Services
Code application service
We apply for customs clearance codes, overseas supplier codes and e-commerce operator codes on behalf of businesses starting to import or export and businesses selling or forwarding overseas direct purchases.
Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible applicants | Businesses starting to import or export, and businesses selling or forwarding overseas direct purchases |
| Application | We apply on your behalf with your power of attorney (exporters or importers may also apply directly in UNI-PASS). When we handle customs clearance, we also use the invoice to apply for codes for new overseas business partners |
| Processing time | Customs clearance codes and overseas supplier codes: within 1 day (14 days for businesses subject to advance verification). Succession of status: generally processed within 7 days. E-commerce operator registration: within 10 days of receipt |
| Validity | E-commerce operator registration: 3 years, renewable |
| Costs | Fee schedule below |
Types of codes
- Customs clearance code: A code entered on import and export declarations to identify the importing or exporting business. As a rule, it is requested for each place of business.
- Overseas supplier code: A code identifying an overseas business supplying or purchasing goods.
- E-commerce operator code: Mail-order businesses, mail-order brokers and overseas package forwarders must register with customs as e-commerce operators to use simplified clearance for e-commerce goods.
Application types
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| New application | Obtaining a code for the first time |
| Change application | When registered details change. If the business name, establishment year or business type changes, customs assigns a new code and suspends the old one; for other changes, the existing code remains in use and only the registration details are updated |
| Application for succession of status | Succession to the status associated with a business customs clearance code due to closure, inheritance, comprehensive business transfer, division or similar circumstances |
Procedure
- Identify required codesPlease tell us your business type and transaction structure, and we determine the codes needed.
- Send documentsPlease send the documents below and a power of attorney.
- ApplyWe check registration status and apply to customs.
- Customs reviewCustoms checks the business registration details and the existence of the business premises, and registration is usually completed within 1 day. If customs requests additional documents, we let you know.
- ResultsWe provide the registered code.
Documents to prepare
- Customs clearance code: copy of the business registration certificate, copy of the representative's identification (resident registration card, driver's license, passport, alien registration card, etc.), and copy of the corporate registry extract (corporations). Before incorporation is registered, a copy of the business license application, business plan or similar documents may be substituted
- Overseas supplier code: invoice stating the overseas business's country, business name and address. If no invoice is available, a bill of lading, packing list or similar document
- E-commerce operator code: copy of the mail-order business registration certificate, proof of domain ownership (if operating an online shopping mall), copy of the business registration certificate, corporate registry extract (Korean corporations), and national tax and customs duty payment certificates (applicants with an address or business office in Korea)
- Power of attorney for representation (may be omitted when a customs broker applies for an overseas supplier code)
Services we provide
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Identification of required codes | We identify the codes suited to the business type and transaction structure. |
| Business customs clearance code | We apply for new codes, changes and succession of status. |
| Overseas supplier code | We apply for new codes and changes. |
| E-commerce operator registration | We apply for registration and renewal. |
Fees
| Item | Basis | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Customs clearance code application on your behalf | Free when requested together with your first clearance | KRW 20,000 |
| Overseas supplier code application on your behalf | Per case Free for clients who entrust us with clearance | KRW 10,000 |
| E-commerce operator code registration on your behalf | Purchasing agents, sales intermediaries and package forwarders Overseas businesses by separate agreement | KRW 80,000 |
Points to note
- Changes of overseas business: If the overseas business name or country name changes, a new code is obtained.
- Changes of business name or address: If the business name, representative or address on the business registration certificate changes, apply to change the customs clearance code registration. Failure to update may result in suspension of the code.
- Suspension: Customs may suspend a code if it has not been used for 2 years or if business closure, suspension of operations or similar circumstances are confirmed. A suspended business customs clearance code is reactivated through a change application.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Are separate codes required for branches or factories?
As a rule, a customs clearance code is requested for each place of business. For a branch, the head office's code must be requested first, and businesses subject to business-unit taxation may use the head office's code.
Q. Do overseas sellers also need an e-commerce operator code?
Businesses without an address or business office in Korea are also subject to registration. However, only businesses with an address or business office in Korea submit a mail-order business registration certificate and tax payment certificates.
Consultation
Ask about our code application service
Related laws and resources
- UNI-PASS main page (business customs clearance code and overseas supplier code inquiry/application)
- UNI-PASS e-commerce operator service (e-commerce operator code application menu)
- Notice on Registration and Management of Customs Clearance Codes and Overseas Supplier Codes, Article 6 (Applications for business customs clearance codes), Article 9 (Applications for overseas supplier codes), Article 17 (Suspension of business customs clearance codes, etc.)
- Customs Act, Article 254 (Special customs clearance for e-commerce goods, etc.)
- Notice on Special Customs Clearance for E-commerce Goods, Article 6 (Registration applications and review)
Effective dates: Notice on Registration and Management of Customs Clearance Codes and Overseas Supplier Codes 2026-04-13, Customs Act 2026-10-02, Notice on Special Customs Clearance for E-commerce Goods 2026-08-24. Accessed through the National Law Information Center on 2026-10-21.