Opening a Korean-style cafe abroad: equipment and supplies from Korea
This guide is for founders opening a Korean-style cafe or dessert shop outside Korea who need syrups, powders, cups, machines and interior items to arrive together before opening day. It covers HS codes, duties and FTA rates by country, food and electrical rules, cup and plastic regulations, and how to plan the order backwards from the opening date.
Request a quoteDuties and FTA by countryLast checked: October 2026
How do you import everything for a Korean-style cafe in one shipment?
| Typical order | Why direct buying is hard | How consolidation solves it |
|---|---|---|
| Consumables: flavoured syrups, fruit bases, sweetened condensed toppings, bingsu and latte powders, tea and coffee mixes (HS 2106, 1702, 1901, 2101) | Many small makers, each with its own minimum order, shelf life and export paperwork. Food documents are needed per product for registration at destination. | One order list, one consignee. Production dates are aligned so shelf life starts as late as possible, and ingredient and specification documents are collected per product. |
| Packaging: paper cups and sleeves (4823), plastic cups, lids and bowls (3924, 3923), straws, carriers | Printed stock is made to order and is bulky. Materials allowed in Korea may be banned or need marking in your market. | Material and print are confirmed against your local rules before production, then packed to fill the container space around the machines. |
| Machines: ice shavers and bingsu machines (8438 or 8418, depending on whether the machine freezes or only shaves), ice makers (8418), espresso machines and coffee makers (8516 or 8419), croffle and waffle irons (8516 or 8419) | Korean domestic models run on 220 V, 60 Hz and carry Korean certification only. Sellers set up for the home market rarely handle export crating or foreign approvals. | Export-voltage models and the manufacturer’s test reports are requested at quotation stage. Machines are crated and loaded with the rest of the order. |
| Interior: tables, chairs, counters and shelving (9403), illuminated signs and lighting (9405), menu boards and decor | Made to order by separate workshops with different lead times from food and packaging. | Delivery to the warehouse is scheduled against the slowest item so that everything loads on the same date. |
For kitchen fit-out beyond the cafe counter, see the guides on Korean restaurant and franchise supplies and Korean interior materials.
Import duties and FTA benefits by country
The table uses four reference lines: flavoured syrups, beverage bases and drink powders in HS 2106.90; plastic cups and tableware in 3924.10; coffee and tea makers in 8516.71; and food or drink machinery and ice-making equipment in 8438.80 and 8418.69. Preferential rates apply only to goods that qualify as Korean origin under the agreement and ship with a valid origin declaration or certificate of origin; goods bought in Korea but made elsewhere pay the general rate.
| Importing country | General (MFN) duty | Rate for Korean-origin goods and agreement | Other import taxes and notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2106.90.99: 6.4%. Plastic cups (3924.10.20): 6.5%. Coffee or tea makers (8516.71): 3.7%. 8438.80 and 8418.69: free. Milk-based powders in 1901.90 and sugar-based coffee preparations in 2101.12 have several lines, some with per-kilogram duties. | Free under the Korea-US FTA (KORUS) on the lines listed. | An additional Section 301 duty has applied to most Korean goods since 24 July 2026. USTR describes it as 10% or 12.5% net of the MFN rate, so the combined MFN and Section 301 duty generally comes to 12.5%. There is an exemption list. The earlier Section 122 surcharge ended on the same date. Ask your broker how this applies to your tariff line. Tool: hts.usitc.gov |
| European Union | 2106 90 98: 9% plus an agricultural component. Plastic cups (3924 10 00): 6.5%. Coffee or tea makers: 2.7%. 8438 80: 1.7%. 8418 69: 2.2%. Flavoured sugar syrups in 2106 90 59 carry a weight-based duty instead. | 0% under the Korea-EU FTA on the lines listed. | Import VAT at the member state’s rate, for example 19% in Germany and 20% in France. Tool: TARIC |
