Korea Customs Service to run 24-hour clearance support ahead of Chuseok

Ahead of Korea's autumn holiday of Chuseok, the Korea Customs Service will deploy a series of special measures to expedite the flow of seasonal food products, simplify import clearance, and lessen the financial strain on exporters, according to the agency. Between September 7 and 27, 34 customs offices across the country will host 24-hour special clearance teams, working around the clock, including on weekends and holidays, to prioritize imports of holiday food staples and essential raw materials, while intensifying checks on imported food items to prevent unsafe or illicit goods from entering the country.

Dedicated teams will manage the increase in direct overseas purchases, personal imports bought directly from foreign online retailers, at customs offices in Incheon, Pyeongtaek, Gunsan, Yongdang, and Gimpo Airport. To deter excessive stockpiling of goods under tariff-rate quotas, like frozen pork and fruit, the agency will impose penalty surcharges on late import declarations and ramp up inspections of bonded warehouses to guarantee prompt release of products.

A special customs refund support period will be in effect from September 10 to 23 to alleviate exporters' cash flow issues, with refunds being issued accordingly.