FedEx Enhances Import Customs Clearance for Korean Businesses with New Online Duties

Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), one of the world's largest express transportation companies, has enhanced its FedEx Import Tool with the introduction of an integrated duty and tax payment function in South Korea. Accessible for FedEx account holders and guest consignees, the new enhancement enables importers to complete key customs clearance step in a single digital platform, from document submission and clearance processing to shipment status tracking and duty and tax payment, helping reduce delays and improve the overall import experience.

Other key features include:

• Real-time shipment and clearance status visibility to help businesses stay up-to-date on shipment progress and take prompt action when required.
• Proactive notifications via SMS, email or Kakao Talk to alert importers when action is required, helping keep shipments moving through the clearance process.
• Digital submission of customs documentation and information to streamline interactions and reduce manual paperwork.
• Integrated digital payment options for duties and taxes allowing customers to conveniently make payments via credit card, e-wallet or bank transfer without logging in.
• Download clearance documents on demand for easier record management and compliance support.

In addition to South Korea, FedEx Import Tool is also available to customers in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

According to the Ministry of Data and Statistics and the Korea Customs Service, Korea's imports rose 22.4% year over year to US$188.9 billion in Q2 2026. Notably, imports by mid-sized enterprises and SMEs increased by 19.0% and 13.9%, respectively, demonstrating strong momentum beyond large corporations. As import activity and complexity continue to grow for Korean businesses, smart digital solutions that streamline supply chain management, including import processes, are essential to preventing disruptions and maintain competitiveness.¹

"As global supply chains become more complex, greater visibility and agility in customs clearance are essential for resilient operations," said Wonbin Park, managing director of FedEx Korea. "The FedEx Import Tool streamlines the import experience by enabling customers to track clearance status, submit documents, and pay duties and taxes through a single, seamless digital platform. By reducing administrative burden and removing operational inefficiencies, it frees up businesses time to focus on growth. We will continue leveraging smart digital solutions to help Korean companies optimize their supply chains as they navigate an evolving trade landscape."

FedEx Import Tool is part of the company's broader portfolio of digital solutions designed to simplify international shipping and customs processes for importers and exporters. FedEx Ship Manager™ is a signature tool that helps small businesses efficiently manage their shipments online. It now features integrated AI-powered tools that help improve documentation accuracy to support smoother customs clearance. These tools include Customs AI, an AI-powered chatbot that guides customers in creating more accurate product descriptions, and Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Code Lookup, which leverages machine learning to help identify appropriate tariff classifications and reduce the risk of documentation errors that can delay shipments. Together, these innovations support FedEx commitment to making supply chains smarter and helping customers navigate an increasingly dynamic global trade environment.

[1] Ministry of Data and Statistics, "Preliminary Results of Trade Statistics by Enterprise Characteristics for Q2 2026," August 11, 2026