Korea Customs Service tightens inspections on imports by major tax delinquents

South Korea is stepping up special management measures targeting imports brought in by major customs, national and local tax delinquents.

The Korea Customs Service announced it will begin enhanced inspections of imports by high-value and repeat tax delinquents — covering customs, national and local taxes — starting Tuesday.

The agency will expand baggage inspections of delinquents, previously conducted only at Incheon Airport, to other major airports including Gimpo, Gimhae and Cheongju. The move is intended to prevent regional airports from being exploited as blind spots.

Banners reading "Enhanced Inspections for Tax Delinquents" will be posted in arrival halls, and dedicated inspection lanes for delinquents will be set up to raise public awareness of tax delinquency. Incheon Airport, which sees the highest number of returning delinquents, has operated a dedicated lane since May. Other major entry airports are set to follow suit from Tuesday.

The inspection rate — the share of arriving passengers subject to checks — will be raised to more than 10 times the rate applied to ordinary travelers. Companions traveling with delinquents who may be carrying goods on their behalf will also face heightened scrutiny.

Oh Hyeon-jin, head of the Korea Customs Service's tax source review division, said the agency plans to extend inspections to overseas direct-purchase goods and household-moving cargo belonging to delinquents in the second half of the year. "We will strengthen cooperation with the National Tax Service and the Ministry of Interior and Safety, and take strict action against high-value, egregious delinquents who are evading collection despite having the means to pay, in order to actively realize tax justice," Oh said.

The Korea Customs Service currently handles the seizure of imports on behalf of the National Tax Service and local governments, covering some 100,000 delinquents with outstanding obligations totaling 70 trillion won ($45.4 billion). Customs directors inspect and seize carried baggage, overseas direct purchases and other imports, then remit the collected amounts to the relevant tax offices and local authorities.