The Korea Customs Service is reorganizing and implementing a support system for item classification in order to reduce customs clearance risks for Korean exporters to the United States.
The Customs Valuation and Classification Office stated that the operation of the “U.S. Tariff Item Classification Consultation Center” and “Fast Track Preliminary Item Classification System” began on April 23. These systems were proposed as part of a counter-strategy to respond to the complex U.S. tariff policies, announced during the External Economic Ministers’ Meeting on April 11.
Item classification involves assigning a numerical code to export and import goods based on international standards, which determines applicable tariff rates and customs clearance requirements. Accurate classification is essential in trade with countries like the United States, which apply high tariffs on certain items such as steel, aluminum, and automobiles. Companies in these sectors are currently facing increased uncertainties due to U.S. trade pressure.
The Korea Customs Service will provide real-time support through the consultation center to help export companies effectively utilize the preliminary item classification response system of the U.S. customs authorities. The center addresses practical issues, such as confirming item numbers for domestic products and interpreting item number correlation tables between Korea and the U.S.
The Fast Track system prioritizes and quickly responds to cases deemed urgent among Korea’s export items to the United States. An example scenario involved a company in Gwangju requesting verification from the Korea Customs Service on whether their electric ovens exported to the U.S. were classified under products derived from steel, subject to tariffs. The Korea Customs Service promptly designated the case as a priority, determining that a 25% tariff did not apply, and communicated the result quickly.
Additionally, the Korea Customs Service is organizing item classification seminars for automobile-related companies. These seminars will be held on May 19 at the Seoul Customs Auditorium and May 20 at the Busan Chamber of Commerce, covering classification standards of the World Customs Organization and international dispute cases. One-on-one personalized consultations will also be available at the events.
Companies wishing to participate need to submit their company name and contact information via email by May 12.
Lee Min-geun, the head of the Customs Valuation and Classification Office, stated, “We will actively support our companies to enable stable exports without tariff disputes abroad through accurate item classification.”
This policy is recognized as an institutional foundation to enhance export competitiveness amid the increasingly complex international trade environment.