FAQ from Overseas Buyers: Country of Origin Labeling for Korean Products and How to Check It
"Are all Korean-brand products made in Korea?"
Country of origin is one of the topics we are asked about most often by overseas buyers considering importing Korean products.
"If it's a Korean brand, it's Made in Korea, right?"
"How can I check the country of origin of the products I want to import?"
Country of origin is important information that directly affects duties and customs clearance in the importing country, as well as labeling requirements when selling. Being "Made in Korea" is also often a selling point in itself, so it is important to confirm it accurately before importing.
In this article, we explain how the country of origin of Korean products is labeled and how buyers can check it.
Korean Brand Does Not Always Mean Made in Korea
To get straight to the point, not all products from Korean brands are produced in Korea.
A brand's nationality indicates which country the company belongs to, while the country of origin indicates where the product was actually manufactured. Apparel, accessories, and household goods from Korean brands may be produced in factories outside Korea. Even within the same brand, the country of origin may differ by product or season.
So if "Made in Korea" is an important requirement for you, don't judge by the brand alone. Check the country of origin of each product directly.
An Overview of Korea’s Country of Origin Labeling System
In Korea, under the Foreign Trade Act, anyone who exports or imports goods designated by the government for origin labeling must label the country of origin on those goods. False or misleading origin labeling is also prohibited.
Agricultural and fishery products and their processed products are subject to origin labeling under a separate law.
There are two points we especially want buyers to know:
Imported goods sold in Korea are labeled with their actual country of production.
Even for Korean-brand products, if they were made overseas and imported, goods subject to origin labeling must show the actual country of production, such as "Made in China."
Processing or assembly in Korea does not automatically make a product Korean-made.
Products made in Korea using imported materials or parts can be labeled as Korean origin only if they meet the criteria set by law. If they don't, Korea must be indicated separately, for example as the country of processing or assembly.
The specific items subject to labeling and the criteria for determining origin vary by product and may change with legal amendments, so we recommend confirming the details with a customs broker or other professional.
How Can You Check the Country of Origin of Korean Products?
You can check the country of origin of products you're considering importing in the following ways.
1. Product labels and packaging
This is the most basic method.
For apparel, the country of origin, such as "Made in Korea," is often shown on the inside care label. For household goods, it is often shown on the product itself or its packaging.
2. Product information on online product pages
In Korea, online sellers are required to provide specific product information for each product category, and many categories, including apparel, include a "country of manufacture" field.
Check the country of manufacture in the product information disclosure table ("상품정보제공고시") at the bottom of product pages on Korean online shops.
3. Contacting the seller or manufacturer directly
If the online information is unclear, or if the country of origin may change depending on the production period, contacting the seller or manufacturer directly is a reliable method.
However, many sellers respond only in Korean, so it may not be easy for overseas buyers to check directly.
4. Certificate of origin
If official proof is required for import customs clearance or preferential tariffs, a certificate of origin is used.
We explain this in detail in the next section.
What Is a Certificate of Origin (C/O)?
A certificate of origin (C/O) is a document that officially certifies the country of origin of goods. There are two main types: general (non-preferential) certificates of origin and FTA certificates of origin.
Type | Purpose | Issuance method |
General certificate of origin | Proof of origin (no preferential tariff) | Typically issued by a chamber of commerce |
FTA certificate of origin | Application of FTA preferential tariffs in the importing country | Depending on the agreement, issued by an authority (Korea Customs Service or the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry) or self-certified by the exporter, producer, etc. |
A general certificate of origin does not provide preferential tariffs, but it is used when origin verification is required in the importing country or under the terms of a transaction.
An FTA certificate of origin confirms that the exported goods meet the rules of origin set out in the FTA, and it is submitted at customs clearance to receive preferential tariff treatment in the importing country.
Issuance methods and formats vary by agreement and may be revised, so please check the latest requirements.
However, because a certificate of origin is issued based on documents supporting the origin, it may be difficult or time-consuming to obtain depending on the product and type of transaction.
If you need a certificate of origin, please let us know before placing your order.
What Overseas Buyers Should Know in Advance
Check the origin labeling rules of the importing country separately.
Korea's labeling rules may differ from those of the importing country. Please check the importing country's standards for the language and method required for origin labeling when selling.
Country of origin can also affect duties.
Even if there is an FTA between the importing country and Korea, preferential tariffs apply only when the product is recognized as Korean-origin and the required certificate of origin is provided. Products made in a third country may not qualify under an FTA with Korea, even if they are from a Korean brand.
The country of origin of the same product can change.
If a manufacturer moves production or produces in multiple factories, the country of origin may differ by batch, even under the same product name. For repeat orders, it's a good idea to check again when necessary.
If "Made in Korea" is a purchase requirement, let us know at the start.
If you share your origin requirements in advance, we can check them together from the product selection stage.
Origin labeling, certificates of origin, and FTA preferential tariffs vary by product and country, so we recommend confirming the details with a customs broker or other professional.
Conclusion: Check the Country of Origin Before Importing
Being a Korean brand and being made in Korea are not always the same. Since the country of origin affects duties, customs clearance, and labeling at the point of sale, the safest approach is to check it for each product before ordering.
If you'd like to confirm the country of origin of Korean products you're considering importing, please feel free to contact us.
Just send us the product information, and we'll check the country of origin along with whether the product can be purchased.
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ONLINE-KOREAがサポート致します
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