Containers are stacked densely at a port in Busan, Sunday. Yonhap
The Korea Customs Service (KCS) said Monday that it is providing detailed guidance to Korean exporters to the United States on obtaining refunds for tariffs previously paid, following last week’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling declaring the tariffs unconstitutional.
KCS said that an estimated 6,000 of more than 24,000 Korean exporters to the U.S. could be eligible for refunds from the sweeping tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump last year on all goods entering the country.
While the baseline duty was set at 10 percent, rates varied by country, with Korean products subject to a 15 percent levy.
On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Trump had overstepped his powers by imposing these tariffs using a 1977 law known as the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
“Under the circumstances, we have been identifying companies that exported goods subject to reciprocal tariffs and product-specific tariffs, such as steel and aluminum, to the U.S.,” the KCS said. “We’re committed to providing each company with tailored information on U.S. refunds through customs offices nationwide.”
The agency added that these companies share a common feature in that they paid duties under Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) terms.
These terms refer to exporters covering all costs, including customs duties and value-added tax, and delivering goods to a designated location in the importing country instead of having the importer pay.
“Typically, U.S.-based importers file tariff refund claims with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). However, exporters using DDP terms can apply for the refund directly with CBP, as they pay the duties on behalf of the importer,” the customs agency explained.
KCS emphasized that it is maintaining close coordination with CBP to monitor developments, saying, “We can provide real-time guidance to Korean exporters once CBP announces detailed refund procedures.”
Source: Korea Times News
