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🇩🇪Shipping from Germany to South Korea🇰🇷
Quick Answer
Cheapest option
Deutsche Post / DHL Paket
$26.78/kg
7-20 days
Fastest option
TNT (FedEx)
1-4 days
$71.03/kg
Duty-free under
$150
VAT / Sales Tax: 10%
↓ Scroll down for full carrier comparison
Data as of April 2026
Shipping Cost Examples
Phone / documents (0.5 kg)
$20.09
Deutsche Post / DHL Paket
7-20 d
Clothing 2kg
$38.83
Deutsche Post / DHL Paket
Box 5kg
$66.95
Deutsche Post / DHL Paket
Heavy 10kg
$112.48
Deutsche Post / DHL Paket
from $26.78/kgfrom 1 days7 carriersde minimis $150
kg
Billed at: 1 kg
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Deutsche Post / DHL Paket✓ VerifiedCheapest4.0 ★postal
DHL Packet International
★ 1.5(6.8K)Delivery Time
7–14 days
Estimated Price
$26.78
Tracking: Yes
Deutsche Post / DHL Paket✓ Verified4.0 ★postal
DHL Parcel International
★ 1.5(6.8K)Delivery Time
7–20 days
Estimated Price
$26.78
Tracking: Yes
EMS✓ Verified4.5 ★postal
EMS Express
★ 2.5(340)Delivery Time
3–7 days
Estimated Price
$32.14
Tracking: Yes
DPD✓ Verified4.0 ★regional
DPD Classic
★ 1.6(18.3K)Delivery Time
3–6 days
Estimated Price
$37.13
Tracking: Yes
DPD✓ VerifiedFastest4.0 ★regional
DPD Express
★ 1.6(18.3K)Delivery Time
1–3 days
Estimated Price
$37.13
Tracking: Yes
TNT (FedEx)~ Estimated4.0 ★international
TNT Express
★ 1.4(3.1K)Delivery Time
1–4 days
Estimated Price
$71.03
Tracking: Yes
TNT (FedEx)~ Estimated4.0 ★international
TNT Economy Express
★ 1.4(3.1K)Delivery Time
4–8 days
Estimated Price
$71.03
Tracking: Yes
Rates are estimates based on published tariffs. Actual rates may vary depending on account type, surcharges, fuel adjustments, and package dimensions. Contact carriers directly for exact quotes.
Delivery Date Estimate
April 11, 2026
Estimated arrival
April 13, 2026 — May 8, 2026
Business days only (excludes weekends and holidays)
Rates aggregated from public carrier data, updated weekly. How we collect data
Import Duty Calculator
$
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $150 USD
Shipping Insurance Comparison
$
Item value| Carrier | Included | Premium | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | Yes ($100) | 2.5% | Basic coverage included. Extended up to $50,000 |
| FedEx | Yes ($100) | 2.8% | Declared value coverage. Max $50,000 per package |
| UPS | Yes ($100) | 2.7% | Declared value. Max $50,000. High-value surcharge above $5,000 |
| EMS | Yes ($50) | — | Basic SDR-based compensation only. No premium option |
| USPS | Yes ($5) | 3% | Priority Mail Express includes $100. Extra insurance up to $5,000 |
| Royal Mail | Yes ($50) | 2.5% | Consequential loss cover. Max £2,500 for international |
| Aramex | No | 3% | Optional insurance. Covers damage and loss |
| SF Express | Yes ($30) | 2% | Basic coverage included for declared value |
| DPD | Yes ($520) | — | Standard liability €520. No premium insurance option |
| Japan Post | Yes ($200) | — | Registered mail includes coverage up to 200 SDR |
Track Your Shipment
After shipping, use your tracking number on the carrier's website:
Price Changes (30 days)
| Carrier | Previous | Current | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deutsche Post / DHL PaketDHL Packet International | $28.12 | $26.78 | -4.8% |
| Deutsche Post / DHL PaketDHL Parcel International | $28.12 | $26.78 | -4.8% |
| EMSEMS Express | $31.82 | $32.14 | +1% |
| DPDDPD Classic | $39.36 | $37.13 | -5.7% |
| DPDDPD Express | $39.36 | $37.13 | -5.7% |
| TNT (FedEx)TNT Express | $77.42 | $71.03 | -8.3% |
| TNT (FedEx)TNT Economy Express | $77.42 | $71.03 | -8.3% |
Compared to rates from 30 days ago
Import Duty Rates: South Korea
Indicative rates for common product categories
| Category | HS Code | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | HS 85 | 0-8% |
| Clothing | HS 61-62 | 13% |
| Footwear | HS 64 | 8-13% |
| Food products | HS 01-24 | 5-50% |
| Machinery | HS 84 | 0-8% |
| Cosmetics | HS 33 | 6.5-8% |
| Books | HS 49 | 0% |
| Toys | HS 95 | 0-8% |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on HS code. Use the calculator below for your specific item.
Customs Clearance
Korea Customs Service (KCS) uses UNI-PASS electronic system. Personal-use imports under $150 are duty-free. Self-use imports must be declared. Express shipments processed via simplified electronic declaration.
Processing time1-3 days
De minimisDe minimis threshold for KR: $150. Shipments valued below this amount are exempt from import duties.
What to actually expect
Full customs guide for South Korea →Korean customs is modern and efficient with the UNI-PASS system. Express shipments clear quickly, often same day. Personal imports from the US benefit from KORUS FTA duty reductions. Health supplements and cosmetics may require KC certification, causing delays.
