Home/Trade Route/HS 7218

Cross-Border Trade Guide

🇰🇷 South Korea → 🇨🇳 China

HS 7218 · STAINLESS STEEL IN INGOTS ETC & SEMIFIN PRODUCTSAnnual bilateral volume: $3M

Estimated Duties

0-6%

MFN 0-6% + 13% import VAT

Transit Time

2-4 days

End to end

Compliance

GB + CCC (select)

Mandatory for construction steel

Export Rebate

VAT zero-rated export

Key Rules

South Korea 🇰🇷 → China 🇨🇳

›Korean Export Certifications

›Required Export Documents (Korea)

›Export Declaration via UNI-PASS

›Register as Exporter with Korea Customs [KRE]

›Prepare Export Documents

›Prepare Export Documents [KRE]

›Submit Export Declaration via UNI-PASS (수출신고) [KRE]

✓VAT Zero-Rating on Exports [KRE]

💰

Estimated Cost Breakdown

per $100K shipment · South Korea → China

DUTY CALCULATION — CHINA

Base Duty

MFN (ITA): Free

VAT 13%

13%

on (CIF + duty)

Effective Total

~0%

duty only

Product cost (FOB)	$100,000
Ocean freight (est.)	$3,500
Marine insurance (0.4%)	$400
VAT 13% on $103,900	$13,507
Customs broker	~$75
South Korea export tax rebate (10%)	-$10,000
Estimated total landed cost	~$107,482

* Estimates based on $100K FOB shipment of electronics (HS 85). Actual costs vary by exact HS code, weight/volume, and current rates.

✓CERTIFICATIONS

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Korean Export Certifications

No general export certification. Strategic items: export license from MOTIE. Catch-all control: if aware of WMD end-use, must apply for license.

§REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

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Required Export Documents (Korea)

Export declaration (UNI-PASS), Commercial Invoice, Packing List, B/L or AWB, Certificate of Origin, Export License for strategic items.

›PROCESS STEPS

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Export Declaration via UNI-PASS

Filed electronically through UNI-PASS. Customs review and permit issuance. AEO-certified exporters get simplified procedures.

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Exporters must register with Korea Customs Service (KCS) via UNI-PASS portal. Obtain trade business registration (무역업고유번호) from MOTIE. AEO certification available for frequent exporters — provides simplified procedures, priority processing, and mutual recognition with AEO programs in partner countries (US C-TPAT, EU AEO, Japan AEO, China AEO).

●

Prepare Export Documents

Export declaration, commercial invoice, packing list, B/L or AWB, certificate of origin (for FTA claims), export license (if strategic item).

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Prepare Export Documents [KRE]

Required documents: Export Declaration (수출신고서), Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill. If goods are strategic items: export license from MOTIE required. Certificate of Origin: issued by Korea Customs or Korean Chamber of Commerce (for general). For FTA preferential treatment at destination: use FTA-specific certificate format.

●

Submit Export Declaration via UNI-PASS (수출신고) [KRE]

Export declaration filed electronically through UNI-PASS by customs broker or exporter. Declaration includes: HS code, quantity, value (FOB), destination country, consignee. Customs examines declaration and may inspect goods at loading area. After acceptance, Export Declaration Acceptance Certificate (수출신고필증) is issued. Goods can then be loaded onto vessel/aircraft. Processing time: typically same-day.

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VAT Zero-Rating on Exports [KRE]

Exports are zero-rated for VAT (0%). Exporters can claim refund of input VAT paid on materials and services used in producing exported goods. Refund processed through quarterly or monthly VAT returns. No export duties or export taxes in Korea.

›PROCESS STEPS

●

Export Declaration via UNI-PASS

Filed electronically through UNI-PASS. Customs review and permit issuance. AEO-certified exporters get simplified procedures.

●

Prepare Export Documents

Export declaration, commercial invoice, packing list, B/L or AWB, certificate of origin (for FTA claims), export license (if strategic item).

●

Prepare Export Documents [KRE]

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Submit Export Declaration via UNI-PASS (수출신고) [KRE]

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VAT Zero-Rating on Exports [KRE]

→SHIPPING & TIMELINE

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Shipping Timeline from China

China → US (West Coast): Ocean 15-20 days, $2,800-4,200/FEU. Air 3-5 days, $5-8/kg. China → US (East Coast): Ocean 25-35 days, $3,500-5,500/FEU. China → Japan: Ocean 3-7 days, $500-1,200/FEU. Air 1-2 days, $3-6/kg. China → EU (Rotterdam): Ocean 25-35 days via Suez, $2,500-4,500/FEU. China → Korea: Ocean 2-4 days, $300-700/FEU. Export customs clearance: typically 1-2 days after declaration.

