Ship From Korea to US (2026): Complete Guide to Shipping & Customs

Shipping from South Korea to the US

Can You Ship From Korea to the US?

If you're looking to ship products from Korea to the US, you'll be happy to know that most Korean goods can be delivered to your doorstep. Whether you're shopping for K-pop albums, Korean skincare, fashion, stationery, or other Korean products, shipping from Korea to the United States is easier than ever.

That said, there are a few important things to know before placing your order. Some products are subject to U.S. customs regulations or carrier restrictions, and many Korean online stores still don't offer international shipping or accept overseas payment methods. Fortunately, that doesn't mean you have to miss out on your favorite Korean products.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about shipping from Korea to the US, including shipping methods, customs, import requirements, and how Korean package forwarding and proxy shopping services can help you buy from stores that don't ship internationally. Whether you're a K-pop collector trying to order exclusive merchandise, a skincare enthusiast shopping from Korean beauty brands, a fashion lover browsing Korean online stores, or a small business sourcing products from Korea, this guide will help you confidently navigate the entire process.

Korean Shopping & Forwarding

From shopping on Korean websites to delivery in the United States, Ontact Korea handles every step of the international shipping process.

Although more Korean retailers now offer international shipping, many popular stores still only sell within Korea or have limited shipping destinations. Some websites also require a Korean payment method, a local phone number, or a Korean address to complete an order.

This is where Korean shopping and forwarding services come in. They make it possible to buy from almost any Korean website, even if the store doesn't ship internationally.

There are two common services:

• Package Forwarding: You purchase the items yourself using your own account. The seller ships them to your Korean warehouse address, where your forwarding service receives*, stores, consolidates, and ships your packages internationally.
• Proxy Shopping: If you're unable to place the order yourself, the proxy service purchases the items on your behalf and then forwards them to your country.

ℹ️ Tips: Many shoppers combine both services depending on the website they're buying from. For example, you might order K-pop albums directly from one store using a forwarding address, while using a proxy service to purchase from a Korean marketplace that only accepts local payment methods.

These services are especially useful for buying from Korean-exclusive websites, consolidating multiple orders into one shipment, and reducing international shipping costs.

Best Shipping Methods From Korea to the US

Choosing the right shipping method depends on your priorities. Some carriers offer the fastest delivery, while others provide lower shipping costs or simplify customs clearance. Below are the most common options for shipping from Korea to the United States.

🚀FedEx

FedEx is one of the fastest and most reliable options for shipping from Korea to the US. Most shipments arrive within 3–5 business days and include end-to-end tracking.

With many Korean package forwarding services, you can either:

• Use your own FedEx account to get charged Custom tax directly by FedEx at package arrival
• Pay the forwarding company for shipping AND Custom tax through their platform without any suprised fee at package arrival

Best for: Urgent shipments, valuable items, and frequent shoppers.

🟡UPS

UPS is another express courier with reliable tracking and delivery throughout the United States. Transit times are typically 3–5 business days.

Some Korean forwarding companies may not currently support prepaid UPS shipping accounts, so shipping charges are usually paid at arrival of the box.

Best for: Fast international deliveries with detailed tracking, higher budgets.

🔴EMS

EMS (Express Mail Service) is operated through the postal network and offers a balance between cost and delivery speed. Packages generally arrive within 5–7 business days, although delivery times can vary depending on customs processing.

• EMS includes tracking and is often a good choice for shoppers looking for lower shipping costs than private couriers.
• However, not all Forwarding have prepaid options (Check directly on the proxy shipping calculator)

Best for: Customers looking for a balance between price and speed.

🐌K-Packet

K-Packet is designed for smaller and lighter international parcels. Delivery to the US typically takes 7–14 business days, depending on the destination and customs clearance.

• It includes tracking in most cases and is a more economical option than express couriers.
• However, this shipping program do not offer prepaid tax option yet

Best for: Small packages, accessories, stationery, photocards, and lightweight merchandise. Be ready to pay tax at arrival.

📦 YunExpress (All-Inclusive Shipping)

YunExpress is an excellent option for shoppers who want a straightforward shipping experience. Delivery usually takes 7–10 business days and includes parcel tracking.

• Unlike traditional courier services, the shipping price is all-inclusive, meaning shipping fees already include any customs tax. This can make the shipping process simpler and more predictable for many customers.
• Domestic shipping is operated by local shipping carrier

Best for: Cost-conscious shoppers who want an all-inclusive shipping option with fewer administrative steps.

Discover our shipping rates from Korea to US.

United States Customs & Import Guide

Once you've chosen your shipping carrier, the next step is understanding what happens when your package arrives in the United States. Every international shipment must pass through U.S. Customs before it can be delivered.

