To a customs attorney: when making an overseas direct purchase, must I always enter my personal customs clearance code?

Yes. When you make an overseas direct purchase, you must always submit your personal customs clearance code.

This number is a unique number assigned by the Korea Customs Service to identify individuals, and it must be entered as a mandatory item when filing an import declaration.

In the past, a date of birth alone was sufficient, but as cases of submitting false information increased, from December 2020 the submission of a personal customs clearance code became mandatory for all goods subject to list clearance as well.

List clearance refers to a customs clearance system in which clearance is possible based solely on an invoice that lists information such as the names, telephone numbers, and addresses of the sender and the recipient.

Generally, goods for personal use valued at 150 dollars or less are eligible for list clearance, and even in this case the personal customs clearance code must be entered.

However, some items may be excluded from list clearance, so you must be sure to check in advance.

A personal customs clearance code can be easily issued through identity verification on the Korea Customs Service website or the mobile Korea Customs Service app.

Because the scope of application and interpretation of the Customs Act is complex and its detailed provisions are diverse, when a problem arises it is advisable to seek advice from a customs attorney who has expertise in the customs field.

Because many cases require professional interpretation depending on the circumstances, responding incorrectly could result in disadvantages. For accurate judgment and an appropriate response, I recommend that you consult a customs attorney.