Effective Duty Rate
0% KORUS FTA for most medical devices
Estimate — verify by HTS code
Compliance Risk
Low
Relative to other import corridors
Regulatory Agencies
FDA, EPA, FCC
Primary oversight bodies
OVERVIEW
Importing Medical Instruments, Devices & Diagnostic Equipment from South Korea
Importing medical devices from South Korea into the United States carries low compliance risk, with an effective duty rate of 0% KORUS FTA for most medical devices. 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.
Medical Devices 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 zero-duty access for Korean medical devices. Samsung Medison, Osstem Implant, and other Korean manufacturers are growing US market presence.
SAMPLE LANDED COST — $50,000 SHIPMENT
Estimated Landed Cost: Medical Devices 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 medical devices 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.
COMPLIANCE AUDIT
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APPLICABLE HTS CODES
HTS Codes for Medical Devices Imports
The following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes typically apply to medical devices 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 |
| 9018 |
Medical, Surgical & Dental Instruments (general) |
0%–5.4% MFN |
| 9019 |
Mechano-Therapy & Massage Apparatus |
0% MFN |
| 9021 |
Orthopedic Appliances, Prostheses & Hearing Aids |
0% MFN |
| 9022 |
X-Ray & Radiation Equipment (diagnostic/therapeutic) |
0%–2.1% MFN |
| 9027 |
Instruments for Physical/Chemical Analysis (lab diagnostics) |
0%–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 Medical Devices
| 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 — FDA / EPA / FCC
US Compliance Requirements for Medical Devices Imports
Regardless of origin country, medical devices imports must satisfy the following US regulatory requirements before or at the time of CBP entry filing:
- FDA 510(k) premarket notification or PMA (Premarket Approval) required — device classification (Class I, II, or III) determines regulatory pathway
- FDA Establishment Registration and Device Listing — foreign manufacturers and US importers must register with FDA annually and list all marketed devices
- FDA Unique Device Identification (UDI) labeling — medical devices must bear UDI on labels and packaging per 21 CFR Part 801
- EPA/FDA radiation-emitting product standards (21 CFR Parts 1000–1050) for X-ray, laser, ultrasound, and MRI equipment
Compliance Check Tool
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REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Documentation Checklist for Medical Devices 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 device name, model, and FDA product code
3
Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
4
FDA 510(k) clearance letter or PMA approval letter
5
FDA Establishment Registration number and Device Listing confirmation
6
UDI label and GUDID (Global Unique Device Identification Database) registration
ESTIMATED TIMELINE
Import Timeline — Medical Devices from South Korea
3–10 days (air freight for most devices); 15–30 days (ocean for heavy/bulk equipment)
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 Medical Devices from South Korea
What are the current US import tariffs on apparel from Vietnam in 2026?
The effective US tariff rate for medical devices from South Korea is: 0% KORUS FTA for most medical devices. KORUS FTA provides zero-duty access for Korean medical devices. Samsung Medison, Osstem Implant, and other Korean manufacturers are growing US market presence.
What compliance agencies regulate medical devices imports from South Korea?
Medical Devices imports require compliance with: FDA, EPA, FCC. Specific requirements include: FDA 510(k) premarket notification or PMA (Premarket Approval) required — device classification (Class I, II, or III) determines regulatory pathway and FDA Establishment Registration and Device Listing — foreign manufacturers and US importers must register with FDA annually and list all marketed devices.
What documents are required to import medical devices from South Korea?
Required documents include: Commercial Invoice with device name, model, and FDA product code; Packing List; Bill of Lading or Airway Bill; FDA 510(k) clearance letter or PMA approval letter. Additional: FDA Establishment Registration number and Device Listing confirmation; UDI label and GUDID (Global Unique Device Identification Database) registration. Ensure all documents are prepared before the shipment departs South Korea.
How long does customs clearance take for medical devices from South Korea?
Typical timeline: 3–10 days (air freight for most devices); 15–30 days (ocean for heavy/bulk equipment). 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 medical devices 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 is the effective total landed duty rate for importing medical devices from South Korea in 2026?
0% KORUS FTA for most medical devices. This reflects the combined rate including base MFN replaced by KORUS preferential rate plus Section 232 tariff.
What is the most critical compliance issue for importing medical devices from South Korea that most buyers overlook?
Rules of origin compliance. KORUS preference is only valid when goods meet the specific origin threshold — typically regional value content (65-70% depending on product category) or a qualifying tariff shift. Incorrectly claiming FTA preference when documentation is insufficient results in retroactive duty assessment at the difference between preferential and MFN rates, plus potential penalties.
What FDA registration and 510(k) clearance requirements apply to imported medical devices?
Medical devices imported into the US are regulated under the FD&C Act, 21 CFR Parts 800–898. Requirements vary by device class: Class I (low risk) — most require FDA registration and listing but not premarket review; Class II (moderate risk) — most require 510(k) premarket clearance demonstrating substantial equivalence to a predicate device; Class III (high risk) — require Premarket Approval (PMA). Foreign manufacturers must register with FDA and list all devices annually. FDA Import Alerts can block shipments from specific manufacturers for GMP non-compliance. All devices require labeling in English meeting 21 CFR Part 801 requirements.
What HTS codes and duty rates apply to medical device imports?
Medical devices span multiple HTS chapters. Key categories: surgical instruments (9018.11–9018.90): 0%–2.9% MFN; diagnostic imaging equipment (9022): 0%–1.2% MFN; orthopedic implants (9021): 0% MFN; hospital furniture (9402): 0%–2.4% MFN; laboratory instruments (9027): 0%–3.9% MFN; contact lenses (9001.30): 2% MFN; single-use medical products (sterile, Chapter 30): 0%–6.5% MFN. Most medical devices have low or zero MFN duty rates. However, Chinese-origin medical devices face 25% Section 301 for many categories — verify your specific HTS code against USTR lists.
How do UDI (Unique Device Identification) requirements affect medical device imports?
FDA's UDI rule (21 CFR Part 830) requires that most medical devices distributed in the US have a Unique Device Identifier on the device label and direct marking. The UDI must be submitted to FDA's Global Unique Device Identification Database (GUDID). Implementation was phased in by device class — Class III devices had earliest compliance dates, Class II and Class I followed. Importers must verify that the foreign manufacturer's UDI labeling meets FDA 21 CFR 830 requirements and that GUDID submission is current. Non-UDI-compliant devices are subject to FDA action.
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
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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.