Exporting to South Korea | Seafish

Exporting to South Korea

This page will provide guidance on how to export seafood products to South Korea, including trade regulations and market access barriers.



General guidance  

Requirements for exporting to the South Korean market include: 

Export health certificate (EHC): South Korea requires EHCs for seafood commodities, your local authority should be well placed to assist in obtaining a valid EHC. 

Commercial invoice: A commercial invoice must be provided including the Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number, agreed international commerce terms, transaction value, product quantities, and detailed descriptions of the goods. 

Packing list: Providing an itemized breakdown of the contents, including weights, dimensions, and packaging details. 

Bill of lading, consignment note, or airway bill: Acts as proof of shipment and provides details about the transportation method and consignment. 

Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing documentation: Includes a validated Catch Certificate (CC) to confirm compliance with the Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing regulations. Catch Certificates must specify the fishing vessel, species, volume, and fishing zones. 

Certificates of origin: Where applicable, these documents establish the origin of the goods. 

Customs declaration: all information about your shipment documentation will be evidenced on your export declaration. 

Registering with the South Korean authorities 

If you wish to export seafood products to South Korea, you must first register your business with the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS).  

  • If your food facility has a history of exporting products that do not meet trade requirements or it is necessary to confirm food safety information, then an on-site inspection may be conducted by the MFDS. Businesses can also request an on-site inspection if they wish to be registered as a ‘Good Foreign Food Facility’.
  • If the MFDS find reason to reject the registration application or businesses fail the on-site inspection, then imports into South Korea from the relevant establishment will be prohibited. 
  • Registering your business can be completed online via the MFDS portal and applications are usually processed in three days.

Navigating trade and market access barriers

South Korea has imposed import restrictions for certain commodities from certain countries and regions. As a result, UK seafood exporters may find that their product is not approved for import into South Korea.  

  • South Korea does not currently accept live fish from the UK, including the likes of live brown crab from the UK for which there is an established market for in South Korea. It is important to check with the MFDS if your product is approved before shipment.
  • South Korea also imposes strict food safety import regulations, meaning that your product may be subject to more scrutiny by the Korean authorities than that of other nations.  
  • South Korean authorities conduct heavy metal testing and have strict limits on lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic in fish and shellfish.
  • More information on food safety requirements can be found on the MFDS webpage.

Trade agreements with South Korea 

The UK and South Korea agreed a trade deal in 2021, ensuring continuity of trade between the two countries post Brexit.  

  • Under the UK-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA), tariffs on many seafood products are at 0% duty, if the seafood products meet the necessary criteria to be considered of UK origin they will qualify for duty-free access.
  • The FTA also includes provisions on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, which help facilitate trade while ensuring food safety. However, exporters must still comply with South Korea’s import regulations, including health certification and product standards.
  • The UK and South Korea are in negotiations for an enhanced trade deal, which may introduce further trade benefits in the future. 

Advice and support from Seafish 

Our regulation experts can provide bespoke advice and support to your business. They have been responding to issues raised with us by businesses and individuals throughout the seafood supply chain and are working with government, local authorities and industry groups to find solutions. 

For further assistance email regulation@seafish.co.uk.

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