Imported Baby Formula, Overseas Direct Purchase Prices Up to 15,000 Won Cheaper... "Must Consider Conditions Like Tariffs and Taxes"

Korea Consumer Agency Compares Prices of Three Imported Brands
Up to 15,181 KRW Cheaper Than Officially Imported Products
"Carefully Check Customs Limits and Overseas Shipping Fees"

When purchasing popular imported infant formula products through overseas direct purchase, the price is cheaper than domestically officially imported products, but consumers need to be cautious as conditions such as customs clearance limits, customs and value-added tax, and overseas shipping costs vary greatly.

The Korea Consumer Agency announced on the 17th that, as a result of investigating the overseas direct purchase prices and domestic official import prices of eight infant formula products from three popular imported brands (Aptamil, HiPP, Holle), overseas direct purchase products were found to be cheaper by at least 800 KRW and up to 15,181 KRW per 800g can of infant formula compared to domestically officially imported products.

Specifically, Aptamil, the most sought-after brand by consumers, was up to 15,181 KRW cheaper, HiPP was up to 10,376 KRW cheaper, and Holle was up to 2,464 KRW cheaper. However, when purchasing infant formula overseas for personal use, consumers should carefully check not only the price but also customs clearance weight limits and customs and value-added tax exemption amounts.

The personal use recognition standard for infant formula is 5 kg (equivalent to 6 cans of 800g each), and exceeding this amount may result in the goods being returned to the sender or disposed of, so caution is required. Additionally, if the price of the goods exceeds USD 150, customs and value-added tax may be imposed, so it is necessary to compare various conditions such as tax exemption benefits before purchasing. Besides the price of the infant formula, if overseas and domestic shipping fees are charged separately, it is necessary to check the final price including these fees.

The Consumer Agency emphasized, "When purchasing infant formula through overseas direct purchase, consider the long delivery period, check the expiration date after receiving the product, and verify related information as the return and refund procedures for overseas direct purchases are complicated."

Meanwhile, despite the decline in the domestic birth rate, demand for imported infant formula has steadily increased, with the import volume of formula milk rising from 4,451 tons in 2019 to 4,913 tons in 2023.