U.S. International Shipping Policy Update | New Customs Rules

Key Changes in U.S. Customs Policy for International Shipments

Understanding these new regulations is crucial for smooth delivery:

1. Basic Principles

• For Items Valued Under USD 800: The sender is responsible for prepaying all customs duties and fees (DDP method). Your recipient in the U.S. will not incur any additional charges upon delivery.
• For Items Valued Over USD 800: The DDP method cannot be applied. The recipient in the U.S. will be directly responsible for paying all applicable duties and fees. The sender covers only the shipping fee, and customs clearance in the U.S. falls under the recipient's responsibility.

2. Recipient's Potential Responsibilities (for items over USD 800 or when DDP is not applied)

If the DDP method is not used, recipients in the U.S. may be charged for the following:

• Customs Duties: Based on the Harmonized System (HS) code of the specific item.
• State Taxes: SALES TAX or USE TAX may be applied depending on the U.S. state.
• Customs Clearance Fees: Charged by private express carriers or customs brokerage agencies.

Our standard shipping methods (EMS, Airmail, SAR, SEA) adhere to these U.S. customs policies, with the sender responsible for items up to USD 800, and the recipient for items exceeding USD 800.

Resumed Shipping Services & Duty Payment Option

1. Services Available

• EMS, Airmail, SAR, SEA.

2. Duty Payment Method (Applicable for EMS, Airmail, SAR, SEA, etc.)

• Payer: The sender (ensuring no additional charges for the recipient).
• Payment Method: Duties and fees are prepaid at the time of shipment.
• Average Duty Rate: Approximately 15% for products of Korean origin (subject to variation based on item and origin).
• Exception for Gifts: Gifts valued under USD 100 may be exempt from duties; however, a declaration fee will apply.
• Declaration: We recommend declaring item values in USD. The USD 100 duty-free gift exemption is applied very restrictively and typically only for items sent from one individual to another as a bona fide gift.

✨ Benefits of Our New Prepayment System

• Simplified Delivery: Recipients in the U.S. avoid the hassle of paying customs duties separately, leading to faster delivery and reduced customs delays.
• Transparency: Prepaying duties upfront ensures clear cost estimation and minimizes potential disputes or misunderstandings.
• Food Items: In general, food items can be sent.
• Gift Advantage: Gifts under USD 100 may be shipped duty-free, with only a small declaration fee.

U.S. International Mail Tax Prepayment Rates (Excluding EMS Premium)

• Duty Rate: Based on Korean-made products, the average is about 15%. This can vary depending on the item and its origin.
• True Gifts: Items recognized as **bona fide gifts** under USD 100 may be duty-exempt. A declaration fee will still be charged.
• Sender Protection: Should U.S. customs impose additional duties beyond the prepaid amount, the prepayment agency will typically cover this, protecting the sender from extra costs.
• Documentation: The `CN22/23` form must accurately include the item name, quantity, price, HS code, and country of origin. No additional documents are usually required.

Important Considerations for Gifts

Items will generally not be considered "gifts" under U.S. customs regulations in the following scenarios, and neither we nor the carrier can be held liable for refusal or destruction:

• The sender's name includes a company name or a company logo is printed on the package.
• The contents are new, retail-packaged items (e.g., original packaging, plastic wrap, clothing tags attached).
• One individual sends identical items to multiple recipients.
• The item is a bonus or sample given in connection with a purchase.

For genuine gifts, consider marking "Unsolicited Gift" prominently in red on the package exterior and including a statement inside affirming its gift status. Note that fees are often required to be paid in cash for such declarations.

Customer Guidelines & Precautions

1. U.S. Customs Authority

• All decisions regarding shipments to the U.S. rest solely with **U.S. Customs authorities**. We cannot provide compensation if an item is returned or destroyed based on their judgment.

2. Accuracy is Key

• Incomplete or false declarations of item information (description, quantity, value) may result in the package being returned or destroyed. The sender assumes full responsibility in such cases, and no refunds for damages, duties, fees, or postage will be issued.
• The customs declaration form must accurately and thoroughly state the item name, quantity, price, HS code, and country of origin.
• **Detailed Declaration:** Always specify details. For example, instead of "clothes," state "men's cotton shirt (COO: South Korea)."
• **Origin Restrictions:** Please note that items originating from China (e.g., clothing), even if shipped from Korea, may face high taxes and restrictions, potentially making dispatch impossible.

EMS Premium (UPS) Specifics

Due to recent U.S. customs policy changes, the general duty-free limit has been eliminated, meaning all personal items are now subject to customs duties. However, a duty-free limit of USD 100 may still apply for genuine gifts between individuals, under similar conditions as EMS and Airmail. Please be aware that local customs may still assess taxes or reject the package, even for gifts, in which case no compensation will be possible.

• Temporary Restriction: Due to potential delays from heightened U.S. FDA inspections, **cosmetics and food items are currently suspended for EMS Premium (UPS) shipments to the U.S. until further notice.**
• Sender Pays Option: If the sender chooses to prepay duties (for declared values under USD 800), an additional brokerage charge from the carrier will apply (USD 14 or 2% of the duty, whichever is higher).
• Recipient Pays Option: This option is available for items exceeding USD 800 or if selected by the sender.

Important Notice