| United Kingdom | 2106 90 98: 8%. Plastic cups (3924 10 00): 6%. Coffee or tea makers: 2%. 8438 80 and 8418 69: 0%. | 0% under the Korea-UK FTA on the lines listed. | VAT 20%. Flavoured sugar syrups in 2106 90 59 carry a weight-based duty. Tool: UK Integrated Online Tariff |
| Japan | Non-alcoholic beverage bases without added sugar (2106.90): WTO rate 10%. Flavoured sugar syrup: 29.8% or 23 yen/kg, whichever is greater. Plastic tableware (3924.10): 3.9%. Coffee or tea makers, 8438.80 and 8418.69: free. | RCEP: 1.8% on 3924.10. The schedule shows no RCEP rate for Korea on the beverage base and flavoured syrup lines above, so the WTO rate applies. Machines are already duty free. | Consumption tax 10% standard rate. Chapter 21 is split into many lines by sugar and milk content; classification decides the rate. Tool: Japan Customs tariff schedule |
| Canada | 2106.90.99: 10.5%. Plastic tableware including disposable cups (3924.10.00): 6.5%. Coffee makers (8516.71.10): 9%. 8438.80: free. Ice makers (8418.69.90): free; store-type commercial refrigerating installations (8418.69.20): 7%. | Free under the Canada-Korea FTA (KRT) on the lines listed. | Combined federal and provincial sales taxes range from 5% to 15%. Tool: CBSA Customs Tariff |
| United Arab Emirates | Check the official tariff tool or your UAE customs broker. | Korea-UAE CEPA, in force since 1 May 2026. It covers about 91.2% of tariff lines, with duties removed in stages over up to 10 years, so the rate depends on the line and the year. | VAT 5%. The wider Korea-GCC FTA is concluded but not listed as in force. |
| Vietnam | Check the ASEAN Tariff Finder. | Three agreements are in force: Korea-ASEAN FTA, Korea-Vietnam FTA and RCEP. Compare the rate under each for your line and use the certificate of origin form of the agreement you claim. | VAT 10% standard rate. |
| Indonesia | Check the Indonesia National Trade Repository. | Korea-ASEAN FTA, Korea-Indonesia CEPA (in force since 1 January 2023) and RCEP. | VAT 12% standard rate. Imports are filed through the Indonesia National Single Window by an importer holding an import identification number. |
| Philippines | Check the Philippine Tariff Finder. | Korea-ASEAN FTA, Korea-Philippines FTA (in force since 31 December 2024) and RCEP. The finder has a separate schedule for each. | VAT 12%. |
Rates are for the HS headings named above and were checked in October 2026. Duty rates change and depend on the exact tariff line. Confirm with your customs broker before ordering.
Paper cups in 4823.69 are duty free at the general rate in the United States and the UK. Furniture in 9403 and illuminated signs in 9405 are classified by material and type; check the line for each item. Thailand and Malaysia are covered by the Korea-ASEAN FTA and RCEP; a bilateral Korea-Malaysia agreement was concluded in October 2025 and is not listed as in force.
Product rules and cautions for importers
Food: syrups, bases and powders
Food is the regulated part of a cafe order. The importer of record is responsible for product registration or notification, label approval and import licences in the destination country. The exporter supplies the documents needed for those filings, such as ingredient lists with additives, specifications, manufacturer certificates and production dates. Approval is decided by the local authority and cannot be promised in advance.
- United States. The FDA does not approve individual food products, labels or shipments, but every facility that makes, packs or stores the food must be registered with the FDA, prior notice must be filed before each shipment arrives, and the importer must run a Foreign Supplier Verification Program. Labels must meet US requirements.
- Indonesia. Food labels must be in Bahasa Indonesia and show nutritional content, expiry date and the manufacturer and importer. Food imports may need additional permits before shipment, and regulated products can require approval from the food and drug agency BPOM.
- Vietnam. Imported goods need a Vietnamese-language label or auxiliary label with the product name, the responsible organisation and the origin; food must also show production and expiry dates. Food is inspected by the competent agency before customs clearance.
- Thailand. Processed foods require licensing from the Thai Food and Drug Administration.
