Shipping Policy
How your parcel travels from Korea to your door, which carriers we offer, and how duties and taxes are handled at each step.
01
How to ship your packages
Once your items have arrived at our warehouse, you decide what ships and how. The full flow is:
- 1
On your warehouse page, select the packages you want us to pack and ship, along with any additional services and packing instructions.
- 2
We pack according to your requested packing options, measure the final weight and dimensions, and send you shipping quotes.
- 3
You review the quotes, select your shipping method and carrier, and pay. The duty methods (DDP or DAP) available for your route are shown in the quote.
- 4
Payment is due within 5 calendar days of the shipping quotation being issued. If payment isn't received, storage fees apply to the packed parcel from the 10th day after the quotation is issued. Quotations may change if there are changes to customs, tariffs, or carrier policies.*
- 5
Once your payment is confirmed, we dispatch your shipment and send you a tracking number.
02
Order processing and dispatch
- Packing, weighing, and quoting typically takes 1-3 business days after your packing request is submitted.
- Shipments are usually dispatched within 1-2 business days after payment is confirmed.
- Processing times may be longer during peak seasons and holidays.
- KoreaHaul is not responsible for delays caused by customs, carriers, weather, government actions, or other events beyond our reasonable control.
- Delivery times are estimates only and are not guaranteed.
03
DDP and DAP explained
Every international parcel may be subject to import duties, taxes, and clearance-related fees charged by the destination country and/or carrier. The difference between DDP and DAP is simply when and how those charges are paid.
Under both methods, the duty and tax are ultimately owed to the destination country.
- DDP: we collect and remit them for you.
- DAP: the carrier or customs collects them from you directly, usually before delivery. Depending on the destination and carrier, you may sometimes be billed after delivery.
You may also see the term DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) used elsewhere. DDU is the earlier term that DAP replaced, and it means the same thing: the import charges are unpaid at shipment and are paid by the recipient on arrival. Some carriers still label the service DDU. Treat DDU and DAP as the same thing.
Which methods are available for your parcel depends on the carrier and your destination country. Some routes are DDP only, some are DAP only, and some offer both. The methods available for your order are shown in your shipping quote.
04
Shipping services we offer
We offer the carriers below. Availability depends on your destination country, parcel weight, and dimensions. The services and prices that apply to your order are shown in your shipping quote and in the calculator. Insurance cover and maximum declared values are shown in US dollars (USD), as they are set in USD by the carriers and customs authorities.
05
Packaging, consolidation, and volumetric weight
- Carriers charge by the greater of actual weight and volumetric (dimensional) weight, which is calculated from the parcel's length, width, and height in centimetres, divided by 5000.
- We measure the final weight and dimensions after packing and base your quote on whichever is higher.
- When you consolidate multiple packages or ask us to repack, the final weight and box size may change, which affects your shipping cost.
- On request, and where safe, we can remove original boxes or excess packaging to help reduce volumetric weight. Ask for this in your packing instructions. Without a request, the original packaging is kept.
- KoreaHaul may split shipments where required by carrier restrictions, customs requirements, weight limits, or dangerous goods regulations.
- KoreaHaul is not responsible for damage resulting from packaging, repacking, consolidation, box removal, or packaging reduction requested by the customer.
06
Duties, taxes, and customs charges
You, the recipient, are responsible for meeting the customs regulations and laws of your destination country. Import charges - which include import duties, tariffs, taxes such as VAT or GST, and customs clearance and handling fees - are separate from, and additional to, the shipping cost you pay us. Duties and taxes are set by your government. Customs clearance and handling fees may be charged by the carrier, by customs, or by KoreaHaul. If import charges are not quoted, estimated, or collected before shipment, this does not mean they are waived. They may still be assessed by customs or the carrier and remain your responsibility.
- DAP: These charges are billed to you around arrival. Usually they must be paid before release, though the carrier may sometimes invoice you afterward.
