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How to Export from Korea to the US
Business Hub · 02b · Korean Brand Perspective
How to Export from Korea to the US
A step-by-step guide for Korean brands and exporters entering the US market — from export readiness and certification to finding US buyers, FDA registration, and shipping your first order.
The US is Korea's second-largest export market. Under KORUS, most Korean products enter at 0% tariff — but success depends on preparation, compliance, and finding the right distribution partner.
Step 1
Assess your export readiness
✅ Ready to export
You have these in place
HACCP or KFDA license · US FDA registration · English product labeling (INCI / Nutrition Facts) · Certificate of Origin capability · FOB pricing structure
⚙️ In preparation
You are working on these
US FDA registration in progress · English labeling being prepared · KOTRA export consulting engaged · First US trade show planned
🚧 Not yet ready
Start here first
Register with US FDA · Obtain HACCP / KFDA certification · Prepare English labeling · Consult KOTRA's export support program before approaching US buyers
KOTRA's Export Support Program: KOTRA offers free export consulting, market research, and buyer matching for Korean SMEs at any stage of export readiness. Contact your nearest KOTRA office at kotra.or.kr.
Step 2
Get the certifications US buyers require
| Certification | Required for | Who issues | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| US FDA Registration | Food, cosmetics, supplements, devices | US FDA (online) | Immediate (free) |
| HACCP | All food/beverage exporters | Korean MFDS | 3–6 months |
| KFDA License | Cosmetics manufacturers | Korean MFDS | 1–3 months |
| Halal (KMF/KHA) | Muslim-majority market products | KMF or KHA | 2–4 months |
| Organic (USDA) | Organic-labeled products for US | NAQS + accredited body | 6–12 months |
| Certificate of Origin | All exports claiming KORUS FTA | Korea Chamber of Commerce | Per shipment |
US FDA Registration is free and fast. Register your facility at fda.gov/food/food-facility-registration. This is a regulatory requirement — not a quality certification — but US buyers will ask for your registration number before placing any order.
Step 3
Find US buyers and distribution partners
①
KOTRA US offices — Los Angeles, New York, Chicago
KOTRA's US offices actively connect Korean exporters with American buyers and distributors. Submit your product profile through KOTRA's Business Partnership service — they match you with relevant US companies at no cost.
KOTRA LA: +1-323-954-9500 · KOTRA NY: +1-212-826-0900 · kotra.or.kr
②
US trade shows — meet buyers directly
Expo West (Anaheim, March) for natural/organic food · Cosmoprof North America (Las Vegas, July) for K-Beauty · Natural Products Expo East (Philadelphia, September). KOTRA often organizes Korean pavilions with subsidized booth fees.
Tip: Pre-schedule meetings with buyers before the show. Cold booth visits are far less effective than pre-arranged appointments.
③
Korea Gateway — get featured for global buyer visibility
A permanent editorial feature on Korea Gateway's Korea Marketplace connects your brand with global buyers, distributors, and media. Unlike social media, your feature stays indexed and searchable long-term.
Step 4
Approach US buyers effectively
①
Prepare your US market export package
US buyers expect: English product catalog with US-compliant labeling · FOB pricing in USD · MOQ and lead time · Certification documents ready to share · Samples available immediately
First impression: US buyers evaluate export readiness in the first contact. Having all documents ready signals you are a serious exporter.
②
Understand what US buyers look for
① Product differentiation — why is this better than existing options? · ② Price competitiveness at landed cost (FOB + freight + duty + broker fee) · ③ Compliance readiness (FDA, labeling) · ④ Consistent supply capability · ⑤ Realistic MOQ for test orders
③
Start with a test order — don't push full volume immediately
US distributors typically want to test a product before committing to volume. Offer a low MOQ test order with fast lead time. A successful test order almost always converts to a larger commercial agreement.
Payment: For first orders with new US buyers, Letter of Credit (L/C) or 50% prepayment is reasonable to request.
Step 5
Ship your first order to the US
①
Engage a Korean freight forwarder
A licensed Korean freight forwarder manages export documentation, books cargo space, and coordinates with your US buyer's customs broker. Major ports: Busan (largest), Incheon. Transit to LA/Long Beach: 13–16 days by ocean.
②
Prepare export documentation
Commercial Invoice · Packing List · Bill of Lading · Certificate of Origin (for KORUS) · FDA registration number · Prior Notice confirmation (food) · Any required certificates (HACCP, KFDA, Halal)
③
Coordinate with your US buyer's customs broker
Your US buyer's licensed Customs Broker handles US import entry, HTS classification, KORUS duty claim, and CBP clearance. Share all documentation promptly to avoid delays at the port of entry.
Korea Gateway can help. Apply for a feature on Korea Marketplace to increase your brand's visibility with US buyers, distributors, and investors — permanently archived, not a temporary social post. Apply here →
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Next steps
Korean Brands · Business Hub
Get Featured →
Ready to connect with US buyers?
Apply for a feature on Korea Gateway's Korea Marketplace — permanent editorial coverage connecting your brand with global buyers, distributors, and investors.