Importing a car from South Korea in 2026 is a transparent deal with predictable economics — if you understand the cost structure in advance. The Korean market offers well-kept cars with honest mileage and a verified history, and the final turnkey price is made up of a few clear line items. Let's break it down — with real figures, formulas and a comparison of customs clearance in Ukraine and the EU.
What the turnkey price consists of
The final price at your door is not just the auction lot price. A full estimate includes:
- The car price at a Korean auction (Encar, Hyundai Glovis, etc.);
- Logistics — container shipping to a port in Europe or Ukraine;
- Customs payments of the importing country — duty, excise, VAT;
- Korea-side costs — purchase, paperwork, inland logistics;
- Our commission for sourcing and handling the deal.
The EU–Korea FTA agreement
The key advantage when importing into the EU is the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the European Union and South Korea. For Korean-brand cars (Kia, Hyundai, Genesis) with verified Korean origin, the EU import duty is 0% instead of the standard 10%. For other brands the duty is 10%.
Customs clearance in Ukraine (2026)
For Ukraine, customs payments are based on three components:
- Duty: 10% of the customs value of the car.
- Excise: base rate × engine displacement (L) × full vehicle age in years. The base rate is €50 for petrol up to 3.0 L and €75 for diesel up to 3.5 L (larger displacement — €100/€150).
- VAT: 20% of the sum (car value + duty + excise).
Electric vehicles have a separate preferential scheme; hybrids use a reduced excise rate.
Sample calculation: Kia Sportage 2.0 diesel, 2021
A popular lot — a Kia Sportage with a 2.0 L diesel, 2021 (5 full years by 2026). Auction price — say $15,000.
| Item | Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Car price (Korea) | — | $15,000 |
| Duty 10% | 15,000 × 0.10 | $1,500 |
| Excise | €75 × 2.0 × 5 = €750 | ≈ $810 |
| VAT 20% | (15,000 + 1,500 + 810) × 0.20 | ≈ $3,460 |
| Logistics + Korea + service | €2700 + €300 + €600 | ≈ $3,890 |
| Total turnkey | — | ≈ $24,660 |
Figures are indicative: the exact amount depends on the exchange rate and the customs valuation. An EV of the same class would be cheaper thanks to the excise relief.
Customs clearance in the EU / Poland (2026)
- Duty: 0% for Korean brands (FTA) or 10% for others.
- EU VAT: 21% (Poland) on the sum (car + duty).
- Poland excise: 3.1% for cars up to 2.0 L and 18.6% above 2.0 L.
Comparison: Ukraine vs EU
| Parameter | Ukraine | EU (Poland) |
|---|---|---|
| Duty | 10% | 0% (Korean) / 10% |
| VAT | 20% | 21% |
| Excise | base × displacement × age | 3.1% / 18.6% by displacement |
| Electric vehicles | relief | reduced excise |
Hidden port fees
To avoid surprises, keep in mind port charges (THC), storage, unloading, broker clearance and shipping insurance. We show all of these line items in the estimate up front — no "on arrival" surcharges.
Transparent calculation and support at every step — from the auction bid to delivery of the car to your city.
Bottom line
Importing from Korea in 2026 remains worthwhile with an honest calculation. The key is to see the full estimate in advance: lot price, logistics, customs and commission, with no hidden fees. Calculate the cost in our calculator — we'll send a detailed estimate to your Telegram.
