.
Confirm with the manufacturer whether the charger and power supply carry KC safety certification and suit Korean mains voltage and plugs.
Keep the commercial invoice, packing list, transport document, certificate of origin and battery shipping documents together for each consignment.

This guide summarises official Korean guidance as of the date shown. It does not determine how the rules apply to a particular product. A licensed customs broker and, for radio and electrical equipment, a certification body should confirm that before you order.

Importing Robots from China into South Korea: Customs, FTA Origin and Radio Certification