Required Documents
✓For export from DE: Commercial invoice
✓packing list
✓EUR
✓1 movement certificate (for EU FTA partners)
✓certificate of origin
✓import declaration (Einfuhranmeldung)
✓EORI number for businesses
✓For import into KR: Commercial invoice
✓packing list
✓bill of lading
✓certificate of origin
✓import declaration
✓KC mark certification (for applicable products)
Where to obtain documents
Certificate of origin: KCCI (Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry) issues certificates. Preferential certificates under KORUS FTA, RCEP, Korea-EU FTA, CPTPP. Electronic certificates via FTA-PASS system. Import licenses: Import recommendations/approvals needed for certain agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, firearms, and hazardous chemicals. KC mark certification required for many consumer electronics and products.
Trade: Germany & South Korea
Limited direct trade data between DE and KR. Most shipping routes go via major logistics hubs in Europe, UAE, or Singapore.
Key imports into KR: Petroleum, semiconductors, natural gas, electronics, machinery, steel, chemical products. Key exports from DE: Vehicles, machinery, chemical products, electronics, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, precision instruments. South Korea charges 10% VAT on imports. The de minimis threshold is $150 for personal imports. Korea Post is reliable for last-mile delivery. CJ Logistics and Hanjin handle many domestic deliveries. Korean customs use an electronic clearance system that is fast and efficient.
Shipper Experience
Based on shipping community reports, DHL and FedEx deliver from DE to KR in 3-5 business days with reliable customs clearance. EMS takes 7-14 days. Users recommend declaring accurate values to avoid delays. Express couriers handle customs brokerage automatically.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
⚠Prohibited for export from DE: Narcotics
⚠weapons and ammunition without permit
⚠Nazi memorabilia
⚠counterfeit goods
⚠certain food products without EU approval
⚠fireworks without certification
⚠Prohibited for import into KR: Narcotics
⚠counterfeit goods
⚠materials threatening national security
⚠certain agricultural products
⚠firearms
⚠pornography
⚠products from sanctioned countries
Special Items Guide
| Category | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Lithium batteries | Only installed in device. Standalone prohibited by air carriers. |
| Alcohol | Restricted or prohibited. Import license typically required. |
| Food | Phytosanitary certificate may be required. Perishables: express only. |
| Medications | Up to 3-month supply with prescription. Commercial import needs license. |
| Art & antiques | Export permit may be needed. Insurance strongly recommended. |
| Electronics | Check voltage. Some countries require CE/FCC certification. |
Trade Agreements
DE and KR are both members of the following trade agreements: EU-South Korea FTA, WTO. These agreements may provide reduced or zero customs duties on qualifying goods. Be sure to obtain a certificate of origin to take advantage of preferential tariff rates.
VAT / GST
VAT/GST rate: 10%. Applies to: CIF value + duty. No reduced rates, flat 10% VAT on all goods.
Shipping from Germany to South Korea: Overview
We found 7 shipping options from Germany to South Korea. The cheapest option is Deutsche Post / DHL Paket (DHL Packet International) starting from $26.78 for 1 kg. The fastest delivery is DPD in 1–3 days. Express carriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) offer fast delivery with tracking, while postal services provide more affordable rates.
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Import rules for South Korea
Duty-free threshold
$150
VAT / Sales Tax
10%
Average duty rate
8%
Customs rates are approximate and may vary by product category. Check with local customs for exact rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to ship from Germany to South Korea?
The most affordable option for shipping from Germany to South Korea is typically Deutsche Post / DHL Paket (DHL Packet International), starting from approximately $26.78 for a 1 kg package. Postal services generally offer the lowest rates, while express couriers are faster but more expensive.
How long does shipping from Germany to South Korea take?
Delivery times from Germany to South Korea range from 1 to 20 days depending on the service. Express services (DHL, FedEx, UPS) typically deliver in {min_days}-4 days, while economy options may take 10-{max_days} days.
Can I track my package from Germany to South Korea?
Yes, most carriers offer package tracking for shipments from Germany to South Korea. Express services provide real-time tracking updates, while economy postal services may have limited tracking.
Will I need to pay customs duties when shipping to South Korea?
Import duties and taxes may apply when shipping to South Korea. The duty-free threshold is $150. Above this value, you may need to pay VAT (10%) and import duties (average 8%). Check with local customs for exact rates.
What items are prohibited when shipping to KR?
Items prohibited for import into KR include: Narcotics, counterfeit goods, materials threatening national security, certain agricultural products, firearms, pornography, products from sanctioned countries. Always check the latest regulations before shipping.
What documents are needed to ship from DE to KR?
To ship from DE to KR you will typically need: Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, import declaration, KC mark certification (for applicable products). Specific requirements depend on the type of goods and shipment value.
Are there trade agreements between DE and KR?
Yes, DE and KR share the following trade agreements: EU-South Korea FTA, WTO. These can reduce or eliminate customs duties on qualifying goods when a proper certificate of origin is provided.
How does customs clearance work when shipping to KR?
South Korea charges 10% VAT on imports. The de minimis threshold is $150 for personal imports. Korea Post is reliable for last-mile delivery. CJ Logistics and Hanjin handle many domestic deliveries. Korean customs use an electronic clearance system that is fast and efficient. Customs clearance is typically faster when documentation is complete and accurate. Use courier services for expedited clearance.
What is the de minimis threshold for KR?
The de minimis threshold for KR is $150. Shipments valued below this amount are exempt from import duties, though VAT/GST may still apply.
What is the VAT/GST rate for imports into KR?
VAT/GST rate: 10%. CIF value + duty. No reduced rates, flat 10% VAT on all goods.
How does RateShips compare shipping rates?
We collect published rate data from 134+ carriers weekly and display them side by side so you can find the cheapest and fastest option for your specific route.
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