- United Arab Emirates. Food shipments need an original health certificate issued by the government agency of the exporting country, and the importer needs the correct trade licence in its emirate.
- Additives and colours. Permitted additives, colours and sweeteners differ by country. A syrup or powder that is legal in Korea can contain an additive that is not allowed, or is limited, in your market. Have your local regulatory consultant review the full ingredient list before you order.
- Halal. Halal rules differ by market and by product type. Ask your national halal authority whether certification is mandatory for beverage bases and powders, and which foreign halal certificates it recognises. Only some Korean products hold a halal certificate, so state this requirement in your first request.
- Milk content. Powders and toppings containing milk are classified and taxed differently from non-dairy items in several countries, and can face separate animal-product controls. Declare milk content accurately.
Machines: voltage, frequency and electrical approval
Korean commercial equipment is built for a 220 to 230 V, 60 Hz supply. The United States and Canada use 120 V at 60 Hz. The UK, Germany, France, the UAE, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore use about 230 V at 50 Hz. The Philippines uses 230 V at 60 Hz. Japan uses 100 V at 50 or 60 Hz.
- A voltage difference can sometimes be handled with a transformer, but a frequency difference affects motors and compressors in ice makers, ice shavers and refrigerated units. Order an export model rated for your supply rather than adapting a Korean domestic model, and confirm the plug type and whether the machine needs single-phase or three-phase power.
- United States. Electrical equipment used in workplaces is expected to carry the certification mark of a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory under the OSHA programme.
- European Union. Machines need CE marking. The manufacturer assesses conformity, prepares technical documentation and signs an EU declaration of conformity, which must be kept for at least 10 years. Ask for the declaration before paying for the machine.
- Other markets. Many countries run their own approval schemes for electrical appliances. The importer of record is responsible for obtaining local approval; the exporter supplies the manufacturer’s test reports, circuit diagrams and rating information.
- Machines that touch food or ice may also fall under food-contact material rules. Ask for the material declarations of ice bins, blades and water lines.
Cups, lids and single-use plastics
- European Union. Directive (EU) 2019/904 bans cups, beverage containers and food containers made of expanded polystyrene, plastic cutlery, plates, straws and beverage stirrers, and products made of oxo-degradable plastic. Cups for beverages that contain plastic must carry a harmonised marking, and member states have to reduce the consumption of single-use cups and lids.
- England. Single-use plastic cutlery, drinks stirrers, balloon sticks and polystyrene food and drink containers are banned. Plates, bowls, trays and straws are restricted with exemptions. This guidance covers England only.
- Elsewhere. Bans and charges on single-use plastic cups, lids and straws vary by country and often by city. Check the rules where the shop will operate before printing cups, and consider paper cups, reusable cups for dine-in and non-plastic straws where plastic is restricted.
- Cups and lids are food-contact materials. Ask for the manufacturer’s material specification and food-contact test report for your market.
Furniture, signage and brand use
- Illuminated signs are electrical products and follow the same voltage and approval checks as machines.
- Recipes, menu names, logos and store designs of Korean cafe chains are protected. Buying the same ingredients does not give the right to use a brand name or trade dress. Use your own brand unless you hold a franchise or licence.
- Medical devices and prescription products need device or drug licensing in both countries and are outside ordinary consolidation orders.
Planning the order backwards from opening day
Work from the opening date to the order date. The steps below run partly in parallel, and the slowest one sets the schedule.
- Registration and approval at destination. Food registration, label approval and electrical approval are filed by the importer and can take longer than production. Start these first and do not ship food that still needs a registration number.
- Production. Stock consumables are the fastest. Custom-printed cups, export-voltage machines and made-to-order furniture and signs each have their own production time, which the manufacturer confirms at order.
- Consolidation and export clearance. Goods arrive at the warehouse from each maker, are checked, packed and loaded. The loading date follows the last item to arrive.
- Sea freight. Transit time depends on the route, the sailing schedule and transhipment. Ask the forwarder for the current schedule and add a margin for delays.
- Import clearance. Shipments with food and electrical goods can be selected for inspection. Clearance is quicker when registration numbers, labels and certificates are ready before arrival.
