No Overseas Direct Purchase of Tajeongchong and Jojun-gyeong... Korea Customs Service Says "Customs Clearance Denial is Natural, Punishment Possible"

Photo of firearms and other public safety hazardous items seized by customs. Provided by Korea Customs Service

[Asia Economy (Daejeon) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] #Last March, Incheon Customs detected three firearm barrels and requested an investigation by military authorities, leading to the additional seizure of five assembled pistols and one rifle brought in by active-duty soldiers and civilians related to clubs.

Earlier, in January last year, Incheon Customs also requested an investigation by the Airport Police Unit and seized seven pistols and five rifles that were smuggled disguised as toy parts and assembled domestically.

According to the Korea Customs Service on the 14th, cases of attempting to import firearms, firearm parts, crossbows, and electronic stun guns without permission through overseas direct purchase have increased recently, taking advantage of the surge in overseas direct purchases due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In particular, it has been identified that powder-actuated fastening guns (guns that use the explosive force of gunpowder to drive nails into steel plates or concrete) are being attempted to be imported in large quantities via express sea shipments from China.

On the other hand, the “Act on the Safety Control of Firearms, Swords, and Explosives” allows the import of firearms such as fastening guns only with the permission of the head of the city or provincial police agency, so most imports are currently denied clearance.

Status of Major Social Safety Hazardous Items Detected by Customs from 2019 to June 2022. Provided by Korea Customs Service

Scopes (a type of firearm part) purchased overseas by individuals for survival games are restricted from import if they have both aiming points (reticles) and adjustment functions.

Additionally, crossbows with an effective range of 30 meters or more, electronic stun guns capable of discharging high-voltage current instantaneously, electronic stun guns that can spray compressed gas containing tear or suffocating agents, and sprayers that can temporarily incapacitate human activity are also restricted from import.

Most importantly, firearms such as pistols, rifles, air guns, shotguns, industrial fastening guns, fishing guns, gas guns, firearm parts including barrels, receivers, silencers, scopes, and hazardous items such as crossbows, electronic stun guns, and sprayers are denied customs clearance if imported without permission from the National Police Agency or relevant authorities. According to the Korea Customs Service, violators face imprisonment from a minimum of 3 years up to 15 years or fines ranging from 30 million to 100 million KRW under related laws.

Yoon Tae-sik, Commissioner of the Korea Customs Service, stated, “We plan to strengthen the blocking of imports of items that could threaten public life and safety from customs borders at airports and ports. When purchasing firearms or related items through overseas direct purchase, even for personal use, importing them without permission from the National Police Agency or related institutions is prohibited (customs clearance denied) and may result in punishment. We ask for the public’s understanding and caution.”

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