What we can't ship

Some things can't be shipped from Korea at all, some can't fly by post but may go by courier, and most things are fine with a little care. This page explains the rules we follow, so you can check before you order. Air-safety and customs rules change, and customs in your country always has the final say. If you're not sure about an item, ask us in a support ticket before you buy.

Never shipped

We don't ship these by any method:

• Weapons and weapon replicas
• Drugs and prescription medicine
• Cash and valuables such as gold
• Counterfeit goods
• Live animals and live plants
• Meat products
• Fresh, chilled or frozen food
• Alcohol, tobacco and e-cigarettes
• Anything that's illegal in your country

We don't serve sanctioned destinations.

We also can't buy items that require the buyer's own identity, such as some fan-club membership goods or event wins that need ID, unless the event rules allow someone else to buy for you. If an item in your request needs this, we'll tell you before charging anything. This post explains more.

Can't fly by post (may go by courier)

Air-safety rules mean these items can't go by post, so K-Packet, EMS, EMS Premium, air parcel and sea parcel are all ruled out:

• Perfume
• Nail polish and nail polish remover
• Acetone
• Aerosol sprays in metal cans, such as sun sprays, hair sprays and dry shampoo
• Lithium batteries, including batteries built into devices
• Creams, mists and other products that are pressurised or marked as dangerous goods

Couriers work differently. FedEx can sometimes carry perfume with dangerous-goods approval, and other items on this list are checked case by case. HDK Economy USA can't carry them. If something in your Korea box can't go by post, we'll tell you what your options are before you pay for shipping.

Allowed with care

These are fine to ship, but they're worth a second look before you order:

• Creams, lotions, serums and toners in non-pressurised plastic or glass containers can go by post and by courier. Glass can break, so consider extra protection (₩2,000).
• Pump sprays and mists that aren't pressurised are fine. It's the pressurised metal can that causes the problem, not the spray.
• Hair dye depends on the formula. Some kits include a peroxide developer, which can count as dangerous goods. We check the label when it arrives.
• Lightsticks and other electronics can go by post only if they have no lithium battery, built in or included. We check each one when it arrives. Korean devices are made for Korean power outlets, so check the voltage and plug before you buy.
• Albums, photocards and other merch are fine. If the condition of the packaging matters to you, add extra protection (₩2,000) or detailed photos (₩1,500 per parcel).
• Packaged snacks and other shelf-stable food can be shipped, but check the ingredients: some noodle seasonings and broth packets contain meat, and meat products can't be shipped. Food rules also vary by country (see below).

Common K-beauty items at a glance

"Check" means it depends on the exact product and on the courier's approval. We confirm before you pay for shipping.

Country-specific rules

Customs in your country decides what's allowed in. These rules come up most often.

United States

• Food needs FDA prior notice. Food shipped to the US, including snacks, instant noodles and tea, needs a prior notice filed with the FDA before it arrives. Tell us before you ship a box with food in it, and we'll confirm whether it's possible with your shipping method.
• Sunscreen is regulated as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug in the US, not as a cosmetic. Korean sunscreens are made for the Korean market and may not meet US OTC rules, so US authorities can hold or refuse them. We can ship them, but we can't promise they'll be released.

Australia and New Zealand

Both countries have strict biosecurity rules. Food, seeds, plants and plant material, and wooden items (including wooden merch) can be inspected, held, treated or destroyed on arrival. Every item is listed on the customs form, so check your country's rules before you order.

Everywhere else

Many countries have their own rules for food, supplements, cosmetics, medicines and electronics, and some limit quantities for personal use. Check your customs authority's website before you order, especially for food, and for anything you plan to share with other people.

Some countries also need the recipient's tax ID on the customs form: Brazil (CPF), Chile (RUT), Argentina (CUIT/CUIL), Mexico (RFC/CURP) and Kazakhstan (IIN). Taiwan uses EZ WAY real-name confirmation for cosmetics. Other countries may ask too.

If you're organising a group order, you're responsible for following your country's import rules.

What happens if we find a restricted item

We check every parcel when it arrives. If one contains something that can't be shipped as is:

1. We hold the parcel and mark it in your Korea box.
2. We send you photos and an e-mail explaining what we found.
3. You choose what to do:
   • Remove and dispose of the item. This is free, and the rest of the parcel can ship as normal.
   • Return it to the seller, if the seller accepts returns. Return costs apply, and the store's rules decide whether you get a refund.
   • Ship it by courier with dangerous-goods approval, where that's available for the item and your country. Courier prices apply.

If you're not sure which option makes sense, reply to the e-mail or open a support ticket, and we'll talk it through with you.