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China Import Customs Clearance Timeline [CNI]

Average customs clearance time (from declaration to release): Standard goods: 1-3 business days (Single Window has reduced from 16 hours to ~2 hours for green channel). Goods requiring inspection: 3-7 business days. First-time imports with lab testing: 15-20 business days. Major port processing times (2026): Shanghai (洋山/外高桥): 1-2 days average. Shenzhen (盐田/蛇口): 1-2 days. Guangzhou (南沙): 1-2 days. Qingdao (青岛): 2-3 days. Tianjin (天津): 2-3 days. AEO-certified enterprises: typically same-day or next-day clearance.

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Shipping Timeline: US to China [CNI]

Ocean freight: US west coast (LA/Long Beach) → Shanghai/Shenzhen: 15-20 days. US east coast (NY/Savannah) → Shanghai: 25-35 days. Transit via Pacific: most common route for US-China trade. Air freight: 2-4 days (major airports: LAX→PVG, JFK→PEK, ORD→CAN). Ocean container cost (2026): $1,500-3,500/FEU (US→China direction typically cheaper than China→US). Air freight cost: $4-8/kg. Add 1-3 days for China customs clearance (standard goods).

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Shipping Timeline from Korea

Korea → China: Ocean 2-4 days, $300-700/FEU. Korea → US (West Coast): Ocean 12-16 days, $2,000-3,500/FEU. Korea → Japan: Ocean 1-3 days, $300-600/FEU. Korea → EU: Ocean 25-32 days, $2,200-3,800/FEU. Customs clearance: same-day (AEO) or 1 day.

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Shipping Timeline to Korea

From China: Ocean 2-4 days, $300-700/FEU (very short route). Air 1-2 days, $2-5/kg. From US: Ocean 12-16 days, $2,000-3,500/FEU. Air 2-3 days, $5-8/kg. From Japan: Ocean 1-3 days, $300-600/FEU. Air same-day to 1 day. From EU: Ocean 25-32 days, $2,200-3,800/FEU. Customs clearance: 1-2 days (very fast).

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Shipping Timeline to Korea [KRI]

Ocean from China: Shanghai→Busan 2-3 days, Shenzhen→Busan 4-6 days. Cost: $300-800/FEU. Ocean from US: LA→Busan 12-16 days, NY→Busan 25-30 days. Cost: $2,000-4,000/FEU. Ocean from Japan: Tokyo/Osaka→Busan 1-2 days. Cost: $200-500/FEU. Ocean from EU: Rotterdam→Busan 28-35 days. Cost: $2,500-5,000/FEU. Air from China: 2-4 hours. Air from US: 12-14 hours. Cost: $3-8/kg. Customs clearance: ~1 hour (UNI-PASS green channel), 1-3 days standard, 3-7 days with inspection. Major Korean ports: Busan (largest), Incheon, Gwangyang, Pyeongtaek.

§REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

●

Import Customs Declaration Form (进口报关单) [CNI]

Primary customs document filed electronically via Single Window. Contains 50+ data fields including: consignee code, HS code, quantity, value, trade terms, transport mode, country of origin. One declaration per B/L (or consolidated for multiple B/Ls from same consignment).

●

Commercial Invoice (商业发票) [CNI]

Must include: seller, buyer, contract number, description, quantity, unit price, total amount, trade terms (Incoterms), payment terms. Used for customs valuation. Chinese customs may challenge declared value if significantly below reference prices.

●

Packing List (装箱单) [CNI]

Detailed contents of each container/package: item description, quantity per package, gross weight, net weight, dimensions, marks and numbers. Must match commercial invoice.

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Bill of Lading / Air Waybill (提单/空运单) [CNI]

Ocean: Original Bill of Lading (usually 3 originals). Air: Air Waybill. B/L number is linked to customs declaration. Required for cargo release from port terminal.

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Trade Contract (贸易合同) [CNI]

Import contract between buyer and seller. Must be presented to customs if requested. Key elements: parties, product description, quantity, price, payment terms, trade terms, delivery schedule. Customs may request to verify value declarations.

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Insurance Policy/Certificate (保险单) [CNI]

Required if goods are insured (standard for CIF terms). Insurance certificate or policy showing coverage amount and risks covered. Used in customs valuation for CIF-based assessment.

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Certificate of Origin (原产地证书) [CNI]

Required for claiming preferential tariff rates under FTAs/RCEP. For RCEP: issued by authorized body (e.g., CCPIT for Chinese exports) or approved exporter self-declaration. For MFN rates: not strictly required but customs may request. For non-preferential purposes: proves origin for trade statistics and potential retaliatory tariff application.