- Installation and training. Leave time on site to install machines on the local power and water supply, test recipes with the delivered ingredients and train staff.
- Shelf life. Syrups and powders are counted from the production date. Order the opening stock late in the schedule and plan the first repeat order before the opening.
For packaging and sealing equipment beyond the counter, such as cup sealers and filling machines, see the guide on Korean food packaging machinery.
What exporters in Korea need to prepare
- One line per product. A commercial invoice and packing list that list every item with its own HS code, quantity, net and gross weight, and country of origin. Food, packaging, machines and furniture should not be grouped under one description.
- Origin proof from each manufacturer. An origin declaration or supporting documents from every maker, so that a certificate of origin can be issued for the lines that qualify. Items made outside Korea are marked with their real origin and shipped without preference.
- Food documents. Full ingredient list with additives and their functions, product specification, production and expiry dates, lot numbers, and the manufacturer’s food-safety and, where they exist, halal certificates. A health or free-sale certificate when the destination requires one.
- Machine documents. Rating plate data (voltage, frequency, phase, power), manuals in English, test reports and declarations of conformity where the manufacturer holds them, and a spare-parts list.
- Labels. Destination-language labels or stickers applied before shipment if the importer supplies approved artwork, and outer-carton marks that match the packing list.
- Packing. Machines crated and secured, food kept away from heat and odour sources in the container, cups protected from crushing, and any wood packaging prepared to the destination’s requirements.
- Distribution rights. A check that each manufacturer allows export to the destination and has no exclusive distributor there.
- Trade terms. The Incoterm, port and payment terms are fixed in the proforma invoice before production starts.
News and recent developments
Korean cafe chains are opening abroad at a faster pace, and tariff rules for Korean goods changed in several markets in 2026.
The coffee and dessert chain, which has more than 1,750 stores in Korea, announced an October 2026 US launch. It shows that Korean dessert-cafe formats, not only low-price coffee, are now moving overseas.
The large-cup coffee chain returned to overseas expansion with a store in Japan. Large-format cups and lids are a packaging item that importers should check against local size and material rules.
Ediya opened in Laos, Compose Coffee and The Venti opened first stores in the Philippines, Paik’s opened in Tokyo and Mega Coffee operates in Mongolia. The report notes that a stable local supply chain matters as much as price.
From 24 July 2026 most Korean goods face a Section 301 duty set at 10% or 12.5% net of the MFN rate. Cafe owners importing into the US should budget for this on top of the tariff schedule rate.
The chain, with about 1,800 stores in Korea and a small number in the Philippines and Singapore, changed its branding to suit international customers. Independent cafes should keep their own branding distinct from chain trademarks.
The agreement took effect on 1 May 2026 and removes duties on about 91.2% of tariff lines in stages over up to 10 years. Korean-origin cafe supplies shipped to the UAE may qualify for a reduced rate with a certificate of origin.
How an order works with us
- Request. Send your menu, the list of syrups, powders, cups, machines and interior items you need, the destination country, your local voltage and frequency, and the planned opening date.
- Sourcing and quote. We identify Korean manufacturers for each item, confirm export-voltage options, print minimums and production times, and send one quote with HS codes and origin per line.
- Check. You can test samples of syrups, powders and cups. We collect ingredient lists and machine documents for your registration filings, and can show machines and finished goods by video before loading.
- Proforma invoice and payment. Payment is by bank transfer against our proforma invoice. The terms are written on each quote.
- Consolidation and packing. Goods from all makers are received at one warehouse, counted against the order, labelled where you have supplied approved artwork, and loaded together with machines crated and food kept separate from odour sources.
- Documents and shipment. You receive the commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, plus a certificate of origin when the goods qualify as Korean origin.
Export sourcing on Unboxing Korea is handled by HANA for U, a trading company based near Incheon, Korea. See the Korea export sourcing overview.
Frequently asked questions
Can syrups, cups, machines and furniture travel in one container?
