G/LIC/N/3/KOR/11  
 
30 October 2015  
(15-5772)  Page: 1/11  
Committee on Import Licensing  Original: English  
 
  REPLIES TO QUESTIONNAIRE ON  IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES1 
NOTIFICATION UNDER ARTICLE 7.3 OF THE AGREEMENT  
ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES 
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 
The following communication, dated 27 October 2015, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Korea. 
 
_______________ 
 Outline of System 
1.  Korea has continued to reduce trade-related regulations, embracing the principle of free trade 
w i t h  r e s p e c t  t o  e x p o r t  a n d  i m p o r t  a c t i v i t i e s .   I n  t h i s  c o n t e x t ,  r e s t r i c t i o n s  o n  t r a d e ,  i f  a n y ,  a r e  limited to the very minimum necessary. 
 
In principle, no licensing (since 6 June 1993), registration (since 30 December 1996) or notification (since 1 January 2000) is required for imports and exports.  Only for statistical 
purposes, the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), a private organization, assigns upon 
request a trade business number to anyone who wishes to conduct trade business.  The Foreign Trade Act (FTA) is the basic law that governs international trade between Korea and 
other countries. Specific items for which exports and/or imports are restricted are listed in the 
Export-Import Notice published by the Ministry of  T r a d e ,  I n d u s t r y  &  E n e r g y  ( M O T I E ) .   B u t  a t  
present, no item is subject to import restrictio ns according to the Export-Import Notice except 
aircraft parts. 
 In addition to the FTA, 55 separate laws also stipulate approval or authorization requirements for 
certain items, and those items can be imported by obtaining certification, permission and type 
approval. Those requirements are maintained most ly for the protection of morals, human health, 
hygiene and sanitation, animal and plant life, en vironmental conservation or essential security 
interests in compliance with domestic legislation requirements or international commitments. 
 
To enhance transparency and for the convenience of trading companies, MOTIE updates the Consolidated Public Notice when necessary, a single document containing all export and import 
certification requirements in the 55 separate laws. 
 Purposes and coverage of licensing 
2.  As of September 2011, there is no quantita tive import restriction on the basis of the HSK 
ten-digit code except on rice.  Import-related requirements provided by the 55 separate laws 
pertain to petroleum, LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) , agricultural fertilizers, crop seeds, animals 
and animal products, nuclear materials, narcotics,  foods and food additives, foreign publications, 
firearms and explosives. 
 
3.  The system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries. 
 
                                               
1 See document G/LIC/3, Annex, for the Questionnaire. G/LIC/N/3/KOR/11 
 
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  4.  All import-related regulations except those on rice are not intended to restrict the quantity or 
value of imports.  Rather, they are maintained in order to protect national security, human, animal or plant life or health, and the environment, etc. in accordance with the provisions of Articles XX and XXI of GATT 1994, other WTO Agreements and other international rules or agreements. 
 
5.  The import approval system is enforced under the Foreign Trade Act, the Enforcement Decree of the Foreign Trade Act, the Foreign Trade Mana gement Regulation and the Export-Import Notice. 
 
The import-related requirements are set forth in the 55 domestic laws.  A list of these laws is 
attached in Annex I.  The detailed approval cond itions are prescribed in enforcement decrees or 
regulations for the above-mentioned 55 domestic laws. 
 
While it is not possible for the executive branch to abolish or to convert the approval system 
without legislative approval, there is administrative flexibility to some extent since the authority to 
classify a specific item for import regulation is entrusted to the executive branch. 
 Procedures 
6.  The answers provided to questi ons 6. I~VIII relate exclusively to  rice.  There is no requirement 
for licences since the import of rice is under the system of state trading enterprise.    IX.-X. Not applicable.   
 
