Mercator frequently handles shipping from South Korea to the UK, we have regular customers who exclusively import from Korea, combined with a number of ad hoc shipments, our team are experienced in arranging shipping from South Korea to the UK.
Incoterms
When you buy from your supplier in Korea, you’ll agree an incoterm, which is an internationally recognised list of buying terms. Incoterms set out which party is responsible for the risk and cost of different parts of the shipping process. Thanks to our membership of MarcoPoloLine (freight forwarding network), we have a strong relationship with our partner agent based in Seoul, Korea. This connection equips us with the ability to arrange shipments from door in South Korea (if required) to door in the UK. Our agent in Seoul will handle the South Korea export customs, paperwork required, delivery to the port and loading on to the vessel for shipping to the UK. Our customers benefit from this service, and value our connection with out partner agent in South Korea, adding peace of mind that their cargo is in safe hands.
Shipment sizes from South Korea
Typically, our minimum sizes for shipping from South Korea to the UK would be a single pallet. However, if you are utilising air freight, this could be smaller than a pallet. Our team can handle specialist freighter air freight cargo (which is out of gauge for standard passenger plane cargo), less than container loads (LCL), full containers (20’s, 40’s and 40’ high cubes) and out of gauge (with specialist equipment such as flat racks and open top containers).
Modes for Shipping from South Korea to the UK
As mentioned, our team arranges both sea and air freight from South Korea. Air freight takes 1-3 days (depending whether you have a direct or indirect schedule), adding a few days either side for loading, export customs, unloading and import customs clearance. Sea freight is currently taking 40-50 days port to port due to the diversion around the Cape of Good Hope. However, with weekly sailings, if your shipment is not time sensitive, then the lower cost of sea freight is often more popular. For a number of years we have been regularly handling freight from South Korea using both modes, equipping us with strong connections with the airlines and shipping lines, secured rates and experience in dealing with this trade lane. Our import team can handle most commercial commodities, including clothing, automotive parts, cosmetics, and foodstuffs.
Import Customs Clearance
Once your shipment from South Korea arrives in the UK, you will require a declaration to be lodged with HMRC in order for the goods to be cleared by customs. Mercator has the knowledge, AEO authorisation from HMRC, and direct connections with the ports to be able to complete customs clearances efficiently and in a compliant manner on your behalf in order to keep your shipment moving.
Whether you are a seasoned importer, or brand new to international trade, you’ll be looking to appoint a UK based freight forwarder to handle your shipping from South Korea to the UK. Mercator’s team has the connections, experience and tools to handle your South Korea shipments from start to finish. Whether you have a single pallet on an FOB term, or multiple containers on CFR, we can help you with your shipping tasks from South Korea. Get in touch with our team to request a quote, you can call us on (+44) 02392 756 575, email sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk or complete the form below and we will be in touch.