Yes. Food, packaging, machines and furniture can be loaded in one container and declared on one set of shipping documents, with each product listed under its own HS code. Each product still has to meet its own import rules at destination, so food registration, electrical approval and packaging rules need to be settled before loading, not after arrival.
Will a Korean bingsu machine or ice maker work on my local power supply?
Not always. Korean commercial equipment is built for a 220 to 230 V, 60 Hz supply. Most of Europe, the UK, the UAE, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore use about 230 V at 50 Hz, and the United States and Canada use 120 V at 60 Hz. Ask the manufacturer for an export model rated for your voltage and frequency, and check the rating plate before shipment.
Do Korean cafe supplies qualify for zero duty under a free trade agreement?
Only goods that meet the agreement’s rules of origin as Korean-origin goods and ship with a valid origin declaration or certificate of origin. Items bought in Korea but made in another country do not qualify and pay the general duty rate.
Who registers the syrups and powders with the food authority in my country?
The importer of record. Registration, notification, label approval and import licences are filed in the destination country by the importer or its local agent. The exporter supplies the documents those filings need, such as ingredient lists, specifications and manufacturer certificates. Approval is decided by the authority and cannot be promised in advance.
Are the plastic cups used in Korean cafes allowed in the EU and UK?
It depends on the material. The EU bans cups and food or drink containers made of expanded polystyrene, and plastic cutlery, plates, straws and stirrers. Other single-use cups containing plastic must carry a harmonised marking. England bans polystyrene food and drink containers, plastic cutlery and drinks stirrers and restricts straws. Check each item against the rules of your country before ordering printed stock.
How early should I place the order before opening day?
Work backwards from the opening date. Allow time for food registration and electrical approval in your country, production of printed cups and export-voltage machines, consolidation and export clearance in Korea, the sea voyage, import clearance and inspection, and installation and staff training. Registration and custom-printed or custom-voltage items are usually the longest steps, so start with those.
Sources
- US International Trade Commission, “Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (search results for 2106.90, 1702.90, 1901.90, 2101.12, 3924.10, 4823.69, 8418.69, 8438.80, 8516.71, 8419.81, 9403.20, 9405.61)”, https://hts.usitc.gov/ (accessed October 2026)
- Office of the US Trade Representative, “USTR takes action in forced labor Section 301 investigations (23 July 2026)”, https://ustr.gov/about/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2026/july/ustr-takes-action-forced-labor-section-301-investigations (accessed October 2026)
- Morgan Lewis, “US administration rebuilds global tariff program under Section 301 (July 2026)”, https://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2026/07/us-administration-rebuilds-global-tariff-program-under-section-301 (accessed October 2026)
- Global Trade Alert, “Forced-labour Section 301 tariffs on 60 economies take effect on 24 July: an overview of the final action”, https://globaltradealert.org/blog/forced-labour-section-301-final-action (accessed October 2026)
- European Commission, “TARIC measure information (codes 2106 90 98 49, 2106 90 59, 3924 10 00, 3923 30 10, 8516 71 00, 8438 80, 8418 69 00, 9403 60 30, 9405 61 80; origin Korea)”, https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/taric/taric_consultation.jsp?Lang=en (accessed October 2026)
- HM Revenue and Customs, “UK Integrated Online Tariff (commodities 2106909849, 3924100090, 3923301000, 8516710000, 8438801000, 8438809100, 8418690099, 9403603000, 9405618090)”, https://www.trade-tariff.service.gov.uk/ (accessed October 2026)
- Japan Customs, “Japan’s Tariff Schedule as of April 1 2026 (chapters 21, 39, 84, 85, 94)”, https://www.customs.go.jp/english/tariff/2026_04_01/data/e_21.htm (accessed October 2026)
- Canada Border Services Agency, “Customs Tariff 2026 (chapters 21, 39, 84, 85, 94)”, https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/trade-commerce/tariff-tarif/2026/html/00/ch21-eng.html (accessed October 2026)
- Korea Customs Service, “FTA trend in Korea (status of Korea’s free trade agreements)”, https://www.customs.go.kr/engportal/cm/cntnts/cntntsView.do?mi=7304&cntntsId=2329 (accessed October 2026)
- Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (Korea), “Korea’s FTA network”, https://english.motir.go.kr/eng/contents/10 (accessed October 2026)
