Check before you place the order
A shipment can leave China without a problem and still be held at Korean customs if the goods are prohibited or don't meet import requirements. That can end in re-export or destruction, and storage, return and disposal costs fall on the importer. Business shipments are large, so the losses are too. The safest move is to confirm the HS code and requirements before you order.
Goods not on this list may still be restricted. For borderline items, check with your customs broker or the authorities below. PTO China also reviews requirements against the factory spec sheet when we prepare your quote.
- Korea Customs Service: 125 (no area code required)
- MFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety): 1577-1255
Items that cannot be imported
Content, security & intellectual property
- Content violating public order: books, publications, drawings, films, recordings, videos, sculptures or similar materials that undermine constitutional order, public safety or public morals
- Espionage & state secret materials: any item used for leaking government secrets or intelligence activities
- Counterfeit currency & securities: counterfeit, altered or forged currency, bonds and other negotiable instruments
- IP-infringing goods: counterfeits, replicas and anything else that infringes trademarks, designs or copyright. If you're adding a logo or character under OEM, make sure you hold the rights
Weapons, hazardous & flammable materials
- Weapons, explosives & toxic materials: firearms, bladed weapons, explosives and toxic substances (including replicas and decorative pieces). Import/export of firearms and explosives requires prior approval from the regional police commissioner
- Hazardous & flammable materials: dangerous goods including asbestos cloth (fireproof curtains) and other hazardous or flammable items
Narcotics & pharmaceuticals
- Narcotics & controlled substances: opium, cannabis, narcotics and products regulated under the Narcotics Control Act (import requires approval from the Minister of Health and Welfare)
- Illegal pharmaceuticals: any unlicensed or illegal drug products not approved for import by the MFDS
Food & animal-derived products
- Animal products subject to quarantine: dried or cured meats such as jerky, and products with animal-derived ingredients, can't be imported unless they meet quarantine requirements
- Quarantine-failed goods: any item that fails agricultural or veterinary quarantine inspection on arrival in Korea
Goods that need certification or registration
These goods aren't banned, but a business importing them for sale has to meet the relevant certification or registration requirement first. Without it, clearance is held or the goods can't legally be sold in Korea.
| Product type | Main requirement | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and household products (mains-powered devices, chargers, lighting) | KC safety certification / safety confirmation / supplier's declaration (Electrical Appliances and Consumer Products Safety Control Act) | The level of certification depends on the product. Get test reports, circuit diagrams and parts lists from the factory early |
| Radio and EMC-related devices (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi products, displays, interactive whiteboards) | Conformity assessment for broadcasting and communication equipment (Radio Waves Act) | Separate from electrical safety. Many products need both |
| Children's products (toys and capsule toys for ages 13 and under) | Children's product safety certification / confirmation / supplier's declaration (Special Act on the Safety of Children's Products) | Labeling and age markings are part of the requirement |
| Food and food-contact items | Imported food declaration and importer business registration (Special Act on Imported Food Safety Management) | MFDS declaration and possible laboratory testing add time to the schedule |
| Cosmetics | Importer must be registered as a cosmetics responsible distributor | Ingredients and labeling must meet Korean standards; some functional claims put a product in the quasi-drug category |
Personal-use limits (such as 6 bottles of supplements or one electronic device) don't apply to business imports. Goods for sale need the requirements above regardless of quantity. For the products PTO China makes with partner factories, capsule gacha machines usually need electrical safety review, the capsule toys children's product review, and interactive whiteboards both electrical safety and radio conformity.
This table shows common cases and isn't exhaustive. Exact requirements depend on the HS code and product spec, so confirm with your customs broker or a certification body. PTO China isn't liable for holds, returns or disposal caused by prohibited goods or missing requirements.