Home/Trade Route/HS 8414

Cross-Border Trade Guide

🇰🇷 South Korea 🇺🇸 United States

HS 8414 · AIR/VACUUM PUMPS, FANS; VENT HOODS ETC; PARTSAnnual bilateral volume: $3.2B

Estimated Duties

15%

§122 15% + MFN 0-8%

Transit Time

12-16 days

End to end

Compliance

OSHA / UL

Safety standards

Export Rebate

0%

VAT zero-rated export

Key Rules

South Korea 🇰🇷 United States 🇺🇸

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 KoreaUnited States

DUTY CALCULATION — UNITED STATES

Base Duty

0%

MFN (ITA): Free

Section 122 (temporary)

+15%

No federal VAT

0%

on (CIF + duty)

Effective Total

~15%

duty only

Product cost (FOB)$100,000
Ocean freight (est.)$3,500
Marine insurance (0.4%)$400
Section 122 (temporary) (15%)$15,585
MPF (0.3464%, max $651.50)$346
HMF (0.125%, ocean only)$125
Customs broker$200
South Korea export tax rebate (10%)-$10,000
Estimated total landed cost~$110,156

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

CERTIFICATIONS
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
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
Export Declaration via UNI-PASS
Filed electronically through UNI-PASS. Customs review and permit issuance. AEO-certified exporters get simplified procedures.
Register as Exporter with Korea Customs [KRE]
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).
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.
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.
Register as Exporter with Korea Customs [KRE]
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).
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.
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.
SHIPPING & TIMELINE
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.
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).
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.
Shipping Timeline from US
US → China: Ocean (LA→Shanghai) 15-20 days, $2,500-4,000/FEU. Air 3-5 days, $5-8/kg. US → Japan: Ocean (LA→Tokyo) 10-14 days, $2,000-4,000/FEU. Air 2-3 days, $5-8/kg. US → EU: Ocean (NY→Rotterdam) 10-14 days, $2,000-3,500/FEU. Air 1-2 days, $4-7/kg. US → Korea: Ocean 12-16 days, $2,000-3,500/FEU. EEI filing: must be done before export. AES processing: near-instant.
§REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Commercial Invoice
Required for all shipments. Must include: seller/buyer info, description of goods, quantity, unit value, total value, country of origin, HTS classification. Must be in English.
Packing List
Detailed list of goods in each package/container, including weights, dimensions, and marks/numbers.
Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
Transportation document issued by carrier. Ocean: Bill of Lading (B/L). Air: Airway Bill (AWB). Required for cargo release.
CBP Form 3461 (Entry/Immediate Delivery)
Filed electronically through ACE (Automated Commercial Environment). Initiates the customs entry process.
CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary)
Detailed declaration with tariff classification, duty rates, and payment. Filed electronically through ACE.
PROCESS STEPS
Get an Importer Number
Apply for an Importer Number by filing CBP Form 5106 or using your IRS business registration number. All importers need this before bringing goods into the US.
Obtain a Customs Bond
A Customs Bond is required for all formal entries (goods valued over $2,500). Can be single-entry or continuous (annual). Typical cost: $50-500/year for continuous bond.
File ISF 10+2 (Importer Security Filing)
Must be filed at least 24 hours before cargo is loaded onto vessel bound for the US. Contains 10 data elements from importer + 2 from carrier. Penalty: $5,000 per violation, up to $10,000 per filing. IMPORTANT (2025 change): CBP has decentralized ISF enforcement to individual ports. Penalties are now issued directly by port directors within 90 days, with NO prior warning. C-TPAT members may receive 50% penalty reduction.
Submit Entry Documents (CBP Form 3461)
Entry documents must be filed within 15 calendar days of arrival. Can be filed up to 5 days before arrival. CBP will determine if goods can be released.
Submit Entry Summary (CBP Form 7501) and Pay Duties
Entry Summary with duty payment must be filed within 10 working days of goods release. This is when tariffs, taxes, and fees are assessed and paid.
Entry Types
Formal Entry (Type 01): Required for goods >$2,500 or restricted goods. Requires customs bond, CBP Form 3461 + 7501. Informal Entry (Type 11): For goods ≤$2,500. Simplified procedure, no bond required. FTZ Entry (Type 06): Admission to Foreign Trade Zone, duties deferred.
¤TARIFF & DUTIES
De Minimis Threshold Suspended
The $800 de minimis duty-free threshold is fully suspended as of April 2026. Timeline: May 2, 2025 — suspended for China & Hong Kong. August 29, 2025 — suspended for ALL countries globally. February 24, 2026 — suspension continued via executive order. ALL shipments regardless of value now require formal entry and full duty payment. The statutory $800 threshold has not been legislatively repealed yet, but is administratively unenforced.
