Counterfeit Goods 🇰🇷 South Korea
Counterfeit Goods import prohibited
Can I bring Counterfeit Goods into South Korea?
Counterfeit Goods import prohibited
Any quantity prohibited under Trademark Act (Act No. 4210); Korea Customs Service seizes — no personal-use exemption
- No permits available; KCS seizure notice issued
Required at the destination customs authority
Full details
Importing counterfeit goods violates intellectual property laws in every country. Customs agencies in the US, EU, UK, Japan, Australia, and elsewhere actively seize counterfeit goods, including personal-use quantities. In some jurisdictions, includin
PENALTIES
- Fine: 30000000–300000000 KRW
- Imprisonment up to 120 months
- Criminal penalty
Active — Customs actively enforces this rule.
Leaving South Korea with counterfeit goods
Exporting counterfeit goods from South Korea is unlawful under trademark and customs legislation — counterfeits are contraband in both directions, and customs authorities seize them at exit as well as entry. Travellers carrying obviously fake branded goods (even for personal use) risk confiscation universally and fines in many jurisdictions; the EU, US, and others also seize inbound personal counterfeits. Market purchases of imitation goods should be assumed seizable at any border crossed.
Do not carry counterfeit branded goods into South Korea. Korea Customs Service seizes counterfeits at all ports of entry under IPR enforcement rules; commercial-quantity carriage attracts criminal-trafficking charges in addition to civil forfeiture.
Any quantity prohibited under Trademark Act (Act No. 4210); Korea Customs Service seizes — no personal-use exemption
- No permits available; KCS seizure notice issued
This page covers destination customs rules in South Korea. Whether you can carry counterfeit goods through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.
Counterfeit Goods rules in other countries
Counterfeit Goods
🇺🇸 United States
Seizure and penalties for counterfeit goods
Counterfeit Goods
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Illegal to import counterfeit goods
Counterfeit Goods
🇩🇪 Germany
EU-wide seizure regime applies
Counterfeit Goods
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Active IP enforcement at customs
Counterfeit Goods
🇯🇵 Japan
Strict IP enforcement; zero tolerance
Counterfeit Goods
🇨🇦 Canada
Counterfeit Goods import prohibited