The U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) is the bilateral free trade agreement between the United States and the Republic of Korea. It was implemented in U.S. law by Pub. L. 112-41 and entered into force March 15, 2012. KORUS was renegotiated in 2018 with revisions to automotive and steel provisions; the amended agreement took effect January 1, 2019.
Tariff schedule. When KORUS entered into force, the U.S. eliminated duties on approximately 80% of Korean industrial imports immediately. The remaining categories phase out over staging schedules of up to 15 years. Most categories are now duty-free as of 2026.
Origin rules. KORUS uses product-specific rules in Annex 4-A. The agreement permits both tariff shift and regional value content tests (build-up: 35% / build-down: 45%). A 10% de minimis tolerance applies.
Auto provisions (2018 renegotiation). The 2018 amendment:
- Maintained Korea's 25-year quota of 25,000 U.S.-made vehicles per manufacturer that may enter under U.S. safety standards (vs. Korean standards)
- Extended the 25% U.S. tariff on Korean light trucks through 2041 (originally set to phase out in 2021)
- Did not change passenger vehicle treatment (Korean vehicles entered the U.S. duty-free upon entry-into-force)
Certification. Free-form certification by importer, exporter, or producer containing the prescribed data elements (KORUS Article 6.15). Valid for up to four years.
Claims. Use Special Program Indicator "KR" on CBP Form 7501. Post-entry claims under 19 U.S.C. § 1520(d) within one year.