Section 122 Temporary Global Tariff (15%)
After the Supreme Court struck down IEEPA tariffs on February 20, 2026 (Learning Resources v. Trump, 6-3), the President imposed a 15% temporary tariff on ALL imports under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. The President announced on Truth Social an raised the rate to 15% effective Feb 24 2026 (the statutory maximum) — CBP is collecting at 15% as of April 2026. This is a 150-day emergency tariff effective February 24, 2026, expiring July 24, 2026. It applies to ALL countries including China, on top of any existing duties (Section 301, 232, etc.). Congress can extend beyond 150 days but the President cannot do so unilaterally. Two CIT lawsuits pending; 24 state AGs filed suit on March 5, 2026.
Section 232 Tariffs on Metals (Expanded April 2026)
Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper were significantly restructured on April 2, 2026 (effective April 6, 2026). PRIMARY METALS: Steel, aluminum, and copper articles made entirely/almost entirely of these metals: 50% tariff on FULL customs value (up from 25% for steel/aluminum; new for copper). DERIVATIVE ARTICLES: Products substantially made of steel/aluminum/copper: flat 25% on full customs value. Metal-intensive industrial/grid equipment: 15% transitional rate (rising to 25% in 2027). Products made abroad but entirely with American-origin steel/aluminum/copper: 10%. Products containing less than 15% metal by weight: EXEMPT from Section 232 duties. KEY CHANGE: Previous system of splitting customs value between metal and non-metal content eliminated — tariffs now apply to FULL declared value. TRADE DEAL TREATMENT: Products from EU, Japan, Korea, and Switzerland/Liechtenstein receive reduced rates consistent with existing agreements. Korea retains its TRQ arrangement — steel within quota pays MFN + Section 122 only; above quota pays full 50%. 400+ new HTS codes added to derivatives list in August 2025.
US Tariffs on Korean Goods — April 2026 Status [KRI]
Current US tariff structure for Korean imports (as of April 2026): (1) KORUS FTA rate: 0% for most industrial goods (eliminated since 2012). (2) Section 122 temporary tariff: 15% on ALL imports including Korean goods (effective Feb 24, 2026, expires July 24, 2026). This replaced the IEEPA reciprocal tariff of 15% which was struck down by Supreme Court on Feb 20, 2026. (3) Section 232: Korea has TRQ for steel — within quota pays MFN rate + Section 122, above quota pays 50%. Aluminum TRQ similar. April 2026 restructuring: full customs value basis, derivative products at 25%, metal-intensive industrial equipment at 15% transitional. (4) Section 301: does NOT apply to Korea (China-only). (5) De minimis: suspended for ALL countries since Aug 29, 2025. Total effective tariff on Korean electronics: ~10% (Section 122 only, as KORUS provides 0% and ITA provides 0% MFN). NOTE: The US-Korea Strategic Trade and Investment Deal (announced Nov 2025, $350B Korean investment) was negotiated under IEEPA authority now voided — enforcement mechanism uncertain.
Section 232 on Korean Steel & Aluminum [KRI]
Korea reached a Section 232 agreement with the US in 2018: Steel: Tariff-Rate Quota (TRQ) — Korean steel enters duty-free within quota (2.63 million metric tons annually). Above quota: subject to full Section 232 tariff. Aluminum: similar TRQ arrangement. As of April 6, 2026: Section 232 tariffs restructured — primary metals now at 50% on full customs value (up from 25%). Derivative articles at 25%. Metal-intensive industrial/grid equipment at 15% transitional (rising to 25% in 2027). Products with <15% metal by weight exempt. IMPORTANT: Korea retains its TRQ treatment under the April 2026 restructuring — steel/aluminum within quota pays MFN + Section 122 only, not the 50% Section 232 rate. The TRQ arrangement was preserved as part of the US-Korea trade deal framework. Full customs value calculation now applies (no more metal/non-metal split).
CERTIFICATIONS
FCC Equipment Authorization
Required for all electronic devices that emit radio frequency energy. Two types: (1) Certification (FCC ID) for intentional radiators (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular). (2) Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) for unintentional radiators (computers, monitors).
FDA Prior Notice & Registration
Required for food, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, tobacco. Food facilities must register with FDA. Prior notice must be filed before food arrives in US (web, mail, or fax).
CPSC Product Safety
Consumer products must comply with applicable CPSC safety standards. General products: GCC (General Certificate of Conformity) based on manufacturer testing. Children's products: CPC (Children's Product Certificate) from CPSC-accepted third-party lab.

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).
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.
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).

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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.