How to Import Apparel from South Korea to the US
Importing Apparel, Garments & Clothing from South Korea
Importing apparel from South Korea into the United States carries low compliance risk, with an effective duty rate of 0% KORUS FTA for qualifying apparel. 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.
Apparel 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.
KORUS FTA provides zero-duty access — a massive advantage in a sector with 15%–32% MFN rates. Growing K-fashion exports to the US.
Get an Exact Duty Estimate
Enter your product value and origin country to get the exact duty stack including MFN, Section 301, Section 232, and applicable FTA rates.
Estimated Landed Cost: Apparel 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 apparel 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.
See your compliance risk for apparel from South Korea
A $199 compliance audit against your specific product lines and supply chain. Covers HTS code accuracy, AD/CVD exposure, FTA qualification, customs valuation, and CBP marking requirements — with actual CBP ruling cites and corrective actions.
Get Compliance Audit →HTS Codes for Apparel Imports
The following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes typically apply to apparel 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 6109 | T-Shirts, Singlets & Tank Tops (knitted) | 16.5%–32% MFN |
| 6203 | Men's/Boys' Suits, Trousers & Shorts (woven) | 8%–27.5% MFN |
| 6204 | Women's/Girls' Suits, Dresses & Skirts (woven) | 6.9%–27.5% MFN |
| 6110 | Sweaters, Pullovers & Cardigans (knitted) | 5%–32% MFN |
| 6205–6206 | Men's/Women's Shirts & Blouses (woven) | 8.4%–27.5% 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.
Total Tariff Cost for South Korea-Origin Apparel
| 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 |
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.
US Compliance Requirements for Apparel Imports
Regardless of origin country, apparel imports must satisfy the following US regulatory requirements before or at the time of CBP entry filing:
- FTC Textile Fiber Products Identification Act — fiber content label required on all garments (16 CFR Part 303); must list fiber names and percentages in descending order
- FTC Care Labeling Rule (16 CFR Part 423) — permanent care instruction labels required on all garments
- CPSC flammability standards: 16 CFR Part 1610 for general apparel; stricter Parts 1615/1616 for children's sleepwear
- Country of origin label required per 19 CFR Part 134 — must be sewn into each garment; removable hang tags alone do not satisfy CBP requirements
Run an automated compliance check for your apparel import — identifies all applicable agency requirements, flagging issues before your shipment departs South Korea.
Run Compliance Check →Documentation Checklist for Apparel 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.
Generate Your Document Checklist
Get a customized document checklist based on your specific HTS code, origin country, and product category.
Import Timeline — Apparel from South Korea
25–40 days (ocean from Asia); 5–12 days (truck from Mexico/Central America)
South Korean Apparel: KORUS 0% — Massive Competitive Advantage
South Korean apparel is one of the most tariff-advantaged sourcing corridors: KORUS provides 0% duty vs. the 6.9%–32% MFN rates that most competing countries face. On a $100,000 apparel shipment, this means $0 vs. $6,900–$32,000 in duty savings.
KORUS rules of origin: Yarn-forward compliance is required for most textile products — yarn, fabric, and garments must be formed in South Korea or the US. Korean manufacturers typically use Korean or US yarn — verify and document this in your KORUS certificate of origin.
Growingly competitive K-fashion sector: Korean fashion has gained significant US traction through Hallyu cultural influence. Korean manufacturers have excellent compliance documentation culture and meet both Korean and US regulatory requirements simultaneously.
Section 232 TRQ: Metal hardware components (buttons, zipper components) in Korean apparel may face the TRQ arrangement for steel — above quota, 25% applies. Verify quota status for metal hardware.
Import tip: KORUS origin certifications can be self-certified. Keep records for 5 years — CBP can request documentation within 30 days of a verification request. For high-volume importers, request a formal CBP binding ruling to lock in 0% treatment.
FAQs — Importing Apparel from South Korea
Free Tools for Apparel 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 2026-07-05 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.