Skip to content
English
Go to spaceshipapp.com
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

South Korea customs update for e-commerce brands

South Korea is introducing important customs changes for cross-border e-commerce shipments, and brands shipping to Korean customers should prepare now. From August 15, 2026, Korea Customs Service (KCS) plans to launch a new e-commerce customs process that relies on more detailed digital order data and stricter buyer verification.


What is changing

There are two main changes brands should know about.

  • New e-commerce customs declaration process: Registered e-commerce operators connected to KCS will be able to use a dedicated declaration format for B2C shipments from August 15, 2026.
  • Stronger PCCC verification: Korea is tightening checks on the buyer’s Personal Customs Clearance Code (PCCC), including matching the shopper’s name, phone number, and postal code during customs clearance.
  • OTP requirement: KCS is also rolling out one-time password verification linked to PCCC usage, beginning with partial implementation from August 15, 2026.

Why brands should care

If shipment data is incomplete, inaccurate, or submitted outside the new registered flow, customs clearance may take longer and face more manual inspection. That can mean delivery delays, customer frustration, and more support tickets for brands selling into Korea.

Brands should start reviewing whether their Korea-bound orders currently capture the right customer information, including PCCC, full name, phone number, postal code, address, and email. Brands should also confirm whether their marketplace, carrier, broker, or logistics partner is registering with KCS and supporting the new customs process.

What to do now

  • Review checkout fields for Korea-bound orders.
  • Confirm whether your shipping or platform partners are registered with KCS.
  • Prepare for customer verification steps related to PCCC and OTP.
  • Assess whether direct registration is needed for your business model.

Read the full guide

A detailed knowledge base article is available covering:

  • Background on the Korea customs changes.
  • What the update means for brands and marketplaces.
  • A step-by-step guide to KCS registration.
  • Key information and documents needed for registration.
  • A simplified flowchart of the new customs clearance journey.
Link: Korea Customs Changes

 

Last Updated On 15 Jul, 2026