Shipping Tea from China to South Korea: Transportation Key Points and Compliance Process

Shipping Tea from China to South Korea: Transportation Key Points and Compliance Process

Exporting tea to South Korea requires a good understanding of local import policies and procedures to ensure the smooth entry of goods into the Korean market.

Transportation Process

1. Documents and Certifications: Confirm that the tea meets the import standards of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of South Korea. Provide pesticide residue test reports, ingredient analysis reports, etc. For organic tea, obtain the Korean Organic Certification. Prepare commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, phytosanitary certificates, etc.
2. Packaging Specifications: Use moisture – proof and anti – oxidation packaging materials. The inner packaging should be food – grade plastic bags or cartons, and the outer packaging should be reinforced with cartons. The packaging should be labeled in Korean with product name, ingredients, net weight, shelf life, country of origin, storage methods, etc., and the label content should be clear and accurate.
3. Export Operations: Entrust professional customs brokers in China to handle export customs clearance, truthfully declare tea information, cooperate with customs inspections, and complete export procedures.
4. Transportation Selection: Select a transportation method according to requirements. Air freight (2 – 3 days) is suitable for urgent or small – quantity goods, while sea freight (10 – 15 days) is suitable for large – volume, regular orders.
5. South Korean Import Customs Clearance: After the goods arrive in South Korea, the customs clearance agent submits documents to the Korean customs and the MFDS. The customs reviews the consistency between the goods value and the declaration, and the MFDS checks the safety of the tea and may conduct sampling inspections. After passing the review, pay tariffs (generally 3 – 10%) and value – added tax (10%) to complete customs clearance.
6. Final Delivery: Local logistics providers in South Korea deliver the goods to the recipient, who signs for confirmation.

Precautions

1. Standard Compliance: Pesticide residue limits of tea must meet Korean standards to avoid goods being detained or destroyed due to exceeding the limits.
2. Label Language: Labels must be in Korean and have complete information; otherwise, fines or return of goods may occur.
3. Certification Validity: Documents such as organic certifications must be within the validity period. Plan the certification time in advance to avoid delays.
4. Logistics Tracking: Choose logistics services with full – process tracking to keep abreast of cargo dynamics and ensure timely delivery.