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

USTradeStack

Effective Duty Rate

0% KORUS FTA for most plastics

Estimate — verify by HTS code

Compliance Risk

Low

Relative to other import corridors

Regulatory Agencies

EPA/TSCA, FDA, CPSC

Primary oversight bodies

OVERVIEW

Importing Plastics, Polymers & Plastic Articles from South Korea

Importing plastics from South Korea into the United States carries low compliance risk, with an effective duty rate of 0% KORUS FTA for most plastics. 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.

Plastics 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 plastics. Major exporters include LG Chem and Lotte Chemical. South Korea is a leading producer of PET, polycarbonate, and specialty polymers.

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SAMPLE LANDED COST — $50,000 SHIPMENT

Estimated Landed Cost: Plastics 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 plastics 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 Plastics Imports

The following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes typically apply to plastics 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
3901	Polyethylene in Primary Forms (HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE)	0%–6.5% MFN
3902	Polypropylene & Other Propylene Polymers	0%–6.5% MFN
3907	Polyacetals, Polyesters & Polycarbonates (PET, PBT)	0%–6.5% MFN
3920	Plastic Plates, Sheets & Film (not reinforced)	3.1%–6.5% MFN
3926	Other Articles of Plastics (industrial/consumer)	3.4%–5.3% 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 Plastics

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

Get Your Exact Total Duty Rate

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 / FDA / CPSC

US Compliance Requirements for Plastics Imports

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

TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) compliance — all chemical substances in plastics must appear on the TSCA Inventory; new chemicals require EPA premanufacture notice (PMN)
FDA Food Contact Notification (FCN) required for plastics intended for food packaging or food-contact applications (21 CFR Parts 174–186)
CPSC testing requirements for plastic consumer products — lead and phthalate limits for children's products under CPSIA Section 101/108
California Prop 65 compliance for plastics containing listed chemicals (BPA, phthalates, cadmium, lead)

Compliance Check Tool

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

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REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Documentation Checklist for Plastics 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 polymer type, grade, and end-use application

2

Packing List

3

Bill of Lading

4

TSCA Certification (EPA Form 7710-56) — required for all chemical imports

5

FDA food-contact compliance documentation (if applicable)

6

Country of Origin Declaration

Document Generator

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ESTIMATED TIMELINE

Import Timeline — Plastics from South Korea

20–35 days (ocean from Asia); 10–18 days (ocean from Europe); 5–10 days (truck from Mexico/Canada)

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 Plastics from South Korea

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

The effective US tariff rate for plastics from South Korea is: 0% KORUS FTA for most plastics. KORUS FTA provides preferential access for Korean plastics. Major exporters include LG Chem and Lotte Chemical. South Korea is a leading producer of PET, polycarbonate, and specialty polymers.

What compliance agencies regulate plastics imports from South Korea?

Plastics imports require compliance with: EPA/TSCA, FDA, CPSC. Specific requirements include: TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) compliance — all chemical substances in plastics must appear on the TSCA Inventory; new chemicals require EPA premanufacture notice (PMN) and FDA Food Contact Notification (FCN) required for plastics intended for food packaging or food-contact applications (21 CFR Parts 174–186).

What documents are required to import plastics from South Korea?

Required documents include: Commercial Invoice with polymer type, grade, and end-use application; Packing List; Bill of Lading; TSCA Certification (EPA Form 7710-56) — required for all chemical imports. Additional: FDA food-contact compliance documentation (if applicable); Country of Origin Declaration. Ensure all documents are prepared before the shipment departs South Korea.

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

Typical timeline: 20–35 days (ocean from Asia); 10–18 days (ocean from Europe); 5–10 days (truck from Mexico/Canada). 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 plastics 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 HTS codes and duty rates apply to plastic goods imports?

Plastics are classified under HTS Chapters 39 (plastics and articles thereof). Raw plastic materials (resins, polymers): HTS 3901–3914, typically 3.4%–6.5% MFN. Plastic articles: HTS 3916–3926, varying from 0% to 6.5% MFN. Plastic bags and film (3923–3924) face 3%–6.5% MFN. China-origin plastics add 25% Section 301 for most HS codes. Anti-dumping orders exist on certain plastic bags from China and Vietnam — verify via CBP ADD/CVD portal before importing packaging products.

What TSCA and EPA regulations apply to imported plastic products?

TSCA Section 13 requires that imported chemical substances, including plastic resins, comply with TSCA regulations — importers must certify compliance or non-coverage at entry. EPA restricts certain chemical substances in plastics, including phthalate plasticizers in children's products (CPSC/TSCA). California Prop 65 requires warnings for plastics containing listed chemicals (lead, phthalates, bisphenol A). Single-use plastics may face state-level restrictions. Maintain SDS (Safety Data Sheets) and chemical composition records for all imported plastic products.

How does Section 301 affect plastics importers sourcing from China?

Most plastic articles from China are subject to 25% Section 301 tariffs under List 3 or 4A (many List 4A products at 7.5%). This stacks on MFN base rates of 3.4%–6.5%, creating effective duties of 10.4%–31.5% on Chinese plastics. Importers have responded by shifting sourcing to Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Mexico. However, CBP enforces anti-circumvention rules — plastic goods with Chinese-origin resin that undergo only minor processing in a third country may still be classified as Chinese origin.

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 Plastics 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 plastics. 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/FDA/CPSC 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.

Ready to Calculate Your Exact Import Costs?

Get precise duty calculations, landed cost estimates, and compliance flags for your plastics shipment from South Korea.

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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 Plastics from South Korea to the US