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Inspection/Quarantine Certificate (检验检疫证书) [CNI]

Required for goods in the Statutory Inspection Catalog. Includes: health certificate (food/animal products), phytosanitary certificate (plants), quality inspection certificate, safety certificate. Must be obtained from exporting country's competent authority before shipping.

●

Import License (进口许可证) — If Required [CNI]

Required for goods in the Import License Management Catalogue (2026 version: MOFCOM/GACC Announcement 2025 No.88). Covers: certain machinery, electronics requiring approval, ozone-depleting substances, controlled chemicals, endangered species products. Automatic import license (自动进口许可证) for monitored goods: issued within 3 working days.

›PROCESS STEPS

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Importer Registration and Qualification [CNI]

Foreign trade operators must register with MOFCOM (商务部) for import/export rights (对外贸易经营者备案). Then register with local Customs (海关注册登记). Both done via China International Trade Single Window (国际贸易单一窗口, singlewindow.cn). Registration is free and takes 1-3 business days. Foreign companies must import through a registered Chinese entity (subsidiary, agent, or consignee). Customs registration number (海关注册编码, 10 digits) is required for all declarations.

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Pre-Arrival Preparation and Inspection Application [CNI]

For goods in the Statutory Inspection Catalog (法定检验目录), apply for CIQ inspection BEFORE arrival. Submit to local China Customs (previously separate CIQ bureau, merged into Customs in 2018). Food, cosmetics, medical devices require pre-registration of overseas manufacturers with GACC. Pre-arrival customs declaration allowed (提前申报) — can file up to 24 hours before vessel arrival.

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Submit Import Customs Declaration (进口报关) [CNI]

File electronically via China International Trade Single Window or China E-Port (中国电子口岸). Declaration form (报关单) includes: consignee, HS code (8 or 10 digits), quantity, value, trade terms (Incoterms), transport mode, country of origin, destination port. Customs broker (报关行) typically handles declaration. Must be filed within 14 days of vessel arrival (penalty for late filing: 0.05% of duty per day, max 30%).

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Customs Review and Inspection (审单/查验) [CNI]

Customs applies risk-based review: (1) Green channel — auto-release (majority of shipments). (2) Yellow channel — document review. (3) Red channel — physical inspection. Inspection rate varies: ~5% for general goods, higher for first-time importers and high-risk products. AEO-certified enterprises (高级认证企业) get significantly lower inspection rates (~0.5%). If inspection required: goods presented at customs supervision area, typically takes 1-2 days.

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Pay Duties, VAT, and Consumption Tax (税费缴纳) [CNI]

After customs release, importer receives tax payment notice (税款缴款书). Must pay within 15 days of receipt. Components: (1) Import duty (关税) — based on HS code rate x customs value (CIF). (2) Import VAT (进口增值税) — 13% standard, calculated on (CIF + duty + consumption tax). (3) Consumption tax (消费税) — only on specific luxury/resource goods. Payment via bank transfer, electronic payment, or customs guarantee. Late payment: 0.05% per day (滞纳金).

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Goods Release and Post-Clearance Audit (放行/后续监管) [CNI]

After duties paid and inspection passed, customs issues release notice (放行通知). Goods can be picked up from port/warehouse. Post-clearance audit (海关稽查): Customs can audit import records for up to 3 years after import. 5 years for goods subject to duty reduction/exemption or bonded treatment.

¤TARIFF & DUTIES

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China MFN Tariff on Japanese Goods — Electronics

Most electronics from Japan are Free (0%) under ITA, same as other WTO members. RCEP provides preferential rates on non-ITA products. China's standard VAT on imports: 13%. No special tariffs on Japanese goods (unlike US 301). Note: China banned Japanese seafood imports since August 2023 (Fukushima water release). Status as of 2026: seafood ban partially eased under diplomatic negotiations.

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China Import Tariff Structure — Overview [CNI]

China's import tariff has multiple layers applied in order of priority: (1) Provisional rates (暂定税率): lowest, applied to 935 items in 2026 to encourage imports of strategic goods. (2) MFN rates (最惠国税率): apply to WTO member goods, default for most trading partners. (3) FTA/RCEP conventional rates (协定税率): preferential rates under 24 FTAs with 34 partners. (4) General rates (普通税率): highest, apply to non-WTO/non-FTA countries (rare in practice). Priority: Provisional > FTA/RCEP > MFN > General. Electronics (HS 85) MFN rates: mostly 0% under WTO ITA (Information Technology Agreement). China joined ITA in 2003; covers most HS 8471, 8517, 8518, 8528 sub-headings.

