South Korea is one of the strongest economies in the world, and it has experienced various stages of development in the export sector. The South Korean economy is mainly based on exports, which account for about 34% of the country's total income. South Korea has been able to achieve tremendous growth and prosperity since the sixties of the last century.

The most important imports from South Korea:

South Korea is distinguished by the diversity of export industry sectors, where includes electronic products, vehicles, petrochemical products, and other industrial products. 

Here is an overview of the most important imports from South Korea:

1. Cars and spare parts

Cars manufactured in South Korea include a wide range of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. Car manufacturers are widespread, among which companies such as Hyundai and Kia are among the most prominent car manufacturers in the country.

2. Electronics and technology

Electronics is one of the most important export industries in South Korea, it includes smartphones, monitors, tablets, computers, televisions and other household appliances, and companies such as Samsung and LG are among the leaders in this field.

3. Oil and petrochemicals

South Korea has a strong petrochemical industry sector, exports products such as plastics, industrial textiles, rubber and chemical tools.

4. Industrial products

South Korea exports many other industrial products, such as machinery, equipment, metal products, medical devices, and chemical products.

5. Cosmetic products

South Korea is also famous for its good reputation in high-quality cosmetics, excellent materials, and Korean cosmetics are among the finest types accepted by many countries around the world.

Shipping procedures for imports from South Korea

These are some general shipping procedures when importing goods from South Korea, and it should be noted that this information may change over time, so you should always check the regulations and requirements before shipping.

1. Contract and commercial agreement

Be sure to conclude a valid purchase contract and a commercial agreement with the Korean supplier, the contract must include all the details of the ordered goods, shipping, and payment terms.

2. Obtaining an import license

Before shipping, you must obtain the necessary import license from the local authorities in your country, as there may be specific requirements for each industry or type of goods, so it is preferable to communicate with the relevant authorities to obtain accurate information about what can be imported.

3. Customs Tariff and taxes

Before shipping, check the Customs Tariff and taxes applicable to the goods you intend to import, you can get this information from the Customs Service of your country.

4. Packaging 

Properly pack and pack the goods suitable for international transportation, use appropriate packing materials to ensure the safety of the goods during transportation.

5. Contracting with a shipping company

Contract with a shipping company or freight forwarder who has experience in international shipping, you should also arrange the appropriate mode of Transportation (sea or air) and make sure the necessary insurance for the goods.

The necessary documents for export from South Korea

When exporting from South Korea, there are a many of necessary documents that need to be processed and submitted, the required documents may vary depending on the type of product and the destination of the shipment, however, below is a list of the basic papers that you may need:

1. Export invoice: it details the exported goods and specifies the quantities, total value, terms of sale and payment method.

2. Packing list: shows the packaging details of the shipment, including the number of containers or packages, their sizes and weights.

3. Certificate of Origin: a document certifying the country of origin of the goods and is obtained from manufacturers, and some countries require that certificate to determine customs duties and trade restrictions.

4. Shipping list: contains the details of the shipment, such as invoice number, cargo weight, container numbers, carrier company details and logistics facilities.

5. Final processing certificate: if the goods need special processing before shipment, you may need to provide a certificate stating that the processing was carried out according to standard requirements, such as chemical or hazardous goods.

6. Container packing statement: specifies the packaging details inside the container, including the protected products, their weights and location inside the container.

7. Certificate of compliance: some importing countries may require a certificate certifying the conformity of products to international or local standards.

8. Transport and insurance documents: includes the waybill and the cargo insurance policy.