- DDP: You prepay the shipping cost and the estimated import charges to KoreaHaul. Under normal circumstances, no further import charges are due on delivery. Additional charges may still apply if the declaration you submitted and confirmed is misleading or falsified, or if the items violate import laws and regulations.
Prepaid duties on DDP shipments are based on our estimate:
- If the amount actually assessed is lower than what you prepaid, the difference is refunded to you as Store Credit, provided the difference is more than ₩5,000. Differences of ₩5,000 or less are not refunded.
- You may request a cash-out of that Store Credit balance to your original payment method at any time. A cash-out fee of 10% of the amount cashed out applies, together with any payment processor and currency conversion (FX) fees. Store Credit spent on the KoreaHaul platform is not subject to any fee.
- If the amount actually assessed exceeds the amount prepaid, KoreaHaul may absorb all or part of the difference at its sole discretion. This does not apply where the shortfall results from customer error, an incorrect or under-declared value, a violation of the import laws or regulations of the destination country, or a change in tariffs, duties, taxes, or regulations. In those cases you are responsible for the difference.
- KoreaHaul reserves the right to collect additional amounts where customs authorities reassess duties, taxes, tariffs, classifications, or declared values.
We declare the accurate value of your goods on all customs documents. We do not undervalue, mis-declare, or falsify customs documents, and we do not accept requests to do so.
Customers are solely responsible for the accuracy of declared values, product descriptions, HS classifications, and customs information submitted through the platform.
How customs value is calculated
Destination countries assess duty on one of two bases, depending on their own rules:
- FOB = the cost of your items plus related costs up to Incheon Airport.
- CIF = FOB plus insurance and the international shipping cost.
A CIF country therefore charges duty on your shipping cost as well as the goods, which is why the same parcel can be assessed differently in two countries.
Customs clearance and handling fees
On DDP shipments, a customs clearance and handling fee applies per shipment in addition to duties and taxes:
Customs clearance and handling fees are non-refundable, including where a shipment is returned, refused, or where prepaid duties are refunded.
These are typical ranges, and some destinations may cost more. The fee that applies to your order is shown in your quote. On DAP shipments, clearance and handling fees are billed to you directly by the carrier or customs authority, and are typically higher than the DDP fees above.
Tax ID and identification requirements
Some countries require the recipient's Tax ID or customs ID for clearance. Where it applies, you must provide a valid ID with your order. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Brazil: CPF (individuals) or CNPJ (companies).
- Mexico: RFC.
- Other countries may require a Tax ID or customs ID depending on their current regulations.
- Some destinations also require a copy of the recipient's government-issued identification, such as a passport or driver's license, before customs will release the parcel.
Parcels to these countries may not clear customs without it, and any delay, return, storage, or disposal charge that results from a missing or invalid ID is your responsibility.
07
Customs delays and inspections
- Customs authorities may inspect, hold, or request additional documentation for any parcel at their discretion.
- These reviews are outside our control and may add days or weeks to delivery.
- KoreaHaul is not responsible for delays, inspections, seizures, confiscation, or destruction of goods by customs authorities acting under applicable law.
08
Restricted and prohibited items
Before you order, please check both of the following:
- Our restricted and prohibited items list, which covers goods we may not purchase, hold, or ship.
- The customs regulations and import laws of your destination country. An item that is legal to buy in Korea may still be restricted, taxed heavily, or banned from import where you live.
Items that are prohibited by the carrier or the destination country may not be shipped. If a restricted item is submitted:
- We may cancel that portion of your order.
- You remain responsible for any charges, penalties, or return costs that result.
- Confirming that an item is permitted at its destination is your responsibility.
- Acceptance of an item into our warehouse does not constitute confirmation that the item may be exported or imported.
- KoreaHaul may refuse shipment, return the item to the sender, dispose of the item where permitted by law, or require alternative transportation methods.
