BUYING
Importing Heat Transfer Vinyl from Korea: MOQ, Lead Times, Incoterms and Duties
A practical checklist for distributors and brands sourcing HTV directly from a Korean factory for the first time.
Why Korea
Korean heat transfer vinyl sits between European brands and Chinese commodity film: factory-direct pricing with in-house production, patents and documentation. Korean-origin goods also enter many markets under free trade agreements—including the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and several Latin American and ASEAN countries—which can reduce or eliminate duty with a valid origin document.
Minimums and lead times
Minimum orders are set per colour and per format; a first order can start with a pilot roll or a mixed pallet.
Stock colours: about 7–10 business days to ship.
Custom colours and specialty finishes: 2–4 weeks.
Sample kits ship by DHL or FedEx within 2 business days; delivery typically 3–5 days.
Incoterms
Most first orders are quoted FOB Busan, so your forwarder controls ocean freight and insurance. Delivered terms are available if you prefer one invoice. For urgent replenishment, rolls and sheet packs can move by courier.
Documents that travel with the shipment
Commercial invoice and packing list with carton sizes and gross weights
Certificate of origin for FTA claims
Technical data sheets and safety statements
Certificate copies (OEKO-TEX) and test reports where the program requires them
Landed cost
Compare landed cost, not unit price: film price, freight, duty and the cost of a failed batch. Ask us for a landed-cost comparison for your port and volume, and for the current duty treatment of Korean-origin HTV in your market.
