Import Customs Duty Calculator

Last updated: 2026-06-25

TL;DR

Personal-use imports are duty-free up to an item value of US $200 (from the US) or $150 (other countries); above that, duty and VAT apply to the entire item value.

Duty = dutiable value (item value + shipping) x duty rate, VAT = (dutiable value + duty) x 10%, and total tax payable = duty + VAT.

Enter Import Details

Under the Korea-US agreement, personal-use goods sent from the US are duty-free up to $200.
$
The de minimis check is based on item value (excluding shipping).
$
Shipping is included in the dutiable value.
The customs-notified exchange rate changes weekly. // variable
%
Clothing 8-13%, shoes 13%, bags 8%, electronics 0%, etc. - varies by item.

Estimate for reference only. Actual tax varies with HS classification, exchange rate, and FTA application, and items like alcohol, tobacco, and health functional foods follow separate rules. Confirm exact amounts with the Korea Customs Service.

How to Use

  1. Choose sending country - Select the origin: USA ($200 de minimis) or other countries ($150 de minimis).
  2. Enter value and shipping - Enter the item value (USD), international shipping (USD), the exchange rate, and the duty rate for the item.
  3. View result - Press Calculate to see the de minimis status, duty, VAT, total tax payable, and final estimated cost in a table.

How to Calculate Import Duty and VAT

Goods imported by individuals for personal use are tax-exempt up to a certain value. The de minimis threshold is based on item value (excluding shipping): $200 for items sent from the US and $150 for other countries. Above the threshold, the exemption disappears and the entire item value is taxed.

Import de minimis thresholds and taxation
OriginDe minimis (item value)If exceeded
Sent from the USUSD $200Full item value taxed
Other countriesUSD $150Full item value taxed

When taxed, the formula is as follows. First, the dutiable value is the item value plus international shipping. Multiply this by the item's duty rate to get the duty, then multiply the dutiable value plus duty by 10% VAT.

Duty & VAT formulas
ItemFormula
Dutiable valueitem value + international shipping (converted to KRW)
Dutydutiable value x duty rate (%)
VAT(dutiable value + duty) x 10%
Total tax payableduty + VAT

The duty rate varies by item (HS code). Clothing is 8-13%, shoes 13%, bags 8%, and electronics (laptops, phones, etc.) are mostly duty-free (0%). Under agreements like the Korea-US FTA, a certificate of origin can secure a lower preferential rate. For more, see the import customs duty de minimis and calculation guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the import de minimis threshold?

For personal-use imports, shipments from the US are exempt from duty and VAT up to an item value of USD 200, and shipments from other countries up to USD 150. The de minimis check is based on the item value, excluding shipping.

If I exceed the threshold, is only the excess taxed?

No. Exceeding the threshold by even USD 1 removes the exemption, and duty and VAT apply to the entire item value. For example, a USD 160 item from a non-US country is taxed on the full USD 160, not on USD 10.

How are duty and VAT calculated?

Duty = dutiable value (item value + international shipping) x the item's duty rate. VAT = (dutiable value + duty) x 10%. Total tax payable is duty plus VAT.

Is the duty rate the same for every item?

No. The duty rate depends on the item (HS code). Clothing and shoes are usually 8-13%, bags 8%, and electronics are often duty-free (0%). Check the exact rate via customs classification; an FTA may lower it further.

Do supplements and alcohol have the same threshold?

No. Alcohol, tobacco, and health functional foods have separate limits and extra taxes (liquor tax, individual consumption tax, etc.) and may be taxed regardless of the de minimis threshold. This calculator estimates general manufactured goods; check the Korea Customs Service for such items.

Last updated: 2026-06-25