Batteries, liquids, and other regulated goods
- Items such as lithium batteries (including those inside electronics and light sticks), aerosols, perfumes, flammable liquids, and other dangerous goods are restricted or banned by air carriers.
- Whether an item may ship, and by which carrier, depends on the item and destination. Some items may ship only by specific services, or may not ship at all.
- If you are unsure whether an item may be shipped, contact us before you buy it or send it to our warehouse. We are not able to check every item, and confirming that an item is eligible remains your responsibility.
09
Shipping address accuracy
- Buy For Me and Receive For Me purchases are delivered to our warehouse in Incheon, Korea. Your own delivery address is used only when you pay for international shipping.
- You can register one or more delivery addresses in your account and choose which one to use when you pay for shipping.
- Make sure your shipping address, recipient name, phone number, and email are complete and correct before you pay.
- Your parcel is shipped to the delivery address you selected at the time of payment. Changes requested after payment may require re-verification.
- Where payment is made by Wise, you may ship to any delivery address registered in your KoreaHaul account. Where payment is made by PayPal or credit or debit card, we may require your delivery address to match the billing address registered with your payment provider, or may ask for additional verification before shipping elsewhere, for fraud prevention.
- Whatever your payment method, including Wise, we may request identity verification, proof of address, or other documentation for any order that appears unusual or presents an increased risk of fraud. We reserve the right to delay, refuse, or cancel any shipment that cannot be reasonably verified.
- KoreaHaul reserves the right to suspend, refuse, or cancel services where fraud, abuse, chargebacks, sanctions compliance concerns, or legal risks are suspected.
- Once a parcel has been dispatched, we may not be able to reroute or correct it.
- Any rerouting or address correction requested after dispatch is subject to carrier availability and any additional fees charged by the carrier.
- Costs from an incorrect or incomplete address, including return, re-shipment, or storage fees, are your responsibility.
10
Tracking
- A tracking number is provided for every shipment once it is dispatched.
- Tracking status is updated by the carrier and by customs systems, so there may be gaps or delays in scans, particularly during international handoffs and customs clearance.
11
Delivery and adult signature
- A shipment is considered delivered when the carrier records it as delivered to the shipping address you selected at checkout.
- Risk of loss passes to the carrier once we hand your parcel over for shipment.
- If the carrier records your parcel as delivered but you have not received it, you must contact the carrier directly regarding any claim for non-delivery, misdelivery, theft, or other delivery issues.
- Delivery confirmation, including carrier tracking records, GPS data, delivery photographs, electronic signatures, or other carrier delivery records, constitutes proof of delivery.
- The records available vary by carrier. Standard Shipping carriers may not provide GPS data, delivery photographs, or signature records, in which case the carrier's delivery scan is the only proof of delivery available.
- We are not responsible for loss, theft, or damage occurring after delivery, including theft from a mailbox, porch, reception area, parcel locker, or other delivery location.
- If you believe a shipment was misdelivered, contact the carrier promptly and let us know, so we can assist by providing available shipment records.
Adult signature
- Adult signature is available as an optional add-on on FedEx services only. The carrier requires an adult at the delivery address to sign for the parcel, so it may not be left unattended.
- If no adult is available, the carrier will attempt redelivery or hold the parcel for collection according to its local rules. Storage or return charges resulting from failed delivery attempts are your responsibility.
12
Carrier performance and item condition
- KoreaHaul selects and books transportation services on the customer's behalf. We do not operate the transportation network and are not responsible for carrier errors, delays, service interruptions, routing decisions, or operational failures.
- KoreaHaul is not responsible for latent defects, manufacturer defects, authenticity issues, or functionality issues discovered after receipt at the warehouse.
- Acceptance of an item into our warehouse does not constitute verification of authenticity, legality, condition, completeness, or merchantability.
- We do not test electronics, cosmetics, batteries, apparel, collectibles, or any other products unless explicitly stated.
- Any photographs, package inspections, or warehouse checks are provided for documentation only and do not constitute a guarantee regarding condition, completeness, authenticity, functionality, or suitability.
