1. Check your country's import rules
Before choosing a car, confirm what your country allows: maximum vehicle age, emission standard, left- or right-hand drive, duties and taxes, and any certification needed after arrival. Korean cars are left-hand drive.
2. Specify and source the vehicle
Send the model, year range, mileage, trim, colour, budget and quantity. The exporter searches Korean auctions and dealers and sends options with condition sheets and a landed-cost estimate.
3. Inspect before you pay in full
A physical inspection in Korea — paint thickness, mileage against records, body and frame, engine and electronics — with photos and video. If the car does not match its description, choose another one.
4. Contract and payment
Agree price, delivery terms and timeline in a contract, then pay against the exporter's invoice by bank transfer. Common delivery terms are FOB (you arrange sea freight) and CIF (the exporter arranges freight to your port).
5. Export documents from Korea
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Deregistration certificate (말소사실증명서) | Proves the car is removed from the Korean register |
| Export declaration (수출신고필증) | Korean customs export clearance |
| Commercial invoice | Price and parties for your customs |
| Bill of lading | Title to the cargo; needed to collect the car |
6. Shipping: RoRo or container
- RoRo — the car is driven onto a vehicle carrier. Usually the most economical option for running vehicles.
- Container — several cars loaded into one container. Useful for small batches, specific ports or extra protection.
7. Customs clearance at your port
Your customs broker clears the car with the documents above. Transit time depends on the route and shipping schedule — ask for the expected window for your port before you commit.
Want to import from Korea on regular terms? Talk to BONA TRADE.