290511 (2905.11.10.00)
Imported only for use in producing synthetic natural gas (SNG) or for direct use as a fuel
Open UNI-PASS → Open fta.go.kr → Pro · KCS · KCFTA · RCEP
Korea KCS tariff + KCFTA + RCEP lookup (chemicals)
Pick the right Korea duty preference before the Form K leaves the factory.
Preview · example result
One of the four 290511 lines in the 2,691-line index. China is a party to KCFTA and to RCEP. The file does not store a percentage for any of the three columns.
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The preview above is one row the live tool returns for 290511. The paid plans, from USD 59 a month, unlock the search across the 2,691-line index. Each row points at UNI-PASS for the MFN rate and at fta.go.kr for the KCFTA and RCEP staging. The percentages are not in the file. The China VAT export rebate calculator, the EU CBAM scope checker, the AU and US AD/CVD lookups, the EU REACH SVHC and Annex XIV lookup, the US HTS chapters 28 to 39 lookup, the AU landed-cost calculator, the DFAT sanctions screener, and the AICIS checker are on the same plan.
Pro is for the procurement team that imports into Korea every month and wants the MFN, KCFTA, and RCEP rate columns one tab away on every supplier qualification call. Cancel anytime from /account.
Worked example: methanol shipment, China to Ulsan
A Korean petrochemical buyer at Ulsan needs 5,000 tonnes of methanol per quarter. Chinese supplier quotes USD 380 per tonne CIF Ulsan against HS code 2905.11. Without a preference certificate, the import lands at the MFN rate published at UNI-PASS plus the 10 % VAT line on CIF plus duty. With a KCFTA Form K, the duty is the KCFTA staged rate for 2905.11 at the current year of the agreement (year 11 since entry into force, mid-staging period). With a RCEP Proof of Origin, the duty is the RCEP staged rate for the current year (year 4 since entry into force).
The lookup catches this earlier: search "2905.11" or "methanol" in the box above and the result panel returns the HS6 row with all three rate columns hedged and the UNI-PASS plus fta.go.kr redirects. The buyer opens UNI-PASS for the binding KCFTA and RCEP applied rates for 2905.11 on the import-declaration date, compares the two, and asks the Chinese supplier to issue the matching Form K or RCEP Proof of Origin. The supplier issues the lower-rate certificate; the import lands at the lower duty; the buyer captures the spread against the MFN reference.
The fix is the supplier-qualification call. Before agreeing terms with a new Chinese supplier shipping into Korea, find the HS6 here, then read the rate on UNI-PASS and the staging year on fta.go.kr. If the supplier cannot issue either certificate, the import stays on MFN. The gap between MFN and the preference is whatever those two sites show that day. This page does not store it.
Frequently asked
What is the difference between MFN, KCFTA, and RCEP rates?
MFN is the rate Korea applies by default when no FTA preference is claimed. KCFTA is the Korea-China FTA, in force 20 December 2015, claimed with a Form K. RCEP has been in force for Korea since 1 February 2022, claimed with a Proof of Origin. China is a party to both. This file does not store the MFN, KCFTA, or RCEP percentage for any HS code. Read the applied rate on UNI-PASS and the staging schedule on fta.go.kr on the day of the declaration.
Why does the lookup hedge every rate?
Per CLAUDE.md regulatory drafting rule, every percentage rate (AD margin, capacity share, market share, VAT rebate, FTA preference) needs a primary-source citation or a hedge to the source. KCFTA and RCEP rates are staged: a 13 % MFN rate in 2026 may be 8 % under KCFTA Form K and 6 % under RCEP today; the same HS code could be 0 % under both in 2034. Pinning a static rate in a JSON file would defeat the purpose of running this tool. The dataset deliberately keeps the operator on the binding UNI-PASS and fta.go.kr sources for the rate at the date of declaration.
How do I prove KCFTA origin for a Form K?
KCFTA Form K is issued by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) or by an electronic certification through the China International Trade Single Window. The certificate names the consigner, consignee, HS code, origin criterion (WO wholly obtained, PSR product-specific rule, RVC regional value content typically 40% or 45%), and the FOB value where RVC applies. The Korean importer of record presents the Form K at UNI-PASS to claim the KCFTA preference rate. Without a valid Form K, the import drops to MFN.
How do I prove RCEP origin?
RCEP uses a Proof of Origin that can be (i) a certificate of origin issued by an authorised body, (ii) a declaration of origin by an approved exporter, or (iii) for back-to-back movements from late 2024 onwards, a Proof of Origin issued by an intermediate party. The criterion is WO, CTC (change in tariff classification), RVC (typically 40%), or PSR per Annex 3A. For chemicals in chapters 28 to 39, CTSH (change in tariff sub-heading) plus a regional value-add or specific chemical-reaction rule applies; check the Annex 3A PSR for the specific HS6.
Does Korea apply VAT on imports?
Yes. Korea applies a 10 % VAT (부가가치세) on the CIF value plus customs duty for most imports. The 10 % rate has been stable since the VAT Act 1976. Bonded-zone imports, free-economic-zone imports, and certain duty-exempt categories (humanitarian aid, sample below threshold, specific R&D imports) are handled at customs entry. The calculator does not currently overlay the VAT line because the VAT base is CIF plus duty and the calculator stops at the duty-rate lookup.
Can I stack KCFTA with RCEP?
No. The importer elects one preference per shipment per HS code. The relevant question is which preference gives the lower applied rate at the date of declaration for the supplier on the bill of lading. For some HS codes KCFTA bottoms out at 0 % faster than RCEP; for others the inverse. Run both rates on UNI-PASS at quote time and pick the one with the lower applied rate, then ask the supplier to issue the matching Form K (KCFTA) or Proof of Origin (RCEP).
Related tools
The same Chinese supplier on the Korea-import side can be sized against the US import-side stack with the US HTS chapters 28 to 39 + Section 301 lookup, against EU CBAM exposure with the EU CBAM scope checker, and against AU import duty with the AU landed cost calculator. The supplier-side VAT rebate sits at the China VAT export rebate calculator.
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Sourzi shows what official files say. It is not customs or legal advice. For a binding answer, ask a licensed customs broker, a CBP ruling or an Australian Border Force Tariff Advice.
File dates and links are on Data sources.