Illegal Filming Nuisance: Import Volume of Ultra-Small Special Cameras to Be Trackable Starting Next Year

Reflecting New International Standards... Revision of Tariff Item Classification Table

New Tariff Items Established for Edible Insects and 3D Printers

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Starting next year, it will be possible to track how many ultra-small cameras, which have become a social nuisance due to their misuse in illegal filming, are imported into South Korea.

On the 12th, the Ministry of Economy and Finance announced that it will incorporate the World Customs Organization (WCO)'s new classification system HS 2022 into South Korea's integrated customs and statistics classification table (HSK), while also establishing new categories related to environment, social safety, and core strategic industries.

Specifically, a new item code for ultra-small special cameras will be created to prevent illegal filming, along with new categories for items regulated under the Waste Management Act, materials-parts-equipment (SoBuJang) items, secondary batteries, and new industry products.

According to the Ministry of Economy and Finance, previously there was no distinction between ultra-small special cameras and general digital cameras in the classification system. With the new separate classification code, it is expected that the import volume of ultra-small special cameras can be identified and managed. The ministry considers modified cameras installed in various accessories such as fountain pens, pencils, and tie pins to fall under the category of ultra-small special cameras. However, since no diameter standard for camera lenses has been specified, there are concerns that importers may not properly follow the new classification system.

Once the ultra-small special camera category is established, it will be possible to compile statistics on import volumes. This could also help manage distribution history or conduct crackdowns in the future. In this regard, at the National Assembly's Planning and Finance Committee Customs Service audit on the 12th of last month, Customs Commissioner Lim Jae-hyun responded to Justice Party lawmaker Jang Hye-young's call for the need to crack down on modified cameras and manage their distribution history by saying, "I fully agree and believe that crackdowns on modified cameras are necessary." At that time, Commissioner Lim added, "However, defining what constitutes a modified camera is a challenge," and said, "We need to consider this and will consult with the Radio Research Agency."

Additionally, reflecting the WCO HS 2022, which will be implemented from January next year, new categories will be created for food resources, environmental protection, strategic materials, and new products such as edible insects, electronic waste, carbon fiber, and 3D printers, while categories with declining trade volumes, such as film cameras, will be removed.

HSK is a 10-digit classification table that South Korea has further subdivided based on the 6-digit Harmonized System (HS) established by the WCO. Of the 10-digit codes used for import and export declarations, the first 6 digits are international common codes, and the last 4 digits are assigned by South Korea as needed for customs duties, trade statistics, and other purposes. The WCO revises the product classification system every five years to reflect changes in trade volume, the emergence of new products, and other trade environment changes. The new system, HS 2022, will take effect on January 1 of next year.

In preparation, the Ministry of Economy and Finance announced the draft amendments to the integrated customs and statistics classification table, the Enforcement Decree of the Customs Act related to Free Trade Agreements (FTA), and the World Trade Organization (WTO) concession regulations on the same day. According to the amendments, the number of classification items for customs next year will decrease from the current 12,242 to 11,293 (with 341 new items added and 1,290 items deleted). The FTA tariff schedules and WTO concession tariff schedules will also be revised to reflect the changes in classification. A ministry official stated, "The amendments will undergo public consultation during the legislative notice period, followed by review by vice ministers and the Cabinet, and are scheduled to be implemented from January 1 next year."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.