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China Import Tariff — Electronics Rates (HS 85) [CNI]

Under the ITA, most electronics have 0% MFN tariff. Key HS codes: 8471 (computers): 0%. 8517 (telecom equipment including smartphones): 0%. 8518 (speakers, headphones): 0%. 8528 (monitors, projectors): 0%. 8541/8542 (semiconductors, ICs): 0%. NON-ITA electronics with tariffs: 8509 (household appliances): 7-10%. 8516 (electric heaters, hair dryers): 7-10%. 8508 (vacuum cleaners): 10%. 2026 provisional rates: further reduced for specific components (e.g., CNC parts, certain sensors).

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China Import Tariff — RCEP Preferential Rates [CNI]

RCEP entered into force for China on January 1, 2022. Partners: Japan, Korea, Australia, NZ, ASEAN. China eliminates tariffs on ~91% of tariff lines over 10-20 years. For electronics (already 0% under ITA): RCEP provides no additional tariff benefit. Key benefits of RCEP for China imports: chemicals, machinery parts, auto parts, processed foods, textiles. Requires RCEP Certificate of Origin; regional cumulation rules allow content from all 15 RCEP members. Japan is the most significant new partner — first-ever tariff arrangement between China and Japan.

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China Import Tariff — Retaliatory Tariffs on US Goods (2026 Status) [CNI]

China imposed retaliatory tariffs on US goods starting 2018, escalated through 2025. Under the Busan Agreement (Oct 30, 2025): China SUSPENDED all retaliatory tariffs imposed since March 2025. Pre-Busan retaliatory tariffs (2018-2019 rounds) remain: 5-25% on ~$110B of US goods. Key affected US exports: soybeans (25%), automobiles (25%), LNG (25%), aircraft (10%), certain electronics components (10-25%). Note: These are ON TOP of MFN rates and apply specifically to US-origin goods.

✓CERTIFICATIONS

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CCC Certification (3C认证) for Imports [CNI]

China Compulsory Certification is mandatory for ALL products sold in China (domestic or imported). 17 major categories, ~123 product types. Electronics covered: household appliances, IT equipment, audio/video equipment, lighting, telecom terminals. Process: (1) Apply to CNCA-designated certification body (e.g., CQC). (2) Submit samples for testing at designated lab. (3) Factory inspection (for foreign manufacturers). (4) Receive CCC certificate. Timeline: 2-4 months. Cost: $5,000-$15,000. Products WITHOUT CCC cannot clear customs for domestic sale. Exemptions: goods for personal use, exhibition only, processing trade for re-export.

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SRRC Radio Approval (型号核准) for Imports [CNI]

Mandatory for ALL radio-transmitting devices sold/used in China. Covers: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, NFC, RFID, GPS, any RF-emitting equipment. Issued by MIIT (工信部). Testing at MIIT-authorized labs (e.g., CTTL, SRMC). Must be obtained BEFORE CCC application (SRRC is a prerequisite for CCC on wireless products). Timeline: 4-8 weeks. Cost: $2,000-$5,000 per model.

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CIQ Statutory Inspection (法定检验) for Imports [CNI]

Goods in the Statutory Inspection Catalog (法检目录) must undergo CIQ inspection before domestic sale. Inspection covers: safety, quality, hygiene, environmental protection, fraud prevention. Categories: food, animal/plant products, cosmetics, machinery, electronics (selected), chemicals, textiles. Process: (1) Apply for inspection at port of entry customs. (2) Sampling and testing. (3) Receive CIQ inspection certificate (入境货物检验检疫证明). Timeline: 1-5 business days for standard goods; 15-20 days for first-time imports requiring lab testing. Without CIQ certificate, goods cannot be sold or used domestically.

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NMPA Registration for Medical Devices and Drugs [CNI]

National Medical Products Administration (NMPA, formerly CFDA) registration required for: ALL imported medical devices (Class I, II, III) and pharmaceutical drugs. Class I: filing (备案) with local NMPA, simplest. Class II: registration with provincial NMPA. Class III: registration with national NMPA — most stringent, requires clinical trials in China. Drugs: import license from NMPA required. Clinical trials in Chinese population often required. Timeline: Class II — 6-12 months. Class III — 1-3 years. Drugs — 2-5 years. Not applicable to standard electronics (HS 85) unless classified as medical devices.

