Please let me know if I need to visit customs directly to obtain the English Export Clearance Certificate, if it is possible to apply online through UNI-PASS, and what the required documents and fees are. Released

Detailed Guide on Issuance Procedure of English Export Clearance Certificate: Customs Visit, UNI-PASS Online Application, Required Documents and Fees

The English Export Clearance Certificate is an essential document required in various trade activities such as transaction evidence with overseas buyers, settlement of export proceeds by banks, foreign exchange management, or proof of export performance. There are mainly two methods to obtain this certificate, and we will explain each procedure and requirements in detail.

1. Method to Apply and Obtain Officially at Customs (Visit or Electronic Document Application)

This method is a procedure where the exporter or export owner directly applies for the 'English Export Clearance Certificate' at customs based on Article 22, Paragraph 6 of the "Notice on Export Clearance Office Handling." It is mainly used when a certificate in a specific format is required or when official confirmation procedures by customs are involved.

• Eligible Applicants and Institutions: Exporters or export owners can apply to the customs director of the clearance location of the export goods or the customs director of the jurisdiction of the export owner.
• Required Documents (Form): The 'English Export Clearance Certificate' form, which is Annex Form No. 1 specified in the "Notice on Export Clearance Office Handling," must be accurately filled out with the export declaration acceptance details and submitted. At this time, items that can be translated into English (e.g., product name, specifications, trade name) from the existing Korean-written export declaration acceptance details must be translated and entered in English.
• Application Method: It is possible to submit documents by visiting customs directly, and a more efficient method is to apply by writing in electronic document format. Electronic document application has the advantage of being able to apply conveniently without time and place constraints.
• Fee: When applying for the issuance of the English Export Clearance Certificate in this way, a fee of 400 won per case is incurred according to Article 322, Paragraph 6 of the "Customs Act." This corresponds to the actual cost required for customs to provide administrative services.

2. Online Direct Issuance through the National Customs Comprehensive Information Network UNI-PASS (Most Convenient and Common Method)

Most exporters or export owners prefer the method of directly obtaining the English Export Declaration Certificate through the UNI-PASS (Unipass) website, a service of the National Customs Comprehensive Information Network. This method is the fastest and most convenient, and it can be issued at any time without separate visits or face-to-face procedures.

• Eligible Applicants: The exporter who proceeded with the export declaration or the export owner of the goods can directly obtain it. You must log in to the UNI-PASS system with a public certificate, etc., and go through the identity verification procedure.
• Issuance Procedure:
  1. Access the UNI-PASS website (unipass.customs.go.kr) and log in.
  2. Click the 'Electronic Declaration' menu at the top of the main screen.
  3. Select the 'Customs Form Print' submenu.
  4. Select the 'Export Declaration Certificate' menu, then search for the desired export declaration number to print in English. The system automatically translates the Korean content into English and displays it.
• Required Documents: When directly issuing through UNI-PASS, there is no need to submit separate application documents. This is because the previously reported export declaration acceptance details are stored in the computer system, and based on this, an English-translated certificate is printed in real time. However, a public certificate (or other authentication means) that can verify your identity by logging into UNI-PASS is essential.
• Fee: Direct issuance of the English Export Declaration Certificate through UNI-PASS generally does not incur separate fees. This is part of the public service provided by the Korea Customs Service to support the export activities of companies. (The cost of paper and ink required for printing is borne by the individual.)

3. Additional Explanation and Precautions

• Understanding of Terms: The 'English Export Clearance Certificate' you inquired about is generally an expression that collectively refers to documents that prove the completion of export in English. In the method of formally applying to customs, a specific form called 'English Export Clearance Certificate' is used, and the method of directly printing from UNI-PASS means the English version of the existing 'Export Declaration Certificate.' Both documents perform the same function of proving export facts in English.
• Accuracy of Information: The content of the English Export Clearance Certificate is based on the data submitted at the time of the existing export declaration, so the export declaration content must be accurately and consistently written. In particular, it is necessary to check for typos in information displayed in English (exporter's trade name, product name, specifications, etc.). If errors occur, problems may arise in the process of overseas customs clearance or trade payment settlement.
• Preparation According to Purpose of Use: This certificate is used in various trade tasks such as customs refund applications for export goods, L/C (letter of credit) negotiation document submission, import customs data of overseas buyers, and foreign exchange transaction evidence. Depending on the purpose for which it is needed, the form or detailed information required by the submission place may vary, so it is important to check the requirements of the submission place in advance.

In conclusion, the issuance of the English Export Clearance Certificate can be done by officially applying to customs (a fee of 400 won is incurred, visit or electronic document application) and by directly issuing through UNI-PASS (no fee, immediate online issuance). In most cases, it is recommended to use UNI-PASS, which can be conveniently issued online without a fee. Understand the characteristics and requirements of each method, and choose the most suitable method for your situation to efficiently handle your tasks.