When shipping goods from Korea to the United States, your package must go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before it can be delivered. During this process, customs reviews the shipment information, verifies that the goods comply with U.S. import regulations, and determines whether any duties, taxes, or other import fees apply. Depending on the carrier and the products being imported, additional documentation may also be required.

Customs Declarations

Every international shipment requires a customs declaration. This document provides U.S. Customs with essential information about your package, including:

• The Category & name of each item
• The quantity of products
• The declared value
• The country of origin
• The recipient and sender information

ℹ️ Tip: Providing an accurate declaration is important. Incorrect or incomplete information can result in customs delays, additional inspections, or unexpected charges. Freight forwarders and proxy shopping services generally prepare the shipping documentation based on the information available, but the declared contents and value should always accurately reflect the shipment.

-> Who does this step when using a Korea Proxy ?

The Korean Proxy or Forwarding agent is the one working on the customs declaration. With the information you input regarding your packages they create a commercial invoice added to the shipments.

Learn how the data input works at Ontact Korea.

Import Duties and Taxes

Import duties are government charges that may apply when goods enter the United States. Whether you need to pay duties depends on several factors, including:

• The type of product being imported
• The country where the product was manufactured
• The declared customs value
• The applicable tariff classification under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS)

Some products may also be subject to additional federal taxes or regulatory fees depending on the product category. Because tariff policies and trade regulations change over time, the final amount is determined by U.S. Customs at the time the shipment enters the country.

Understanding U.S. Tariffs

Many shoppers assume duties are based only on the package value, but several factors are considered during customs clearance.

Customs may assess duties based on:

• The product category (for example, cosmetics, clothing, electronics, or toys)
• The country of origin
• Current U.S. trade policies and tariff programs
• The shipment's declared value
• Any applicable exemptions or trade agreements

For this reason, two packages with the same value can receive different duty assessments if they contain different types of products. The official duty rate is determined using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).

Why Do Carriers Charge Handling or Clearance Fees?

If duties or taxes are owed, carriers such as FedEx, UPS, DHL, or EMS may pay these charges to U.S. Customs on your behalf to speed up customs clearance. The carrier then invoices the recipient for the amount paid, along with any applicable brokerage, advancement, or customs clearance fees associated with processing the import.

These handling fees are not government taxes. They are service charges collected by the shipping carrier for managing the customs clearance process and advancing payment to customs when required. The exact fee varies depending on the carrier and the type of shipment.

Good to know: Freight forwarders and proxy shopping services cannot determine your final customs duties before your package arrives in the United States. Only U.S. Customs and Border Protection can make the final assessment during the import process.

US Tariffs on Shipments From Korea (2026)

If you're shipping products from Korea to the United States, you may have heard about U.S. tariffs. While tariffs can apply to some shipments, they do not apply to every package. Whether import charges are due depends on the type of product, its country of origin, and current U.S. trade regulations.

A tariff is a government fee that may be charged on imported goods. When your package arrives, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reviews the shipment and determines whether any tariffs, customs duties, or import taxes apply. Remember that shipping fees and tariffs are separate costs, shipping covers the transportation of your package, while tariffs are government charges collected during the import process.

In most cases, the Importer of Record (IOR) is responsible for paying any applicable tariffs and duties. For personal shipments, this is usually the recipient of the package. To speed up customs clearance, carriers such as FedEx or UPS may pay these charges on your behalf and then invoice you for the amount, along with any applicable brokerage or customs clearance fees.

The amount you pay can vary from one shipment to another. U.S. Customs classifies every imported product using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), and charges are determined based on factors such as:

• The type of product
• The country of origin
• The declared value
• Current U.S. trade policies

This is why two packages with the same value can receive different customs assessments.

Finally, it's important to understand that no Korean forwarding service can guarantee your final customs charges. While your forwarder prepares the shipping documents, only U.S. Customs can determine the duties and tariffs after reviewing the shipment. If your forwarding service offers prepaid duties or all-inclusive shipping, those charges are estimated and paid in advance to make the delivery process more predictable.

ℹ️Tips: Accurate product descriptions, declared values, and recipient information help reduce customs delays and ensure your shipment is processed as smoothly as possible.

U.S. CPSC eFiling Requirements (2026)

Beginning July 8, 2026, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requires importers of regulated consumer products to electronically submit product compliance information when goods enter the United States. This process is known as CPSC eFiling.

The new requirement applies to consumer products that must comply with mandatory CPSC safety standards, including certain:

• Children's products and toys
• Clothing and textiles
• Household goods
• Electronics
• Other regulated consumer products

Not every shipment is affected, but if your products fall under CPSC regulations, the required compliance information must be available before your shipment can clear customs.

For customers using a Korean forwarding or proxy shopping service, you may occasionally be asked to provide additional information about your products, such as the manufacturer, product model, or safety certification. This information helps ensure your shipment complies with U.S. import requirements.

