KorExBridge
This week a salon owner in Pennsylvania asked us a fair question. Our quote said FedEx shipping was $305. It also said US duty would be billed separately by FedEx. She wanted to know the complete cost before she approved the order.
So we priced the same box both ways. Here is what we found.
In this article
Why Duty Applies Now
The US ended the $800 duty free rule for parcels in Aug 2025. Since then duty can apply to almost any order from Korea. Even a small box of skincare.
The amount depends on the item and its value. For most Korean consumer goods we estimate about 15% of the product value. US Customs sets the exact figure when the box clears.
How Each Carrier Handles Duty
| FedEx | Korea Post EMS | |
|---|---|---|
| Who pays US duty first | FedEx at US Customs | We pay it in Korea when we send |
| What you pay on arrival | Duty bill from FedEx | Nothing |
| Extra handling fee | FedEx may add one | None |
| Time to the US | 2 to 3 business days | 5 to 10 business days |
| Your quote shows | Shipping only | Shipping and duty in one total |
EMS to the US works on a duty paid basis. Korea Post collects the US duty when the box is sent. So we add the expected duty to your quote and pay it for you. The box arrives with nothing left to pay.
FedEx works the other way. FedEx pays the duty to US Customs so the box is not held. Then FedEx sends you an invoice for that amount.
A Real Quote Compared
The salon order was 50 bottles of Korean hair care. Five products and 10 of each. Packed it weighs about 16 kg. The products came to $945.50.
Quote from Nov 2026 at 1 USD = 1,266 KRW. EMS at the Korea Post 2026 list price. Duty estimated at 15% of the product value.
EMS came out about $23 cheaper before the FedEx fee. More important for a business buyer it gave one final number. The salon owner could approve the order knowing the full cost.
Small orders work the same way. A recent box of three Korean sunscreens was $64.69 in products. EMS was $36.33 and the US duty of about $10 was prepaid in the same quote.
With EMS the shipping and duty in your quote are a fixed price. Nothing is added after we pack your box.
Which One to Choose
Choose EMS when you want one price with no bill on arrival. It suits most beauty and fashion and gift orders. It is often the cheaper option too.
Choose FedEx when you need the box in 2 to 3 business days. Also for beauty devices with a battery that EMS may not accept.
EMS takes one box up to 30 kg. Large light boxes are charged by size. So we pack tightly to keep the cost down. For more on delivery times see how long shipping from Korea to the US takes.
Prepaid duty covers normal import duty. It does not cover goods that US Customs holds for other reasons. Examples are food that needs FDA paperwork or brand items made only for the Korean market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay US duty on a package from Korea?
Usually yes. The US ended the $800 duty free rule for parcels in Aug 2025. So duty can apply even to small orders. For most Korean goods we estimate about 15% of the product value.
Who pays the duty when a package from Korea ships by EMS?
With Korea Post EMS to the US the duty is paid in Korea when the box is sent. We add it to your quote. You pay nothing more when it arrives.
Who pays the duty when a package from Korea ships by FedEx?
FedEx pays the duty to US Customs when the box lands. Then FedEx sends you a bill. FedEx may also add a fee for paying it for you.
Is EMS cheaper than FedEx from Korea?
For small boxes EMS is usually cheaper. For our 16 kg example EMS was $282.00 and FedEx was $305.00. FedEx is faster at 2 to 3 business days. EMS takes 5 to 10.
When should I still choose FedEx?
Choose FedEx when you need the box in 2 to 3 days or when it holds a device with a battery that EMS may not accept. Very heavy shipments can also suit FedEx.
Want one price with duty included?
Send us the links. We reply with the full cost by EMS with US duty prepaid.
Get a free quote → 15% service fee (min $8) · EMS duty prepaid or FedEx · no monthly fee