- Our liability for loss or damage occurring while goods are in our custody is limited to ₩50,000 per item or the Purchase Price of the item, as defined in our Terms of Service, whichever is lower. Proof of purchase may be required.
- To the maximum extent permitted by law, KoreaHaul shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, punitive, or lost-profit damages arising from the services.
13
Lost or damaged shipments
- If your parcel arrives damaged or does not arrive, you must contact the carrier at your destination to file the claim, and let us know so we can support it.
- Where the carrier's own policy requires the claim to be filed by the shipper rather than the recipient, we will file it on your behalf using the evidence you provide.
- For international shipments, claims must be filed within 14 days of delivery or, where the parcel is not delivered, within 14 days of the last recorded carrier tracking event.
- An uninterrupted unboxing video that clearly shows the sealed parcel and the full opening in one continuous take is required to support any claim for damage or missing items.
- Carrier claims are subject to the carrier's own timelines, evidence requirements, and liability limits. Claims must comply with the carrier's requirements. Failure to provide requested information or submit a claim within the carrier's deadlines may result in denial of compensation.
- We assist by providing shipment records, packing documentation, and other reasonably available information requested by the carrier or insurer. KoreaHaul is not responsible for the carrier's investigation, claim decision, or compensation amount.
- Damage to an outer box, case, or packaging is not compensable where the goods inside are unaffected.
14
Shipping insurance
- Carriers include limited default liability, which may not cover the full value of your items.
- Additional insurance is available on FedEx services and on Standard Shipping where the route is carried by Yun Express, except for some destinations, subject to the carrier's policy.
- Insured value should match the declared value of your goods. Claims are settled based on that value, subject to the carrier's terms.
- Purchasing insurance does not guarantee approval of a claim. All claims remain subject to the carrier's or insurer's terms, exclusions, investigation, and final determination.
- Insurance covers only risks covered by the carrier or insurer and does not cover all causes of loss or damage.
Damage in transit
- Damage in transit is not compensated on Standard Shipping, EMS, or SF Express. Damage claims are not available for these services.
- FedEx is currently the only carrier that accepts damage claims. If you need damage covered, ship with FedEx.
Coverage limits
- FedEx: loss and damage, covered up to USD 100 per shipment as standard. Higher cover is available where additional insurance is purchased.
- Standard Shipping (Yun Express routes only): loss only, covered up to USD 50 per shipment as standard, or up to USD 200 where additional insurance is purchased.
- No insurance is available on EMS or SF Express.
- All cover is subject to the carrier's or insurer's terms.
15
Refused, undeliverable, or abandoned parcels
- A parcel refused at delivery, left unclaimed, or undeliverable because of unpaid duties and customs-related fees, additional carrier fees, an address problem, or the destination country's import regulations may be returned to us or disposed of by customs or the carrier.
- Return shipping, original shipping, and any storage or disposal fees are your responsibility. Original shipping charges and taxes are non-refundable.
- A returned parcel is treated as a newly received warehouse package. Storage fees apply from the day it arrives back, and the free storage period does not apply.
- If the amounts owed aren't paid within 14 days of our notice, the items may be sold or disposed of, and you remain responsible for any shortfall.
- Any refund for the goods, where applicable, is subject to the original seller's return policy and is issued only after the parcel is returned, received, and inspected.
16
European Union: VAT and IOSS
For shipments to the EU:
- Orders with a goods value at or below EUR 150 may have VAT collected at the point of sale under the IOSS scheme, so VAT is paid at checkout rather than on delivery.
- Orders above EUR 150 are cleared under standard import rules, and VAT plus any duty is handled according to the DDP or DAP method for your chosen service.
- The treatment that applies to your order is shown in your quote.
Questions about your shipment?
If you are unsure which service, duty method, or destination rule applies to your order, please contact us before you pay. We are happy to confirm availability and walk you through the charges.