Returned an Overseas Online Purchase? Get the Customs Duty Back

The diagram below is a self-made illustration, not a real screen.

If you paid duty on an overseas order and returned it, you can apply for a refund when the conditions are met. Official Korea Customs Service rules only.

Who this is for

• People who paid duty on a direct overseas purchase and returned it
• People who sent back an item that didn’t match the order

1. Check if you qualify

Personal-use item returns (Customs Act Art. 106-2)

• Items bought for personal use, returned in the same condition as imported
• Must be returned (exported) within 6 months of import clearance.

Items different from the contract (Customs Act Art. 106)

• The item differs from the contract and its nature/form hasn’t changed since import
• Must be brought into a bonded area within 1 year of clearance and re-exported, with a breach-of-contract export declaration.

2. Check if you need an export declaration

| Return amount | Export declaration |
|—|—|
| 2,000,000 won or less, returned to the original seller | Not needed |
| Over 2,000,000 won | Needed |
| Returned to a forwarding address or elsewhere | Needed regardless of amount |

3. Documents

• All cases: refund application, import declaration certificate (ask your forwarding company), copy of your own bankbook
• 2,000,000 won or less: invoice or purchase record, return waybill, buyer–seller return confirmation, credit card refund receipt
• Over 2,000,000 won: export declaration certificate

4. Apply

• Directly on UNI-PASS (the e-customs system) — this step happens after login.
• Or visit a nearby customs office, or apply by mail

Common mistakes

• Returning after 6 months
• Returning to a forwarding address without an export declaration
• Deleting the seller’s refund receipt or return confirmation
• Returning used items (must be in the imported condition)

Checklist

• ☐ Checked import clearance date (6 months / 1 year for mismatched items)
• ☐ Return amount 2,000,000 won or less, sent to original seller?
• ☐ Kept waybill, return confirmation, refund receipt
• ☐ Got the import declaration certificate
• ☐ Applied via UNI-PASS or customs office

Have unused vouchers too? See our gift card and voucher refund guide.

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