Importing from China to South Korea: Product safety
Start with product safety: Korea Customs says importers of covered electrical and household products must obtain the applicable safety approval by model before customs clearance. Ask your own broker to confirm the route before ordering. China-side sourcing and port quotations are handled by Cambridge China Bridge.
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Check product safety before committing to a factory
Korea Customs’ electrical and household product guidance says importers of covered products must obtain the applicable safety approval by model before customs clearance. Start by sending your Korean broker or compliance adviser the exact product, intended use, materials and model details. Ask them to establish whether it is covered and confirm the applicable route before you approve production.
The same guidance requires the applicable safety certification markings on imported products before customs clearance. Have your adviser approve the artwork and marking instructions, then give these to us for the factory. Ask for reports and approval documents that identify the actual model, manufacturing site and supplied configuration.
Agree a quote to your named Korean port
We can source from Chinese factories through our UK company and quote to your named South Korean port. Agree the freight term, insurance arrangements and included handling charges in writing. Ask your broker for a separate estimate covering clearance, applicable duties and taxes, destination charges and onward delivery.
The overseas buying guide covers the shared procurement process. If you also buy for other markets, use the separate Singapore guide and Australia guide for those shipments. For this order, give us your Korean destination and broker’s brief when buying through a UK company.
Give your own broker the arrival work
Appoint your own Korean customs broker before dispatch. Ask them to confirm the importer details, tariff classification, declaration value, product requirements and final document pack. Explain that the seller is our UK company while the goods leave China, and send the proposed transaction documents for review.
Agree that your broker will handle the import declaration, coordinate applicable payments, respond to customs queries and arrange release and onward delivery. Your own customs broker confirms the final entry. Request a written list of destination costs and agree who responds if customs asks for further product evidence.
Prepare the documents before shipment
Korea Customs lists an invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin and inspection certificate among additional import documents. Ask your broker which apply to your goods. The factory supplies product descriptions, packing details and model-specific test reports; we coordinate the commercial invoice and packing list for the agreed transaction.
Where your broker requests a certificate of origin, we arrange it with the factory or exporter after confirming the required form. We compare draft documents against the order, checking parties, models, quantities, carton details and shipment information. Send the pack to your broker before dispatch, including the agreed test reports and approval evidence.
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Check the supplier and inspect in China
Our own staff in China check the supplier’s identity, production site and capability against your specification. Agree a reference sample, materials, components, packaging and acceptance criteria before production. Compare the factory named in the product evidence with the site proposed for your order, and resolve discrepancies before committing.
Before shipment, we inspect the finished goods against the agreed brief, record defects and packaging findings, and check the approved markings and model details. We request corrections and agree any reinspection before release. On charges, factory audits and inspections are usually included in the quote; complex checks that need a third party are charged separately and agreed in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need product certification to import from China to South Korea?
For covered electrical and household products, Korea Customs requires applicable safety approval by model before clearance. Ask your Korean adviser to confirm whether your exact product is covered and which route applies.
Can a UK sourcing company quote to my South Korean port?
Yes. Cambridge China Bridge can quote to your named Korean port. Agree the freight term, insurance and included charges, then ask your own broker to estimate clearance and onward delivery costs.
What documents should the Chinese factory provide?
Request product and packing details, model-specific test reports and agreed approval evidence. We coordinate the commercial invoice and packing list, and arrange a certificate of origin where requested. Your broker confirms the final pack.
Who clears my China shipment in South Korea?
Appoint your own Korean customs broker to handle the declaration, coordinate applicable payments and arrange release. We coordinate the China-side documents and shipment checks; your broker confirms the final entry.
Sources
Buying from China for a business outside the UK? China sourcing agent for businesses outside the UK →