Chemicals from South Korea — KORUS 0% Duty (2026)

USTradeStack

Effective Duty Rate

0% KORUS FTA for most chemicals

Estimate — verify by HTS code

Compliance Risk

Low

Relative to other import corridors

Regulatory Agencies

EPA/TSCA, DOT, FDA, OSHA

Primary oversight bodies

OVERVIEW

Importing Industrial Chemicals & Chemical Products from South Korea

Importing chemicals from South Korea into the United States carries low compliance risk, with an effective duty rate of 0% KORUS FTA for most chemicals. A Section 232 Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) arrangement applies: steel and aluminum products within quota limits may enter at reduced or zero Section 232 duty, while above-quota imports face the full 25% surcharge.

Chemicals imported from South Korea to the United States is subject to CBP entry requirements, applicable HTS-based duty rates, and agency compliance clearances. This guide covers the complete import process for 2026.

⚠ Key Trade Intelligence — South Korea Origin

KORUS FTA provides preferential access for Korean chemicals. Major exporters include LG Chem, Hanwha Solutions, and SKC. South Korea produces petrochemicals, electronic materials chemicals, and battery chemicals.

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SAMPLE LANDED COST — $50,000 SHIPMENT

Estimated Landed Cost: Chemicals from South Korea

Based on a representative $50,000 CIF shipment value. Actual costs vary by HTS code, entry type, and port of entry.

Cost Component	Amount	Notes
Cargo Value (CIF)	$50,000.00	Reference shipment value
MFN Base Duty (0.0%)	$0.00	KORUS preferential / ITA zero-rate
Merchandise Processing Fee (0.3464%)	$173.20	Min $31.67 / max $614.35
Harbor Maintenance Fee (0.125%)	$62.50	Ocean freight only
Total Duties & Fees	$235.70	Effective rate: 0.5%
Estimated Landed Cost	$50,235.70	Cargo + all US duties/fees

⚠ Section 232 tariffs (25% steel / 10% aluminum) may apply to chemicals sub-categories with significant steel or aluminum content. Not included above — verify by specific HTS code.

✓ KORUS preferential rates reduce base duty to 0% for qualifying goods. MPF and HMF still apply on all entries.

Excludes freight, insurance, broker fees, warehousing, and AD/CVD duties. Use the Duty Calculator for a precise estimate on your specific shipment.

APPLICABLE HTS CODES

HTS Codes for Chemicals Imports

The following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes typically apply to chemicals imports. Exact classification depends on the specific product — misclassification is one of the most common CBP compliance errors.

HTS Code	Product Description	MFN Base Duty Rate
2815	Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda) & Potassium Hydroxide	0%–5.5% MFN
2902	Cyclic Hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, xylene)	0%–5.5% MFN
2917	Polycarboxylic Acids & Derivatives	0%–6.5% MFN
3808	Insecticides, Herbicides & Disinfectants	0%–5% MFN
3824	Chemical Preparations & Products (not elsewhere classified)	0%–6.5% MFN

MFN rates reflect base tariff. Additional duties (Section 301, Section 232, AD/CVD) may apply on top of MFN rates. Use the AI classifier to get the exact 10-digit HTS code and all applicable rates for your specific product.

DUTY STACK — SOUTH KOREA ORIGIN

Total Tariff Cost for South Korea-Origin Chemicals

Duty Layer	Rate / Status	Applies To
MFN Base Rate	Varies by HTS code	All South Korea-origin goods (baseline)
KORUS Preferential Rate	Reduced / 0% (qualifying goods)	Goods meeting KORUS rules of origin
Section 301	Not applicable	South Korea-origin goods are not subject to Section 301
Section 232 TRQ	0% within quota; 25%/10% above	Steel/aluminum within agreed quota volumes

Precise Duty Calculation

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Our calculator handles all duty layers — MFN + Section 301 + Section 232 + FTA rates — for any HTS code from any origin country.

