Items you cannot ship to Korea

Sending gifts, food or online orders to Korea is easy, but Korean customs check imports closely. If a box contains something that isn't allowed, the whole parcel can be held, returned or destroyed. This guide lists the goods AV Logistics does not ship to Korea and the items that are often held, so you can check before you send.

Goods we do not ship to Korea

Weapons and dangerous chemicals

Guns, ammunition, weapons and dangerous chemicals cannot be sent by international courier.

Flammable and explosive items

Fireworks, matches, lighters, aerosol cans and chemicals containing alcohol can catch fire or explode on a plane, so they are removed from parcels.

Drugs, alcohol and tobacco

Drugs and cannabis are strictly banned. Beer, spirits and tobacco are not accepted on this route either.

Professional medical equipment

Medical and beauty-salon equipment such as needles and tattoo machines needs its own import licence, so it cannot travel as a normal shipment.

Valuables

Cash, cheques, precious metals, jewellery, antiques and works of art are not accepted.

Illegal printed and recorded material

Books, comics and discs with obscene or subversive content are banned from import.

Items that are often held: ask first

Korean customs also control some goods closely. If you want to send any of these, message us first:

• Meat and meat products (sausages, meat floss, dried meat), because of disease controls.
• Fresh fruit and vegetables, which need plant quarantine.
• Medicines and supplements not approved in Korea.
• Counterfeit branded goods, which can be seized.
• Loose batteries, power banks and devices with large batteries.

What you can usually send

Dry food, clothes, shoes, spices, letters, documents, souvenirs, home appliances such as rice cookers and blenders, and some electronics are what our customers send most. The full, current list is on our Shipping to Korea page.

Tips for a smooth shipment

• Declare the correct name and quantity of each item in the box.
• Seal dry food well and pack liquids separately.
• Give the recipient's correct name, phone number and address in Korea.

Not sure whether your item can go? Message AV Logistics on Zalo with a photo and we will check before you bring it to the warehouse.