- EY, “UAE-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement takes effect”, https://www.ey.com/en_gl/technical/tax-alerts/uae-korea-comprehensive-economic-partnership-agreement-takes-effect (accessed October 2026)
- PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries, “Value-added tax (VAT) rates quick chart”, https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/quick-charts/value-added-tax-vat-rates (accessed October 2026)
- ASEAN Secretariat, “ASEAN Tariff Finder”, https://tariff-finder.asean.org/ (accessed October 2026)
- Philippine Tariff Commission, “Philippine Tariff Finder”, https://finder.tariffcommission.gov.ph/ (accessed October 2026)
- Indonesia National Single Window, “Indonesia National Trade Repository”, https://insw.go.id/intr (accessed October 2026)
- US Food and Drug Administration, “Importing food products into the United States”, https://www.fda.gov/food/food-imports-exports/importing-food-products-united-states (accessed October 2026)
- US Occupational Safety and Health Administration, “Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) program”, https://www.osha.gov/nationally-recognized-testing-laboratory-program (accessed October 2026)
- European Union, Your Europe, “CE marking”, https://europa.eu/youreurope/business/product-requirements/labels-markings/ce-marking/index_en.htm (accessed October 2026)
- EUR-Lex, “Directive (EU) 2019/904 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment”, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32019L0904 (accessed October 2026)
- European Commission, “Single-use plastics”, https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/plastics/single-use-plastics_en (accessed October 2026)
- UK Government (Defra), “Single-use plastics bans and restrictions”, https://www.gov.uk/guidance/single-use-plastics-bans-and-restrictions (accessed October 2026)
- US International Trade Administration, “Indonesia country commercial guide: labeling and marking requirements”, https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/indonesia-labelingmarking-requirements (accessed October 2026)
- US International Trade Administration, “Indonesia country commercial guide: import requirements and documentation”, https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/indonesia-import-requirements-and-documentation (accessed October 2026)
- US International Trade Administration, “Vietnam country commercial guide: labeling and marking requirements”, https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/vietnam-labelingmarking-requirements (accessed October 2026)
- US International Trade Administration, “Vietnam country commercial guide: import requirements and documentation”, https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/vietnam-import-requirements-and-documentation (accessed October 2026)
- US International Trade Administration, “Thailand country commercial guide: import requirements and documentation”, https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/thailand-import-requirements-and-documentation (accessed October 2026)
- US International Trade Administration, “United Arab Emirates country commercial guide: import requirements and documentation”, https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/united-arab-emirates-import-requirements-and-documentation (accessed October 2026)
- WorldStandards, “Plug, socket and voltage by country”, https://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plug-voltage-by-country/ (accessed October 2026)
- World Coffee Portal, “South Korea’s A Twosome Place reveals details of long-awaited US launch”, https://www.worldcoffeeportal.com/news/south-koreas-a-twosome-place-reveals-details-of-long-awaited-us-launch/ (accessed October 2026)
- World Coffee Portal, “South Korea’s The Liter wades into Japan’s deka drink trend”, https://www.worldcoffeeportal.com/news/south-koreas-the-liter-wades-into-japans-deka-drink-trend/ (accessed October 2026)
- The Korea Herald, “Chains seek growth abroad as domestic saturation and rising costs squeeze margins”, https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10836217 (accessed October 2026)
- World Coffee Portal, “Paik’s Coffee drops key part of brand identity ahead of international push”, https://www.worldcoffeeportal.com/news/paiks-coffee-drops-key-part-of-brand-identity-ahead-of-international-push/ (accessed October 2026)
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or customs advice. Brand and product names belong to their owners; no affiliation is implied.
Request a quote
Tell us what you need. We reply in English within one business day.
The buttons open your email app or WhatsApp with the request filled in. You can also write to ohytto@naver.com.
