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Korea Trade Tools & Resources
Business Hub · 04
Korea Trade Tools & Resources
Every tool, platform, and resource that international buyers and Korean exporters need — government trade agencies, B2B platforms, regulatory databases, and Korea Gateway's own resources — in one place.
Government & Trade Agencies
Official resources — all free for buyers
Free · Government
KOTRA — Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency
Korea's government trade agency. 129 offices in 84 countries. Free Business Partnership service matches buyers with verified Korean suppliers. Organizes subsidized buyer missions to Korea.
kotra.or.kr →
Free · B2B Platform
Buykorea.org
KOTRA's online B2B marketplace. Thousands of Korean SME exporters, searchable by category, certification, and export destination. Direct supplier inquiry functionality.
buykorea.org →
Free · SME Platform
GobizKOREA.com
KOSME's platform for Korean SME exporters. Complements Buykorea — some suppliers list on one but not both. Strong coverage of smaller Korean manufacturers.
gobizkorea.com →
US Government
US FDA Facility Search
Verify any Korean supplier's US FDA establishment registration before placing an order. Search by facility name or registration number. Essential for food, cosmetics, supplements, and medical devices.
accessdata.fda.gov →
Trade Agreement
KORUS FTA — What it means for your business
| Provision | Detail |
|---|---|
| In effect since | March 15, 2012 |
| Tariff on consumer goods | 0% for qualifying Korean products |
| Tariff on industrial goods | 0% for most categories |
| Tariff on agricultural products | Staged reduction — some still apply |
| How to claim | Certificate of Origin from Korean supplier + KORUS preference claim at US CBP entry |
| Rules of origin | Product must be substantially transformed in Korea to qualify |
| Full text | ustr.gov/trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements/korus-fta |
Practical impact: Under KORUS, most Korean consumer goods, cosmetics, food products, and industrial goods enter the US at 0% duty. On a $500,000 annual import program with an average 5% tariff, KORUS saves $25,000 per year. Always confirm HTS classification and KORUS eligibility with your US customs broker before your first shipment.
Certification Reference
Key certifications for Korean exporters
| Certification | Issuer | Required for | Key markets |
|---|---|---|---|
| HACCP | Korean MFDS | Food/beverage exports | All markets — baseline |
| ISO 22000 | ISO / accredited body | Food safety system | EU, Japan, SE Asia |
| US FDA Registration | US FDA | Food, cosmetics, supplements, devices | United States |
| KFDA License | Korean MFDS | Cosmetics manufacturing | All markets |
| Halal (KMF) | Korea Muslim Federation | Muslim-majority markets | SE Asia, Middle East |
| Kosher | OU, Star-K, etc. | Jewish dietary compliance | US, Europe |
| USDA Organic | NAQS + accredited body | Organic products for US | United States |
| EU Organic | NAQS + accredited body | Organic products for EU | European Union |
Korea Gateway Resources
Our own tools for buyers and brands
Free PDF
Korean Brand Sourcing Checklist
2-page printable checklist covering all 5 phases of sourcing — supplier identification, verification (9-point checklist), first contact template, commercial agreement, US import essentials.
Download free →
Free PDF
Korea Travel Starter Guide
For those visiting Korea for business or trade shows — visa requirements, airport transport, seasonal guide, essential apps, and cultural etiquette in a concise 2-page PDF.
Download free →
Q&A Archive
Business Q&A Archive
Permanent archive of researched answers to Korea business questions — KOTRA services, KORUS eligibility, FDA compliance, distribution partnerships, and import regulations.
Browse archive →
Community
Brand Q&A Community
Submit a sourcing or import question — Korea Gateway's editorial team researches and publishes a verified answer within 2–3 business days. Permanently archived for everyone.
Ask a question →
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Submit your question to Korea Gateway's Brand Q&A or contact the team directly — we'll find the right resource or answer for your specific situation.