How to Import Korean Cosmetics to the USA: Step-by-Step for Retailers
Importing K-beauty into the US is genuinely accessible for small retailers — cosmetics carry low-to-zero duty, no pre-approval requirement, and mature courier infrastructure from Korea. The compliance work concentrates in one place: MoCRA, the US cosmetics law that took effect in the 2020s.
Here is the process from first order to customs clearance.
US import checklist for K-beauty retail orders
| Step | Who handles it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Confirm supplier's MoCRA status per brand (facility registration + product listing) | You + supplier | Ask for written confirmation per brand |
| Verify labeling (English ingredient list, net contents, responsible party) | Supplier | Export-version labels are standard |
| Screen restricted categories (sunscreen = OTC drug; claim-heavy SKUs) | You | See our US sunscreen guide |
| Ship (express courier for small orders — courier acts as customs broker) | Courier | FDA line review possible; documentation resolves most holds |
| Keep records (invoices, packing lists, supplier confirmations) | You | Baseline for any FDA inquiry |
Ranges reflect typical FOB Korea terms observed across mainstream branded channels as of mid-2026; individual quotes vary by brand and volume.
Costs and common mistakes
Duty on most cosmetics entering the US is 0% (HS 3304 lines are largely free), so small-order landed cost is mostly freight. The classic first-timer mistakes: importing non-compliant sunscreen as if it were a cosmetic, relying on de minimis thresholds as a compliance strategy for a real business, and skipping written MoCRA confirmation — the importer of record carries responsibility, so paperwork discipline is the whole game.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an import license to bring Korean cosmetics into the US?
No import license is required for cosmetics. You need compliant products (MoCRA-registered facilities, listed products, proper labels) and standard customs entry — which express couriers handle for small shipments.
What duty applies to Korean cosmetics in the US?
Most skincare and makeup enters at 0% duty. Budget for freight, clearance/brokerage on larger shipments, and payment costs instead — typically 15–30% over FOB for small air orders in total.
What is MoCRA and does it affect me as a retailer?
MoCRA is the US cosmetics regulation requiring facility registration, product listing, safety substantiation, and US responsible-party labeling. The brand/supplier carries most obligations, but retailers/importers should hold written confirmation per brand they import.
Can FDA stop my shipment?
Any FDA-regulated line can be flagged for review. Small compliant cosmetic shipments rarely are; sunscreen and claim-heavy products are the usual triggers. Complete, accurate paperwork resolves most holds quickly.