XI. No.  
7.  Not applicable.  There are no licensing procedures for items not subject to import restrictions 
on quantity.  
8.  An application for approval cannot be rejected if it satisfies the established criteria. 
 Eligibility of importers to apply for licence 
9.  (a, b)  No licensing (since 6 June 1993), registration (since 30 December 1996) or notification 
(since 1 January 2000) is required to be importers and exporters. 
 For statistical purposes only, the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), a private 
organization, assigns upon request a trade business number to anyone who wishes to carry out 
trade business.  The KITA publishes a list of traders annually.  
Documentation and other requirements for application for licence 
10.  An offer sheet or a copy of the contract and other necessary documents must be submitted 
together with the application.  
(a)  Attach:  Sample form
2 
 11.  Only in the case of import-restricted items, upon actual importation, the import declaration, 
import approval, commercial invoice, Bill of Lading and other necessary documents must be 
submitted.  
12.  There is no licensing fee or administrative charge. 
 13.  There is no deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issue of licences.  
Conditions of licensing 
14.  In principle, the period of validity for import approval is one year.  However, the period can be 
extended or shortened, depending on specific ci rcumstances, when the approval is issued by 
relevant administrative agencies. 
 
                                               
2 In English and Korean only. G/LIC/N/3/KOR/11 
 
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  15.  There is no penalty for the non-utilisation of a licence or a portion of a licence. 
 16.  Licences are not transferable between importers.  
17.  No other conditions are attached to the issue of a licence. 
 Other procedural requirements 
18.  There are no other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar 
administrative procedures, required prior to importation.  19.  Foreign exchange is provided automatically for goods to be imported under the standard 
settlement method. G/LIC/N/3/KOR/11 
 
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  ANNEX I 
 
The following tables briefly describe the items su bject to import-related requirements and the 
administrative organizations under the 55 domestic laws.  Each Ministry takes charge of 
application of the laws whose procedures or requirements fall under its authority. 
 1.  Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy 
 
Law Product covered Related administrative 
organization 
Petroleum and Petroleum Alternative Fuel Business Act Crude oil, petroleum(including 
natural gas, propane and 
butane), Petroleum Alternative Fuel Korea Petroleum Association, 
Ministry 
High Pressure Gas Safety Control Act High pressure gas, container 
and facilities Korea Gas Safety Corporation 
Liquefied Petroleum Gas 
Safety and Business 
Management Act Gas appliances Korea Gas Safety Corporation 
Act on the Control of the 
Production etc. of Specified 
Substances for the Protection 
of the Ozone Layer Controlled substances under 
the Montreal Protocol Ministry 
Electric Appliances Safety 
Control Act Designated electric appliances 
which can cause danger or 
injury Korean Agency for Technology 
and Standards 
Act on the Prohibition of 
Chemical and Biological 
Weapons and the Control of the Production, Export, 
Import, etc. of Specific 
Chemicals, Biological agents, etc. Specific chemicals, Biological 
agents (Pathogens on Human, 
Animal and Plants) and Toxins Ministry 
Bioindustry Association of 
Korea 
Quality Management and 
Safety Control of Industrial 
Products Act Designated consumer products 
which can cause danger or 
injury Korean Agency for Technology 
and Standards 
Measures Act Legal measuring instruments Korea Machinery Meter and 
Petrochemical Testing and Research Institute 
 G/LIC/N/3/KOR/11 
 
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  2.  Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs 
 
Law Product covered Related administrative 
organization 
Food Grain Management Act Rice Ministry 
Fertilizer Management Act Agricultural fertilizer Ministry 
Agrochemicals Management 
Law Agrochemicals Ministry 
Livestock Epidemics Prevention 
and Control Act Animals and animal products National Veterinary Research 
Quarantine Service 
Plant Protection Act Plants and plant products National Plant Quarantine 
Service 
Seed Industry Law Crop seeds 
Vegetable seeds for sale Fruit trees for sale Rural Development 
Administration 
Korea Seed Association 
National Seed Management 
Office 
Livestock Act Pure ‐bred breeding stocks Korea Animal Improvement 
Association 
Korea Poultry Association 
Processing of Livestock 
Products Act Livestock products National Veterinary Research & 
Quarantine Service 
Agricultural Quality Control Act Silkworm egg Local Sericulture Institution 
Fisheries Act  Marine animals and plants Ministry 
Aquatic Animal Disease Control  
Act Marine animals and plants National Fisheries Products 
Quality Inspection Service 
Act on the Preservation, 
Management and Use of Agro-
fishery Bioresources Agro-fishery Bioresources Rural Development 
Administration 
Korea Forest Service Animal and Plant Quarantine 
Agency 
National Fisheries Research & 
Development Institute 
Feed Control Act  Feed grains Korea Feed Association 
 
