Table of Contents
- Overview of Tobacco Import Licensing
- Eligibility Requirements
- Capital and Facility Requirements
- Required Documents
- Application Procedure
- Post-License Obligations
- FAQ
1. Overview of Tobacco Import Licensing
Importing and selling foreign tobacco products in Korea requires a tobacco import and sales business license (담배수입판매업 허가) from the Ministry of Economy and Finance under the Tobacco Business Act. This is a highly regulated business with strict capital and facility requirements.
2. Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a corporation (individual proprietors not eligible)
- No disqualifying criminal convictions for directors
- Must have a designated import warehouse
3. Capital and Facility Requirements
- Paid-in capital: KRW 500 million or more
- Bonded warehouse or storage facility for imported goods
- Tobacco testing and quality control capability
4. Required Documents
- License application form
- Corporate registry extract
- Business plan including marketing and distribution strategy
- Proof of capital (bank certificate)
- Warehouse lease or ownership documents
- Sample product information and country of origin documentation
5. Application Procedure
- Pre-consultation with Ministry of Economy and Finance tobacco division
- Prepare business plan and financial documentation
- Submit formal application
- Review and site inspection
- License issuance (approx. 30–60 business days)
6. Post-License Obligations
- Submit quarterly sales and inventory reports
- Comply with tobacco warning label requirements
- Pay tobacco excise tax on imports
- Adhere to advertising restrictions
FAQ
Q. Can a foreign company import tobacco to Korea?
A. Yes, through a Korean subsidiary or joint venture that meets all licensing requirements.
Q. Is e-cigarette liquid covered by this license?
A. No. Liquid nicotine (e-cigarette) products require a separate license. See our e-cigarette import guide.
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