Due to differences in regulatory systems and trade needs, the customs clearance policies for international express shipments in Europe, America, Japan, and South Korea differ primarily in declaration rules, tariff standards, and special commodity control. When sending shipments, it is necessary to pay specific attention to compliance points.
Next, Weefreight will provide a detailed analysis to help you.
United States
Basic Declaration and Recipient Information: The recipient must provide a tax number (SSN/ITIN) for smooth customs clearance. Declarations must be submitted through the Customs Automated Business Environment (ACE) system. If the goods contain wooden packaging, an additional fumigation certificate or a declaration of no wooden packaging is required; an Import Security Declaration (ISF) must also be submitted 48 hours before shipment, which is a crucial prerequisite for smooth customs clearance.
Tariffs and Sensitive Goods Control: Although there was previously an $800 tariff threshold, the policy has changed, and even if the value of the goods does not exceed this amount, taxes may still be payable. 3C products with batteries must be labeled with the UN38.3 test report number. Cosmetic products (even samples containing alcohol or sunscreen) must be registered with the FDA in advance; lack of relevant documentation can lead to detention. Additionally, chemical-related goods require supplementary documents such as a TSCA declaration.
EU (Core Rules Common to Member States)
Declaration and Tax Compliance: A Uniform European Declaration Form (EU-ICP-1) must be submitted. Cross-border e-commerce parcels must be declared using an IOSS number. If this number is not used, the recipient must handle customs clearance and pay VAT, which can easily lead to returns due to recipient non-cooperation. Customs is extremely strict in verifying the consistency of declarations. Vague declarations or discrepancies between the actual goods and the declared information may be considered false declarations, facing fines of 10%-50% of the goods’ value. The tariff threshold is only €22; amounts exceeding this threshold must be taxed according to regulations.
High Product Certification Thresholds: Most products require corresponding certifications for customs clearance. For example, electronic products, toys, and medical devices require CE certification; textiles require an OEKO-TEX environmental testing certificate; and food contact products (such as plastic tableware) require LFGB certification. Products lacking the corresponding certifications are highly likely to be detained or returned by customs.
Japan
Labeling and Declaration Standards: Strict requirements apply to product labeling. Product labels must include key information such as ingredients, usage instructions, and shelf life in Japanese. Non-Japanese labels may result in rectification requirements. Declared information must be completely consistent with the actual goods. Declared value is strictly reviewed; deliberately underreporting to evade taxes will trigger in-depth inspections, delaying customs clearance and potentially incurring fines.
Quarantine and Certification Requirements: Animals, plants, and their products are subject to strict quarantine and must comply with Japan’s Animal and Plant Protection Law. Goods without quarantine will generally be detained. Electronic products also require PSE certification, and cosmetics and medical devices must meet Japanese food and drug regulatory requirements. Preparing the corresponding certification documents in advance is crucial to avoid customs clearance obstacles.
South Korea
Declaration and Tariff Thresholds: Goods valued at ≤ USD 150 are exempt from customs duties and VAT. For amounts exceeding this, customs duties of 0-20% are levied according to HS codes, and an additional 10% VAT (calculated based on the total value of the goods plus customs duties) is required. When declaring, the product name and material must be filled in detail in Korean or English. For example, clothing must specify whether it is cotton or synthetic fiber. Vague descriptions such as “sample” or “gift” are highly likely to trigger inspection.
Category and Documentation: Fresh food such as meat and eggs require quarantine certificates in advance; cosmetics must include a Korean ingredient list; electronic products such as mobile phones and computers require KC certification; prescription drugs require a doctor’s prescription. Furthermore, individuals receiving shipments must provide their ID card number or passport number, and companies receiving shipments must provide their company registration number. Incomplete qualification documents will affect customs clearance progress. Meanwhile, South Korea is implementing a digital customs clearance system. While most formally declared general goods can clear customs within 24 hours, cross-border e-commerce goods are facing stricter inspections. Sending high-value goods in separate containers can reduce the probability of inspection.
(Note: All timeframes mentioned above are for reference only; the final timeframe will depend on the actual shipment.)
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