Effective Duty Rate
0% KORUS FTA for most toys
Estimate — verify by HTS code
Compliance Risk
Low
Relative to other import corridors
Regulatory Agencies
CPSC, FCC, FDA
Primary oversight bodies
OVERVIEW
Importing Toys, Games & Recreational Products from South Korea
Importing toys from South Korea into the United States carries low compliance risk, with an effective duty rate of 0% KORUS FTA for most toys. 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.
Toys 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 toys and gaming products. South Korean toy and gaming exports are growing, particularly in character merchandise and educational products.
SAMPLE LANDED COST — $50,000 SHIPMENT
Estimated Landed Cost: Toys 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 toys 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 Toys Imports
The following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes typically apply to toys 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 |
| 9503 |
Tricycles, Dolls, Puzzles & Other Toys (general category) |
0%–6.8% MFN |
| 9504 |
Video Game Consoles & Accessories |
0% MFN (ITA) |
| 9505 |
Festive, Carnival & Entertainment Articles |
0%–5% MFN |
| 9506 |
Sporting Goods & Fitness Equipment |
0%–4.6% MFN |
| 9501–9502 |
Wheeled Toys (ride-on vehicles) & Dolls |
0%–6.8% 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 Toys
| 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 |
COMPLIANCE — CPSC / FCC / FDA
US Compliance Requirements for Toys Imports
Regardless of origin country, toys imports must satisfy the following US regulatory requirements before or at the time of CBP entry filing:
- CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) — mandatory third-party testing and certification for all children's products; lead limits (100 ppm total lead), phthalate limits (8 specific phthalates at 0.1%)
- CPSC ASTM F963 Standard — toy safety standard covering mechanical hazards, flammability, chemical content, and small parts requirements
- FCC Equipment Authorization required for electronic toys with radio frequency (WiFi, Bluetooth, RC) capabilities
- FDA compliance for toys with food-contact components (candy dispensers, play food sets) and cosmetics (children's makeup kits)
Compliance Check Tool
Run an automated compliance check for your toys import — identifies all applicable agency requirements, flagging issues before your shipment departs South Korea.
Run Compliance Check →
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Documentation Checklist for Toys 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 product description and age grading
4
CPSC Children's Product Certificate (CPC) with supporting CPSIA/ASTM F963 test reports
5
FCC ID documentation (for electronic/RC toys)
6
Country of Origin Declaration
ESTIMATED TIMELINE
Import Timeline — Toys from South Korea
25–40 days (ocean from Asia); 5–10 days (air for rush seasonal orders)
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 Toys from South Korea
What is the effective US tariff rate for importing toys from South Korea?
The effective US tariff rate for toys from South Korea is: 0% KORUS FTA for most toys. KORUS FTA provides preferential access for Korean toys and gaming products. South Korean toy and gaming exports are growing, particularly in character merchandise and educational products.
What compliance agencies regulate toys imports from South Korea?
Toys imports require compliance with: CPSC, FCC, FDA. Specific requirements include: CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) — mandatory third-party testing and certification for all children's products; lead limits (100 ppm total lead), phthalate limits (8 specific phthalates at 0.1%) and CPSC ASTM F963 Standard — toy safety standard covering mechanical hazards, flammability, chemical content, and small parts requirements.
What documents are required to import toys from South Korea?
Required documents include: Commercial Invoice with product description and age grading; Packing List; Bill of Lading; CPSC Children's Product Certificate (CPC) with supporting CPSIA/ASTM F963 test reports. Additional: FCC ID documentation (for electronic/RC toys); Country of Origin Declaration. Ensure all documents are prepared before the shipment departs South Korea.
How long does customs clearance take for toys from South Korea?
Typical timeline: 25–40 days (ocean from Asia); 5–10 days (air for rush seasonal orders). 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 toys 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 CPSC testing and certification requirements apply to all imported toys?
All toys marketed to children under 12 are "children's products" under the CPSC Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). Requirements include: (1) third-party testing by CPSC-accepted laboratories for applicable mandatory standards (ASTM F963 toy safety standard, lead content limits 100ppm in substrate, phthalate limits in plasticizers), (2) Children's Product Certificate (CPC) from an accredited lab accompanying or available for each product, (3) tracking label on each unit and its packaging with manufacturer, date/location of production, and batch number. CPSC actively imports samples and detains non-compliant toys at port.
What HTS codes and duty rates apply to toy imports from China and Vietnam?
Toys are classified under HTS Chapter 95. Wheeled toys (9501): 0% MFN. Dolls (9502): 0% MFN. Toy models and kits (9503): 0% MFN. Video game consoles (9504.50): 0% MFN. Playing cards (9504.40): 2.7% MFN. Festive articles (9505): 0%–3.2% MFN. Despite near-zero MFN rates, China-origin toys face 25% Section 301 additional duty (List 4A at 7.5% for some, 25% for others — verify by specific HTS). Vietnam-origin toys pay 0% MFN with no Section 301. This differential is a primary reason for the dramatic shift of toy manufacturing from China to Vietnam since 2018.
What are the ASTM F963 requirements for toy safety and how do I verify compliance?
ASTM F963 (Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety) is the mandatory US toy safety standard covering mechanical hazards, flammability, electrical hazards, chemical requirements, and age-grading. Key requirements: no sharp points or edges accessible to children, projectile toys must meet velocity limits, small parts warnings for toys with pieces that fit entirely in a small parts cylinder (children under 3), noise limits for toys producing sound near the ear. Verify compliance by requesting third-party CPSC-accepted test reports specifically citing ASTM F963 current edition. Do not accept self-certification from manufacturers for children's products.
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 Toys Importers
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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.