Express shipping offers the fastest, most secure, and reliable solution for businesses seeking exceptional customer experience or seamless door-to-door delivery from the Malaysia to the South Korea.

It is especially ideal for time-sensitive and high value parcels for three reasons:

• Time Efficiency: Express shipping typically take just 1-3 working days through scheduled air freight, significantly faster than sea freight, which take 2-6 weeks on average. 

• Enhanced Security: Due to stricter regulations from authorities like IATA and ICAO, mandatory advanced screening, fewer handling points, and shorter transit times, shipment risks are significantly minimized.

• Cost Optimization: While upfront costs may be higher, express shipping offers predictable pricing with fewer hidden charges. Additionally, faster delivery minimizes operational disruptions, avoids stock shortages, and boosts customer satisfaction, leading to long-term cost savings.

Businesses consistently choose DHL Express to ship parcels from Malaysia to the South Korea due to our proven delivery speed, high security standard, reliable service quality, and competitive pricing.

• Faster Delivery: With a robust integrated network and consistent flight schedules, DHL Express ensures parcels from Malaysia reach the South Korea in just 1-3 days, far quicker than most shipping options available in the market. 

• Integrated Network Minimizes Cargo Risks: Shipments are transported quickly and securely through a unified logistics framework, supported by preplanned flight schedules, strategically located hubs, and local service centers in over 220 countries, reducing risks at every step.

• Advanced Technology Enhances Security: DHL Express employs strict handling protocols and advanced surveillance systems across our facilities, ensuring enhanced protection for shipments throughout their journey.

• Competitive and Reliable Shipping Costs: DHL Express offers stable pricing and exclusive discounts tailored to shipping frequency and volume.

The standard costs of shipping parcels from Malaysia to South Korea is determined by dimensional weight, delivery speed, and the optional services required.

You can calculate an estimated shipping cost using MyDHL+, but the estimation does not include the exclusive discount your business entitled to.

For detailed instructions, refer to our guide on estimating shipping costs.

Typically, DHL Express delivers parcels from Malaysia to the South Korea within 2-5 business days. Actual transit times depend on the shipment's departure and destination cities:

• 1-2 days: For shipments between major Malaysian cities with DHL Express hubs, such as Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Penang, Kuching, or Kota Kinabalu to major South Korea cities like Incheon, Busan, Seoul, and Daegu.
• 3-4 days: For shipments originating from suburban Malaysian towns or destined for remote areas in the South Korea outside the main hubs.

To start exporting goods from Malaysia to the South Korea, businesses must comply with the customs documentation of both countries. Here's the list of necessary documents:

Mandatory Documents:

• Business Registration Certificate (SSM)
• Tax Identification Number (TIN)
• Export Declaration (K2 Form)
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Billing of Lading/Air Waybill

Optional Documents (Depending on Your Business and Goods):

• Export Licenses: Required for controlled goods.
• Import Licenses: For goods subject to import restrictions or quotas.
• Product-Specific Certifications/Permits/Licenses: Necessary for regulated items like food, plants, animals, and certain manufactured goods. 
• Certificate of Origin

Document requirements may vary based on the type and conditions of your shipment.

If you're a DHL Express business account holder, your dedicated account manager will provide guidance and support throughout the documentation process.

South Korea (Republic of Korea) enforces strict customs regulations through the Korea Customs Service (KCS) to maintain national security, public health, and social order.

Common examples include:

• Illegal drugs & controlled substances
  • Narcotics (marijuana, cocaine, heroin), synthetic drugs, and medicines prone to misuse or abuse. South Korea has a zero-tolerance policy with severe legal penalties.
• Weapons & related items
  • Firearms, ammunition, explosives, swords, and crossbows. This includes replicas, imitations, and realistic toy guns.
• Subversive & obscene materials
  • Pornography or sexually explicit materials, as well as items deemed treasonous, propaganda, or harmful to the constitutional order.
• Counterfeit & infringing goods
  • Fake branded products (luxury bags, watches), counterfeit currency, forged bonds, or pirated media.
• Animal & plant products (Quarantine required)
  • Fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, soil, and meat products (including jerky, ham, and sausages). These are strictly controlled to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
• Endangered species & CITES-protected products
  • Items made from protected wildlife, such as ivory, certain animal skins, or traditional medicines containing endangered species derivatives.
• Hazardous & toxic substances
  • Radioactive materials, toxic chemicals, and certain eavesdropping or spying equipment.
• Cultural property & artifacts
  • National treasures or items of significant cultural heritage may be restricted from entry or exit without specific government authorization.

Many items are restricted rather than fully prohibited, meaning they may be imported only with prior authorization, licenses, or quarantine clearance from agencies such as the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety or the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency.

For the most up-to-date details, check the Korea Customs Service official guidelines or consult us via DHL Express Malaysia social media before shipping. 

Yes. Most shipments to the South Korea are subject to import duties and taxes.

The South Korea no longer applies a broad duty-free threshold. This means goods of any value may be assessed import duty, depending on the product type and its tariff classification (HTS code).

What you may be charged:

• Import duty based on the product’s HTS code
• Additional tariffs depending on the country of origin
• Excise tax for specific goods such as alcohol or tobacco
  

There is no VAT or federal sales tax on imports, but customs fees may still apply.

Yes. Most shipments from Malaysia to South Korea are subjected to import duties and taxes unless it's within the De Minimis threshold or recognized under the preferential treatment of  ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Agreement (AKFTA). 

Yes. Most shipments from Malaysia to South Korea are subjected to customs duty and VAT. The rate will depend on the shipment's value and the type of goods. However, if the value of the goods are within the De Minimis threshold or you're qualify for preferential treatment under the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Agreement (AKFTA) duty could be eliminated or reduced. 

About South Korea's De Minimis:

• The standard South Korea's De Minimis threshold for most imports is KRW 150,000 (approximately USD 110–115).
• Shipments valued at or below this amount are generally exempt from customs duty and 10% VAT for personal use or small consignments. 
• Exceptions: Certain goods (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, or restricted items) may not qualify for the exemption even below the threshold, and duties/taxes could still apply.

About ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Agreement (AKFTA):

• The AKFTA significantly reduces or eliminates customs duties for goods moving between Malaysia and South Korea.
• Duty-Free Potential: Most qualifying Malaysian exports (electronics, machinery, textiles, and processed foods) are eligible for 0% duty.
• Origin Requirement: To qualify, goods must be "originating," meaning they are either wholly produced in Malaysia or meet specific ASEAN value-added content rules.
• Mandatory Documentation: You must provide a Certificate of Origin (Form AK) issued by MITI. Without this physical proof, South Korean customs will apply the standard (higher) MFN duty rates.
• Current Status: Since the agreement is fully phased in, almost all "normal track" goods from Malaysia now benefit from the lowest possible preferential rates.