3.  Korea Forest Service 
 
Law Product covered Related administrative 
organization 
The Law concerning Protection of Wildlife and Game Wildlife animals Administrative local 
governments 
Act on the Sustainable use of Timbers Timbers Korea Forest Service 
 
 G/LIC/N/3/KOR/11 
 
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  4.  Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning 
 
Law Product covered Related administrative 
organization 
Radio Waves Act Apparatus of radio equipment Radio Research Laboratory 
EMI or EMC equipment Korea Testing Certification 
Framework Act on Broadcasting Communications Development Telecommunication equipment
 Ministry 
Korea Communications 
Commission 
Atomic Energy Act Nuclear materials Ministry 
Radioisotope, radiation generators Korea Radioisotope Association
 
 
5.  Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs 
 
Law Product covered Related administrative 
organization 
The Local Tax Law Tobacco Administrative local 
governments 
 6.  Ministry of Health and Welfare 
 
Law Product covered Related administrative 
organization 
Pharmaceutical Affairs Act Finished pharmaceuticals Korea Food and Drug 
Administration 
Korea Pharmaceutical Traders' 
Association 
 Materials for medicines or for 
herbal drugs Korea Food and Drug 
Administration 
Korea Pharmaceutical Traders' 
Association 
Medical Device Act Medical devices Korea Food and Drug 
Administration 
Korea Medical Device Industry 
Association 
Act on the control of narcotics, 
etc. Narcotics for medicine Korea Food and Drug 
Administration 
Korea Pharmaceutical Traders' 
Association 
Cannabis  
Finished pharmaceuticals & Materials for medicine 
 Korea Food and Drug 
Administration 
Korea Pharmaceutical Traders' 
Association 
Cosmetic Act Cosmetics Korea Food and Drug 
Administration 
Korea Cosmetic Association 
Food Sanitation Act Food, food additives, 
apparatus, container and 
package National Quarantine Station or 
Regional Food and Drug 
Administration G/LIC/N/3/KOR/11 
 
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  Law Product covered Related administrative 
organization 
Health Functional Food Act Health Functional food National Quarantine Station or 
Regional Food and Drug 
Administration 
Quarantine Act Designated products National Quarantine Station or 
Regional Food and Drug 
Administration 
National Veterinary Research 
and Quarantine Service 
Human Tissue Safety & Control Act Transplant (material) of 
Human tissue 
(bone, ligament, tendon etc.) Human Tissue Bank of Korea 
Korea Food & Drug 
Administration 
The Export-Import Bank of 
Korea 
Korea Customs Service 
 
7.  Ministry of Employment and Labour 
 
Law Product covered Related administrative 
organization 
Industrial Safety and Health Act Harmful substances (e.g. 
yellow phosphorous matches, benzidine) Local labour administration 
New chemical substances (e.g. 
chemical elements, radioactive 
substances) Ministry 
Safeguarding measures (e.g. 
safeguarding measures against 
press) Korea Occupational Safety & 
Health Agency 
Harmful or hazardous 
equipment (e.g. cranes, lifts)  
Protective equipment (e.g. 
safety helmet)  
 
8.  Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism 
 
Law Product covered Related administrative 
organization 
Publication and Printing 
Promotion Act Foreign publications Korea Publication Ethics 
Commission 
Protection of Cultural 
Properties Act Cultural properties Cultural Heritage 
Administration 
Game Industry Promotion Act Video  game content Game  Rating Board 
Music Industry Promotion Act Music , Media Content Korea Media Rating Board 
 G/LIC/N/3/KOR/11 
 
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  9.  Ministry of National Defence 
 
Law Product covered  Related administrative 
organization  
Defence Acquisition Program 
Act Military products Defence Acquisition Program 
Administration 
 
10.  National Police Agency 
 
Law Product covered  Related administrative 
organization  
Firearms, Swords, Explosives 
etc. Control Act Firearms, swords and 
explosives Agency 
 
11.  National Tax Administration 
 
Law Product covered  Related administrative 
organization  
Liquor Tax Act Liquor District tax offices 
 
