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South Korea Import Duty Rate for Smartphones & Mobile Phones

HS 8517.12 · Telephones for cellular networks

South Korea MFN Import Duty Rate

on CIF value

ITA signatory — 0% MFN on smartphones.

How duty is calculated

CIF value

Product cost + international freight + insurance

Import duty (0%)

Applied to CIF value. EU, UK, and most countries use CIF.

VAT (10%)

Applied to CIF value + duty. Collected at customs.

Use our Landed Cost Calculator to compute the full cost including freight, brokerage, and last-mile delivery.

Worked example: smartphones & mobile phones worth US$10,000

A commercial shipment invoiced at US$10,000 with US$900 of international freight and insurance. South Korea charges duty on the CIF value (goods + freight + insurance), so the duty base is US$10,900. Customs converts the amount to KRW at the official exchange rate on the day of import.

Charge	At 0%
Import duty	$0
VAT (10%)	$1,090
Total paid at the border	$1,090

VAT is usually recoverable for a registered business, so the cost that stays with you is the duty. Excise, anti-dumping duties and broker fees are not included.

Classifying smartphones & mobile phones correctly

Heading 8517 covers telephones for cellular networks (8517.13 for smartphones since HS 2022, 8517.14 for other mobile phones) and base stations and network equipment in 8517.6x.

Smartwatches with a SIM are classified as 8517.62, not as phones
Phone cases go to their material chapter (3926 plastic, 4202 leather) and chargers to 8504.40
Refurbished phones take the same code as new ones but may face different valuation rules

Compliance. Radio equipment needs type approval in most markets — CE/RED in the EU, FCC ID in the US, UKCA in Great Britain, IMDA in Singapore — and lithium batteries inside must be shipped under UN3481 rules.

Importing into South Korea: what you need

The Korea Customs Service (KCS) clears goods through UNI-PASS; rates are in the Customs Act tariff schedule.

Registration. A business registration number and customs registration; individuals buying from abroad need a Personal Customs Clearance Code (PCCC).

Low-value shipments. Personal-use purchases worth US$150 or less (US$200 from the US under KORUS) are exempt from duty and VAT; commercial imports pay from the first won.

Documents customs will ask for

Import declaration in UNI-PASS
Commercial invoice and packing list
Bill of lading or air waybill
Certificate of origin or origin declaration for FTA rates
KC certification for electrical and children's products

Charges on top of duty

VAT 10% on CIF value + duty
Individual consumption tax on cars, jewellery and other luxury items
Education and rural development taxes on some goods

Watch out. Korea's FTA network is wide — KORUS, the EU and UK FTAs, RCEP and the Korea–China FTA cut many rates to 0%, but each needs its own origin document.

Frequently asked questions

What is the import duty rate for Smartphones & Mobile Phones in South Korea?

The MFN (Most Favoured Nation) import duty rate for Smartphones & Mobile Phones (HS 8517.12) in South Korea is 0% on the CIF value. ITA signatory — 0% MFN on smartphones.

Is VAT charged on Smartphones & Mobile Phones imports to South Korea?

Yes. South Korea charges VAT at 10% on the CIF value plus any import duty. This applies to virtually all commercial imports.

Are there FTA rates available for Smartphones & Mobile Phones in South Korea?

South Korea has free trade agreements with KORUS (US), Korea–EU FTA, Korea–UK FTA, RCEP, Korea–ASEAN FTA, Korea–China FTA (CKFTA). Check whether your origin country qualifies for a preferential rate on HS 8517.12.

How is import duty calculated for Smartphones & Mobile Phones entering South Korea?

Duty is calculated on the CIF value of the goods. CIF value includes the product cost, international freight, and insurance. The MFN duty of 0% is applied to this value. VAT (10%) is then applied on the duty-paid value.