UK-based freight forwarder, Mercator, arranges the import of ambient and dry foodstuffs into the UK regularly. There are several factors you will need to consider when planning for shipping food from South Korea to the UK.
Mode of Shipping from Korea
When planning for shipping food from South Korea to the UK, it is important to consider whether you will utilise sea freight or air freight. Air freight is much quicker (7-10 days door to door), but you will pay a premium for the speed. Sea freight is a popular choice for non-urgent freight. If you do not have enough cargo to fill a full shipping container, LCL (less than container load) is an option, the freight is calculated by space taken up (unless your shipment is very heavy). Sea freight from South Korea to the UK takes in the region of 40 days port to port.
Reefer vs Ambient Shipping
Mercator typically does not handle perishable food stuffs for shipping, but despite this, reefers (refrigerated containers) can be a preference for ambient foods that are sensitive to temperature changes, for example confectionery. You may opt for a reefer for shipping food from South Korea to the UK in order to maintain the ambient temperature range, so that the goods do not spoil in transit. If you do not require temperature control in your shipment, then you can utilise LCL shipping, 20’, 40’ or 40’ high cube shipping containers. Food items we typically see being imported from Korea to the UK include dry foods such as noodles, biscuits, dried fruits, dried spices, etc, canned/jarred foods and soft drinks.
Restrictions on Importing Food
Before purchasing any goods, it is recommended that you familiarise yourself with the information published by the Food Standards Agency in the UK, to ensure that the products you wish to import into the UK comply with packaging requirements and do not contain restricted ingredients.
UK Import VAT & duties
Rates of UK import VAT and duty vary according to the commodity classification. Once you have the commodity codes from your supplier in Korea, you can check them against the UK trade tariff. Mercator will complete the UK import customs clearance on your behalf and notify you of the import VAT and duty payable, which you can either pay directly to HMRC, or via Mercator.
Customs Clearance in the UK
Mercator is an AEO accredited freight forwarder, meaning we have been vetted and approved by HMRC to be upholding certain standards in tax and customs compliance, record keeping for customs, practical standards of competency within our team, and financial security. We hold badges at the main ports in the UK allowing our import team to complete customs clearances efficiently.
Incoterms and Shipping from South Korea
An incoterm is an internationally recognised set of buying terms, specifying in the chain who (the shipper/seller, and the buyer/consignee) is responsible for the goods at which point in time, and who is responsible for arranging the different aspects of the shipping process. Mercator can handle your shipping food from South Korea to the UK on any incoterm, from EXW (complete door to door process), FOB (Korea port to door in UK) or FCA (port in UK to door in the UK), thanks to our experienced and trusted partner agent based in Seoul. We work with our partners in Korea on a weekly basis, Mercator will only use a trusted and reputable agent overseas for our customers shipments, giving you peace of mind that your cargo is in safe hands.
If you are looking for a quote for shipping food from South Korea to the UK, get in touch with our import team who will be glad to assist you. In order to provide you with a quote we will need the incoterm, dimensions of the cargo and weight (or container size if full load), location in Korea, and postcode for delivery in the UK. Our import team regularly handle shipments from Korea, and imports of foodstuffs from Asia, put your trust in a company who has experience and knowledge to complete the shipment for you. You can get in touch by calling (+44) 02392 756 575, emailing sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk or completing the form below and our team will get back to you.
