When returning overseas direct purchases, customs duty refunds can also be processed at once... Apply on online platform

When returning overseas direct purchases, customs duty refunds can also be processed at once... Apply on online platform

Refund rights can be transferred via electronic signature... To be implemented next month

Starting next month, customs duties and value-added tax refunds arising from returning items purchased directly overseas can be applied for all at once on an online platform.

The Korea Customs Service announced on the 31st that it has revised the 'Notification on Tax Affairs Processing' to allow the transfer of refund rights generated when returning directly purchased overseas items for export via electronic signature.

With this revision, buyers can receive both the item price and customs duty refund simultaneously through the platform without having to visit customs separately or submit related documents.

When a buyer requests a return on an online platform and expresses their intention to transfer refund rights non-face-to-face, the platform submits an electronically signed transfer application to customs on behalf of the buyer.

While a system for transferring refund rights to a third party already existed, its practical use was limited because buyers had to provide handwritten signatures or seals.

For this reason, individuals had to directly access the electronic customs clearance system or visit customs to receive customs duty refunds.