 12.  Ministry of Environment 
 
Law Product covered Related administrative 
organization 
Toxic Chemicals Control Act  Chemical su bstances  Korea Chemicals Association 
Local governments,  
Basin Environmental Offices or 
Regional Environmental Offices 
Wildlife Protection Act Animals and plants detrimental 
to ecosystem Basin Environmental Offices or 
Regional Environmental Offices 
Endangered wild animals and 
plants Basin Environmental Offices or 
Regional Environmental Offices 
Wild animals Local governments 
International trade in endangered Species of wild 
fauna and flora Basin Environmental Offices or 
Regional Environmental Offices 
Drinking Water Management 
Act Bottled water, water treatment 
chemicals and its container Basin Environmental Offices or 
Regional Environmental Offices 
Act on the Control of  
Transboundary Movements of 
Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal Wastes Basin Environmental Offices or 
Regional Environmental Offices 
Act on the Promotion of Saving and Recycling of Resources - Pesticides and toxics using 
can, glass and plastic container 
- Antifreeze 
- Gum 
- Disposable Diaper 
- Tobacco 
- Plastic products Korea Environment & Resources 
Corporation(ENVICO) 
Act on Preservation and Use of 
Biodiversity Biological resources Korea Biodiversity Resources 
System G/LIC/N/3/KOR/11 
 
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  Law Product covered Related administrative 
organization 
Wastes Control Act Wastes 
- garbage, burnt refuse, 
sludge, waste oil, waste acid, 
waste alkali, and carcasses of animals Korea Waste Association  
Act on Resource Circulation  of 
Electrical and Electronic 
Equipment and Vehicles Resources used in electrical and 
electronic equipment and 
vehicles Ministry 
Noise and Vibration Regulation 
Act Motor vehicles, etc. National Institute of 
Environmental Research 
Atmospheric Environment 
Preservation Act 
 13.  Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transport 
 
Law Product covered  Related administrative 
organization  
Motor Vehicles Control Act Motor vehicles Ministry 
Construction Equipment 
Management Act Construction equipment Ministry 
 G/LIC/N/3/KOR/11 
 
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  <sample forms> 
 
수입승인 (신청 )서 Import License (Application) 
 
 
 처  리  기  간  : 1일 
Handling Time : 
1 Day 
① 수입자        무역업  신고번호   ⑤ 송화인 (Consignor) 
 
   상호, 주소, 성명 
   (Name of firm, Address, Name o f 
rep’) 
 
 
    (Importer)    (Notification No.)  
  상호, 주소, 성명 
  (Name of firm, Address, Name of rep’) 
  
(서명 또는 인)
 
(Signature)  
② 위탁자        사업자  등록번호   ⑥ 금액(Total Amount) 
  (Requester)   (Business No.) 
 
  상호, 주소, 성명 
  (Name of firm, Address, Name of rep’) 
  
(서명 또는 인)
 
(Signature)  ⑦ 결제기간 (Period of payment) 
⑧ 가격조건 (Terms of Price) 
③ 원산지 (Origin) ④ 선적항 (Port of Loading) 
⑨ HS부호 ⑩ 품명 및 규격  ⑪ 단위 및 수량  ⑫ 단 가  ⑬ 금    액 
  (HS code)        (Description/Size)                 (Unit/Quantity) (Unit Price)    (Amount)  
 
 
  
⑭ 승인기관  기재란 (Remarks to be filled out by an Approval Agency) 
⑮ 유효기간 (Period of Approval) 
   승인번호 (Approval No.) 
   승인기관  관리번호 (No. of Approval Agency) G/LIC/N/3/KOR/11 
 
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   < 위의 신청사항은  대외무역법  제11조제2항 및 동법시행령  제18조제1항의 규정에  의하여  승인합니다 . 
   (The undersigned hereby approves the above mentioned goods in accordance with 
Article 11(2)      of the Foreign Trad e Act and Article 18(1) of the Enforcement 
Decree of the said Act.) 
 
20   년    월     일  
승인권자                   ( 인) 
 
※ 승인기관이  2이상인  경우 ⑭ -   의 기재사항은  이면에  기재하도록  합니다 . 
※ 이 서식에  의한 승인과는  별도로  대금결제에  관한 사항에  대하여는  외국환관리볍령이  정하는  바에 따라야  
 
__________