ℹ️Tips: CPSC eFiling does not create new product safety rules. Instead, it changes how compliance information is submitted to U.S. Customs. Products that already required a Certificate of Compliance must now have that certificate information filed electronically when they are imported.

At Ontact Korea, we may contact you if additional product information is required to help your shipment meet U.S. import requirements and avoid unnecessary customs delays.

International shipping to USA With Ontact Korea

At Ontact Korea, we offer two shipping solutions designed to make importing from Korea to the United States simpler and more predictable. Whether you prefer an express courier or an all-inclusive shipping option, you can choose the service that best fits your needs.

FedEx Prepaid Shipping

FedEx Prepaid Shipping is ideal for customers who want the speed and reliability of FedEx without unexpected customs charges after delivery.

Using the information you provide about your shipment, our system calculates the estimated prepaid import charges alongside your FedEx shipping fee. Once payment is completed, your shipment is prepared for export, helping you avoid additional customs invoices upon arrival.

Benefits of FedEx Prepaid Shipping:

• Express delivery in approximately 3–5 business days
• No unexpected customs charges after delivery
• End-to-end FedEx tracking
• Supports the same products accepted under standard FedEx shipping regulations

All-inclusive Shipping

Our All-Inclusive Shipping service, powered by YunExpress, is designed for shoppers looking for a simple and predictable shipping experience.

With this option, import charges are included in the shipping price, so you know the total shipping cost before your package leaves Korea. Customs documentation is completed before export, and once the shipment arrives in the United States, final delivery is handled by a local carrier.

Benefits of All-Inclusive Shipping:

Import charges included in the shipping price No unexpected customs invoices upon delivery Customs documentation prepared before export Final delivery by a local U.S. carrier Delivery in approximately 7–10 business days

Whether you need the speed of FedEx or the simplicity of an all-inclusive shipping solution, Ontact Korea helps you ship from Korea to the United States with confidence and greater cost transparency.

Why Choose Ontact Korea

Ontact Korea is more than a package forwarding service. We provide everything you need to shop from Korean websites and ship your purchases to the United States with confidence.

After creating your free account, you'll receive a free Korean shipping address and 90 days of free storage for every incoming package. Shop directly from your favorite Korean stores, or use our proxy shopping service if a website doesn't accept international payment methods or only ships within Korea.

We also offer dedicated proxy stores for popular retailers such as Olive Young, Daiso, YES24, and many more. Simply place your order through Ontact Korea Proxy Stores, and we'll purchase the items on your behalf, receive them at our warehouse, and notify you as soon as they're ready to ship.

Manage Everything from One Dashboard

Our shipping platform gives you complete control over your shipments while making it easy to comply with U.S. import requirements.

With your online dashboard, you can:

• Manage all your incoming packages in one place.
• Enter product categories, quantities, and values for customs declarations.
• Consolidate multiple packages into a single shipment to reduce shipping costs.
• Instantly compare shipping methods and receive your final shipping quote.
• Choose the shipping option that best fits your needs, including FedEx Prepaid, All-Inclusive Shipping, or standard international shipping.
• Track every step of your shipment from arrival at our warehouse to delivery at your door.

Whether you're shipping one package or building a large K-haul, Ontact Korea gives you the flexibility and transparency to shop from Korea with confidence.

Instead of paying for several international shipments, consolidate your packages into one box and ship everything together.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions on Shipping from Korea to the US

• Can I ship from Korea to the US?

Yes. Most Korean products can be shipped to the United States, although some items are restricted by carriers or U.S. import regulations.

• How long does shipping from Korea to the US take?

Express carriers such as FedEx typically deliver within 3–5 business days, while all-inclusive shipping options generally take 7–10 business days.

• Do I have to pay customs when shipping from Korea?

Not always. Customs charges depend on the products you're importing, their declared value, and current U.S. regulations.

• What is a Korean forwarding service?

A forwarding service provides you with a Korean shipping address, receives your packages, and forwards them internationally.

• What is Korean proxy shopping ?

A proxy shopping service purchases products on your behalf from Korean websites that don't accept international payment methods or don't ship overseas.

• Can I combine multiple Korean orders into one shipment?

Yes. Package consolidation lets you ship several orders together, often reducing international shipping costs.

• Can I ship Korean skincare to the US?

Most Korean skincare products can be shipped, although certain ingredients or aerosol products may be subject to carrier or customs restrictions.

• Can I ship batteries or electronics?

Some lithium batteries and electronic devices have shipping restrictions depending on the carrier. Always check the carrier's prohibited items policy before shipping.

• How do I get a Korean shipping address?

Simply create a free Ontact Korea account to receive your personal Korean warehouse address.