Shipping from Germany to South Korea: auction purchases, art and spare parts, door to door.

Art, antiques and collectors' items

In Korean customs practice works of art, collectors' items and antiques over 100 years enter duty-free. VAT of 10 % is charged on the customs value plus duty, with exemptions that matter for auction buyers: original works of art and genuine antiques over 100 years are generally exempt from import VAT under the Value-Added Tax Act, while reproductions, prints and modern design pieces pay the full rate. Korea Customs decides case by case on the basis of the declaration, so we describe the item exactly as the auction catalogue does and confirm the treatment for your item before you order.

The personal customs clearance code

Every private recipient in Korea needs a personal customs clearance code (PCCC, a P followed by 12 digits) for the import declaration, whatever the value. It is issued free of charge through the Korea Customs UNI-PASS portal; foreigners use their alien registration or passport number. Since 2026 the code is valid for one year and must be renewed. The name on the code must match the name on the waybill exactly, and since 2023 the seller's name and the purchase type must be declared as well. We ask for the code with the quote so nothing waits at Incheon.

Spare parts and industrial goods under the EU-Korea FTA

Goods of EU origin enter duty-free under the free trade agreement when the invoice carries the exporter's origin declaration; above EUR 6,000 the exporter needs an approved-exporter number, and EUR.1 certificates are not accepted. Without proof the basic rate applies, for example 8 % on machine-tool parts. We prepare the declaration with your supplier and respect the direct transport rule. Companies import under their business registration number linked to a customs code in UNI-PASS.

German VAT refund

Our export declaration with the EU exit confirmation lets the German auction house or supplier refund the German VAT to you.

Restricted items

Items with ivory or other CITES materials need import permission from the Ministry of Environment and the German CITES export permit. Swords and firearms need a police permit, imitation firearms are banned; we do not ship weapons or militaria. Plants, food and animal products need separate approvals.