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
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.
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%.
Ready to Calculate Your Exact Import Costs?
Get precise duty calculations, landed cost estimates, and compliance flags for your toys shipment from South Korea.
RELATED IMPORT GUIDES
Also Importing Toys From Other Countries?
Other Products from South Korea?
Import duty rates are sourced from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and USTR Section 301 lists. Rates reflect current published schedules as of 2026-04-06 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.