🇰🇵 Import Customs & Duties: North Korea
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
No applicable tax system for imports, country under full sanctions.
Clearance Time
N/A days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | N/A, sanctions | 85 |
| Clothing | N/A, sanctions | 61-62 |
| Footwear | N/A, sanctions | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | N/A, sanctions | 01-24 |
| Machinery | N/A, sanctions | 84 |
| Cosmetics | N/A, sanctions | 33 |
| Books | N/A, sanctions | 49 |
| Toys & Games | N/A, sanctions | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
Under full UN Security Council sanctions (Resolutions 1718, 2270, 2321, 2356, 2371, 2375, 2397). No commercial customs process available for most goods. All trade severely restricted. Only humanitarian aid exemptions exist, requiring UN committee approval.
What to Actually Expect
Under full UN and individual country sanctions. No commercial shipping services available. No international carriers operate. Postal service suspended by most countries. Any shipment to North Korea may violate sanctions laws and result in criminal prosecution. Do not attempt commercial shipping.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
All commercial imports effectively prohibited under UN sanctions. Only approved humanitarian aid can enter. Any trade attempt may result in severe criminal penalties in sending country.
Certificate of Origin
Not applicable. Commercial trade prohibited under full sanctions.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Popular routes to North Korea
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for North Korea?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into North Korea is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to North Korea?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to North Korea is 15%. VAT applies to: No applicable tax system for imports, country under full sanctions.
How long does customs clearance take in North Korea?
Typical customs clearance in North Korea takes N/A days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into North Korea?
To import into North Korea, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into North Korea?
North Korea prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.