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COMPLIANCE — EPA/TSCA / DOT / FDA / OSHA

US Compliance Requirements for Chemicals Imports

Regardless of origin country, chemicals imports must satisfy the following US regulatory requirements before or at the time of CBP entry filing:

TSCA Section 12(b) import certification — all chemical substances must be on the TSCA Inventory; new substances require EPA premanufacture notice (PMN) before importation
DOT hazardous materials shipping requirements (49 CFR Parts 171–180) — UN hazmat classification, proper shipping name, and hazmat packaging required
EPA FIFRA registration required for pesticides, herbicides, and antimicrobial products before they can be imported or distributed in the US
OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) — Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must accompany all chemical imports and conform to GHS format

Compliance Check Tool

Run an automated compliance check for your chemicals import — identifies all applicable agency requirements, flagging issues before your shipment departs South Korea.

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REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Documentation Checklist for Chemicals from South Korea

Prepare all documents before the shipment departs South Korea. Missing or incorrect documents are the #1 cause of CBP holds and customs delays.

1

Commercial Invoice with CAS number, chemical name (IUPAC), and concentration

2

Packing List with hazmat classification and UN number

3

Bill of Lading with DOT hazmat declaration (if applicable)

4

TSCA Import Certification (EPA Form 7710-56)

5

Safety Data Sheet (SDS) in GHS format

6

EPA/FIFRA registration number (for pesticides and antimicrobials)

Document Generator

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ESTIMATED TIMELINE

Import Timeline — Chemicals from South Korea

20–40 days (ocean; hazmat routing may add delays); 3–10 days (air for non-hazmat chemicals)

Supplier Preparation

Allow 1–2 weeks for production documentation, certificates, and packing lists

Transit Time

18–35 days ocean from Asia/origin

CBP Clearance

1–3 days standard; 5–15 days if examination or AD/CVD review required

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQs — Importing Chemicals from South Korea

What is the effective US tariff rate for importing chemicals from South Korea?

The effective US tariff rate for chemicals from South Korea is: 0% KORUS FTA for most chemicals. KORUS FTA provides preferential access for Korean chemicals. Major exporters include LG Chem, Hanwha Solutions, and SKC. South Korea produces petrochemicals, electronic materials chemicals, and battery chemicals.

What compliance agencies regulate chemicals imports from South Korea?

Chemicals imports require compliance with: EPA/TSCA, DOT, FDA, OSHA. Specific requirements include: TSCA Section 12(b) import certification — all chemical substances must be on the TSCA Inventory; new substances require EPA premanufacture notice (PMN) before importation and DOT hazardous materials shipping requirements (49 CFR Parts 171–180) — UN hazmat classification, proper shipping name, and hazmat packaging required.

What documents are required to import chemicals from South Korea?

Required documents include: Commercial Invoice with CAS number, chemical name (IUPAC), and concentration; Packing List with hazmat classification and UN number; Bill of Lading with DOT hazmat declaration (if applicable); TSCA Import Certification (EPA Form 7710-56). Additional: Safety Data Sheet (SDS) in GHS format; EPA/FIFRA registration number (for pesticides and antimicrobials). Ensure all documents are prepared before the shipment departs South Korea.

How long does customs clearance take for chemicals from South Korea?

Typical timeline: 20–40 days (ocean; hazmat routing may add delays); 3–10 days (air for non-hazmat chemicals). CBP clearance typically takes 1–3 business days for compliant entries. Complex entries (AD/CVD, formal entry review, or examination) may require 5–15 additional business days.

Are there Section 301 or Section 232 tariffs on chemicals from South Korea?

No Section 301 tariffs apply to South Korea-origin goods. Section 232 applies with a TRQ arrangement — steel within quota enters at reduced/zero Section 232; above quota faces 25%.

What TSCA compliance requirements apply to imported chemical substances?

