Import Duties from South Korea to European Union
European Union import duty rates for goods originating in South Korea. EU-Korea FTA provides preferential tariff access.
FTA Status
Active ✓
Duty basis
CIF
VAT
20%
Tariff system
EU TARIC
EU-Korea FTA
In force since 2011
0% duty on virtually all industrial goods. Automotive tariffs fully eliminated.
South Korea → European Union Trade Highlights
- →EU-Korea FTA was the EU's first FTA with an Asian country
- →Auto tariffs fully eliminated (was 10% → 0% after 5-year phase-out)
- →Electronics and chemicals also benefit from tariff elimination
- →Strong rules of origin — substantial transformation required
- →South Korea is the EU's 8th-largest trading partner
Key Products: South Korea → European Union
European Union MFN rates · CIF basis · click for full breakdown
| Product | HS Code | MFN Duty | FTA Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger Cars | 8703 | 6.5% | CETA/JEFTA: 0% | Details → |
| Automotive Parts & Components | 8708 | 3.7% | CETA/JEFTA: 0% | Details → |
| Tyres & Pneumatic Tyres | 4011 | 4.5% | — | Details → |
| Steel Flat Products | 7208–7211 | 0–4% | — | Details → |
| Electronic Components | 8534 / 8542 | 0% | — | Details → |
All European Union Duty Rates
| Smartphones & Mobile Phones | 8517.12 | 0% | Details → |
| Used & Second-Hand Cars | 8703 | 6.5% | Details → |
| Trucks & Commercial Vehicles | 8704 | 6.5% | Details → |
| Perfume & Fragrances | 3303.00 | 5.1% | Details → |
| Clothing & Apparel | 61 / 62 | 12% | Details → |
| Aluminium Profiles & Windows | 7610 | 6% | Details → |
| Laptops & Computers | 8471 | 0% | Details → |
| Solar Panels & PV Modules | 8541.40 | 0% | Details → |
| Furniture | 9403 | 3.7% | Details → |
| Footwear & Shoes | 6402–6405 | 17% | Details → |
| Motorcycles & Scooters | 8711 | 6% | Details → |
| Cosmetics & Skincare | 3304 | 1.7% | Details → |
| Food Supplements & Vitamins | 2106 / 3004 | 0–9.6% | Details → |
| Fabrics & Technical Textiles | 5208 / 5512 | 6.5–12% | Details → |
| Jewellery & Precious Metals | 7113 / 7114 | 2.5% | Details → |
Importing into European Union: what you need
Customs is run by each member state (Zoll in Germany, Douane in France, Agencja Celna in Poland) under the Union Customs Code; rates come from the Common Customs Tariff and TARIC.
Registration. An EORI number issued by the member state where the importer is established. Non-EU sellers either appoint an indirect customs representative or ship DDP through a carrier that acts as declarant.
Low-value shipments. Goods worth €150 or less were duty-free until 30 June 2026. Since 1 July 2026 a flat €3 customs duty applies to each tariff heading in a low-value parcel sold through IOSS (Council Regulation (EU) 2026/382), until normal duties take over in July 2028. VAT is due from the first euro, collected at checkout under IOSS or at import.
Documents customs will ask for
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or air waybill
- Proof of origin for preferential rates (statement on origin or REX statement)
- Import licence or certificate where the product is regulated
Charges on top of duty
- Import VAT at the rate of the member state of import (17–27%)
- Excise on alcohol, tobacco and energy products
- Anti-dumping duties on specific product/origin pairs (TARIC additional codes)
- CBAM certificates for iron, steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers and hydrogen above the 50-tonne annual threshold
Watch out. VAT, not duty, is usually the bigger number — a 3% duty on a €10,000 shipment is €300, while 20% VAT on the duty-paid value is over €2,100. VAT-registered importers recover it; consumers do not.
How Import Duty Is Calculated
CIF value
Product cost + international freight + insurance
Import duty (tariff rate)
MFN rate applies, or preferential rate under EU-Korea FTA if rules of origin are met
VAT (20%)
Charged on CIF value + duty. Collected at customs clearance.
Use our Import Duty Calculator or Landed Cost Calculator for a full cost breakdown.
Calculate your exact cost
Enter your product, value, and shipping cost for a full landed cost estimate.
Landed Cost Calculator →South Korea → Other Markets
Other Origins → European Union