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China RoHS (电器电子产品有害物质限制使用管理办法) [CNI]

China RoHS II (effective January 1, 2019): restricts 6 hazardous substances in EEE products: lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB, PBDE. Two stages: (1) ALL EEE products must provide SJ/T 11364 disclosure label showing hazardous substance content. (2) Products in the 'Conformity Assessment Catalog' must undergo mandatory testing and certification — currently covers 12 product categories (TVs, monitors, printers, etc.). Different from EU RoHS: China RoHS uses a disclosure + catalog approach, not a blanket ban. Non-compliance: product may be barred from sale or import.

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NAL (Network Access License) for Telecom Equipment [CNI]

Telecom terminal equipment connected to public telecom networks requires NAL (网络接入许可, 进网许可). Issued by MIIT. Covers: smartphones, routers, switches, modems, base stations. Requires: SRRC radio approval + NAL testing at MIIT labs. Timeline: 2-3 months. Cost: $3,000-$8,000. Required in addition to CCC for telecom products.

△

Export-Side Restrictions

Controls imposed by South Korea

●

Korean Export Controls (Strategic Trade)

Korea's Strategic Trade Act controls export of dual-use and strategic items. Semiconductor materials/equipment: enhanced controls aligned with US/Japan restrictions. Since 2023, Korea joined US/Japan/Netherlands in restricting advanced semiconductor equipment to China. National strategic items: require approval from Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE).

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Strategic Items Export Control (전략물자수출통제) [KRE]

Korea controls export of strategic items under the Foreign Trade Act (대외무역법) and Public Notice on Export and Import of Strategic Items (전략물자수출입고시). Korea is a member of all 4 multilateral export control regimes: Wassenaar Arrangement, MTCR, Australia Group, NSG. Strategic items are classified in 15 categories covering nuclear, missiles, chemicals, biological agents, conventional weapons, and dual-use goods. Export license required from MOTIE for controlled items. Catch-all clause (상황허가): MOTIE can require license for ANY item if there is concern about WMD/missile end-use. Compliance: exporters must implement Internal Compliance Program (CP, 자율준수무역거래자). CP-certified exporters get expedited licensing.

●

Semiconductor Export — US Alignment and China Restrictions [KRE]

Korea has NOT independently imposed semiconductor export controls on China (unlike Japan/Netherlands). However, Korean companies are heavily affected by US export controls: (1) US rescinded VEU (Validated End User) status for Samsung and SK Hynix in Aug 2025, meaning their China fabs now need individual US licenses for US-origin equipment. (2) US introduced annual approval system for chipmaking tool exports to China (effective Jan 2026). (3) Samsung and SK Hynix received 2026 annual approvals (announced Dec 30, 2025) but uncertainty remains. (4) Foreign Direct Product Rule (FDPR): items made using US technology/software are subject to US controls even when manufactured in Korea — affects Korean-made equipment using US-origin components/software. Korea's own approach: 'technology sovereignty' policy — expanding domestic semiconductor supply chain while maintaining strategic alignment with US controls framework. MATCH Act (proposed April 2026): if passed, would further restrict China's access to semiconductor equipment via third countries including Korea.

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Korea Export to China — General Status [KRE]

Korea does not maintain China-specific export restrictions beyond the multilateral strategic items framework. Korea-China trade remains robust: China is Korea's largest trading partner. Key Korean exports to China: semiconductors (largest category), displays, petrochemicals, auto parts, machinery, steel products. Semiconductor exports to China face growing complexity due to US FDPR and Entity List rules, but Korea itself has not implemented unilateral restrictions. China's retaliatory measures: none against Korea as of April 2026 (unlike China's tariffs on US/Australia goods).

※

Recent Advisories

Product recalls in the destination market

2026-04-09BISSELL Recalls Over One Million Steam Shot OmniReach Steam Cleaners Due to Risk of Serious Burn Hazard from Attachments

2026-04-09Easymake Adult Portable Bed Rails Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Entrapment and Asphyxiation; Violates Mandatory Standard for Adult Portable Bed Rails; Imported by ZFZG-US

2026-04-09Halloween Pumpkin Carving Kits Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Battery Ingestion; Violates Mandatory Standard for Consumer Products with Button Cell Batteries; Sold on Amazon by Besslly Store

2026-04-09LED Lights Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Battery Ingestion; Violates Mandatory Standard for Consumer Products with Coin Batteries; Sold on Amazon by Happiness Light

2026-04-09Magnetic Drinkware Charms Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Magnet Ingestion; Violate Mandatory Standard for Magnets; Sold on Amazon by Maitys

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Disclaimer: Figures are best-effort estimates based on April 2026 public regulations (§122, §232, §301, CBAM, RCEP, etc.). Verify with the relevant customs authority before trade decisions.Report data issue ↗