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) requires that all imported chemical substances either be on the TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory or qualify for an exemption. Importers must certify compliance or non-coverage at entry on CBP Form 3540. New chemical substances require pre-manufacture notification (PMN) to EPA before import. Certain high-risk substances are subject to TSCA Section 5 significant new use rules (SNUR). Non-TSCA-compliant chemical imports are subject to CBP refusal of entry and EPA enforcement action.

What HTS codes and duty rates cover industrial chemicals?

Chemicals are classified primarily under HTS Chapters 28–29. Inorganic chemicals (Chapter 28): rates typically 0%–5.5% MFN. Organic chemicals (Chapter 29): 0%–6.5% MFN. Fertilizers (Chapter 31): 0%–5%. Plastics raw materials (Chapter 39): 3.4%–6.5%. Many specialty chemicals from China face 25% Section 301. Several categories — including certain industrial chemicals, pharmaceutical precursors, and agricultural inputs — have binding WTO zero duties. Consult a licensed customs broker for 10-digit HTS classification since rates vary significantly within each 4-digit heading.

Are hazardous chemicals subject to special import procedures or restrictions?

Yes. Hazardous chemicals face multiple regulatory requirements: (1) OSHA Hazard Communication Standard — SDS and GHS labeling required for workplace chemicals, (2) EPA TSCA and RCRA regulations on importing hazardous waste and regulated substances, (3) DOT 49 CFR hazmat regulations for transport of hazardous materials — proper UN classification and packaging required, (4) DEA controls on listed chemical precursors for drugs of abuse, (5) BIS Export Administration Regulations (EAR) for dual-use chemicals with weapons potential. Some chemical imports from China or Russia require additional screening under OFAC sanctions review.

What does the KORUS FTA cover and how do I claim preferential treatment?

The US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS, effective 2012) has phased out duties on the vast majority of US-Korea trade — most goods now enter at 0%. To claim KORUS preference, have a valid origin certification from the Korean exporter (self-certification is permitted under KORUS). Goods must meet KORUS rules of origin requiring sufficient production in the US or Korea, with country-specific RVC or tariff shift rules by HTS code.

Are Korean electronics (Samsung, LG, SK Hynix) subject to any additional US tariffs?

No. South Korea is not subject to Section 301 tariffs. Section 232 TRQ applies to Korean steel and aluminum, not electronics. Korean electronics benefit from both KORUS FTA (0%) and the ITA (0% WTO multilateral rate), providing dual zero-rating. Major Korean brands have extensive US operations that further simplify compliance for distributors and importers.

How strictly does CBP enforce KORUS rules of origin for auto parts?

CBP has significantly increased KORUS auto parts origin verification, particularly for vehicles and major components. Importers should obtain detailed origin certifications from Korean suppliers including net cost calculations and production records. Korean auto parts manufacturers supplying global OEMs typically maintain robust KORUS documentation — request it proactively rather than waiting for a CBP CF-28 inquiry.

TRADE INTELLIGENCE TOOLS

Free Tools for Chemicals Importers

Run these tools before your next shipment from South Korea — all free, no account required.

🔍 AI HTS Classifier

Get the exact 10-digit HTS code for your chemicals. Identifies Section 301/232 exposure.

🧮 Landed Cost Calculator

Calculate total duty including MFN + Section 301 + Section 232 for South Korea-origin goods.

🛡️ Supplier Screening

Screen your South Korea supplier against OFAC, BIS Entity List, and denied parties databases.

✅ Compliance Check

Verify EPA/TSCA/DOT/FDA/OSHA requirements and identify documentation gaps before shipment.

📊 Trade Research Hub

Deep-dive on tariff policy changes, Federal Register notices, and regulatory updates for South Korea.

🔔 Tariff Alerts

Get notified when duty rates or compliance requirements change for your product corridors.

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View full South Korea tariff profile → Browse all import guides → Calculate landed cost →

Import duty rates are sourced from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and USTR Section 301 lists. Rates reflect current published schedules as of 2026-05-16 and are subject to change. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or customs brokerage advice. Verify rates with a licensed customs broker before importing.

How to Import Chemicals from South Korea to the US