Freight Shipping between Malaysia and South Korea

Malaysia and South Korea have a strong trade relationship as each other's top trading partners. Malaysia exported goods worth around $1.26 billion to South Korea, while South Korea exported goods worth around $805 million to Malaysia in December 2022. However, to ensure smooth trading, it is essential to understand the customs procedures and regulations related to freight shipping.

In this article, we will take a closer look at these aspects to assist businesses looking to ship goods between these two countries.

Table of Contents

What are the freight shipping options between South Korea and Malaysia?

There are several types of freight that can be shipped between South Korea and Malaysia, including:

Air freight: This involves shipping goods by airplane. This option can be faster than shipping by sea, but it can be more expensive.
Maritime freight FCL (Full Container Load): This is a type of freight shipping where the shipper rents a full container to transport their goods. This option is often used for large-sized shipments or shipments of large quantity.
Maritime freight LCL (Less than Container Load): This is a type of freight shipping where multiple shippers share a container to transport their goods. This option is often used for small-sized shipments or shipments of small quantity.
Land freight: This involves shipping goods by truck or train. This option can be used to transport goods between South Korea and Malaysia.

There is no direct land route connecting South Korea and Malaysia, as the two countries are separated by the East China Sea and the South China Sea. However, it is possible to transport goods between these two countries via land routes using road or rail transport services, but this would require transshipment and changes in mode of transport.

Sea freight between South Korea and Malaysia is the most commonly used mode of transport in international freight. This mode of transport is commonly used to ship bulk and heavy goods, and is generally more cost-effective than air freight.

The advantages of sea freight

Cost-effectiveness: Maritime transport is generally more cost-effective than other modes of transport such as air freight or road transport, especially for large and heavy shipments.
Capacity: Ships have the capacity to transport large quantities of goods over long distances, making them an ideal mode of transportation for international trade.
Accessibility: Ports are located worldwide, providing access to many destinations that are not accessible by other modes of transport.
Flexibility: Maritime transport offers a range of shipping options, including full container loads (FCL), less than container loads (LCL), and the transport of non-containerized goods, allowing for the transportation of a wide variety of products.
Environmental sustainability: Generally, maritime transport has a lower carbon footprint than other modes of transport, such as air or road transport.
Safety: Maritime transport is strictly regulated and has safety measures in place to ensure the safety of cargo during transport.

The disadvantages of sea freight between Malaysia and South Korea

Longer transit times: sea freight is generally slower than other modes of transport such as air freight or road transport, which can result in supply delays.
Exposure to environmental conditions: Cargoes transported by sea are exposed to weather conditions, storms, waves, and other environmental factors that can damage the cargo.
Need for specialized infrastructure: Ports and maritime transport terminals require specialized infrastructure to allow for loading and unloading of ships, which can make maritime transport less convenient for some destinations.
Additional costs: While maritime transport is generally cheaper than other modes of transport, it can result in additional costs such as port handling fees and insurance costs.

The main ports of South Korea :

Port of Busan: Busan is the largest port in South Korea and the fifth busiest container port in the world, handling over 21.6 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) which is equivalent to 717,120,000 cubic meters in 2020 (1 TEU = 33.2 cubic meters). It is also a major transshipment hub for Northeast Asia.
Port of Incheon: Incheon is the second largest port in South Korea and the 32nd busiest container port in the world. In 2020, it handled 3.3 million TEU of containerized freight.
Port of Gwangyang: Gwangyang is the third largest port in South Korea and the country's largest steel port. It handled 2.9 million TEU of containerized freight in 2020.
Port of Pyeongtaek-Dangjin: Pyeongtaek-Dangjin is the fourth largest port in South Korea and an important port for automobile exports. It handled 2.2 million TEU of containerized freight in 2020.
Port of Ulsan: The Port of Ulsan is the fifth largest port in South Korea and an important port for petrochemical exports. It handled 1.8 million TEU of containerized freight in 2020.

Main ports of Malaysia:

Port Klang: located about 40 km west of Kuala Lumpur, it is the largest port in Malaysia and one of the most important ports in Asia.
Port of Tanjung Pelepas: located in Johor, southern Malaysia, it is the second largest port in Malaysia and one of the most modern ports in Asia.
Port of Penang: located on the northwest coast of Malaysia, it is the third busiest port in Malaysia and one of the main transit ports in the region.
Port of Johor: located in Johor Bahru, it is the fourth most important port in Malaysia.

Should I use FCL or LCL?

The decision between using LCL (Less than Container Load) or FCL (Full Container Load) for shipping freight from Malaysia to France will depend on various factors such as volume, weight, or quantity.

If you have a smaller or medium quantity of goods, you can opt for LCL, which allows for consolidating several shipments from different shippers into a single container. This option can be more cost-effective as the costs are shared among several shippers. However, LCL can be slower and more prone to delays because it requires extra time for consolidating and deconsolidating the goods.

On the other hand, if you have a significant amount of goods to ship, you may consider using FCL, which allows for shipping an entire container for your exclusive use. This option can be faster, safer, and more reliable as it avoids handling and risks associated with consolidating multiple shipments. However, FCL can be more expensive as you will be responsible for the total cost of the container, even if you do not use all the available space.

Advantages of LCL shipping

Cost: LCL shipments are often cheaper than FCL (Full Container Load) shipments, as you only pay for the space you use in the container.
Flexibility: LCL shipments allow for smaller quantities of goods to be shipped and can therefore be more flexible in terms of timing and quantities.
Consolidation of cargoes: Shipping goods in LCL allows for the consolidation of multiple cargoes from different shippers into a single container, which can be beneficial for smaller-sized businesses.

The disadvantages of LCL

Transit time: LCL shipments often take longer than FCL shipments, as the transit time is generally longer.
Risks of damage and loss: When goods are transported in LCL, they may be more susceptible to damage and loss, as they must be handled multiple times during loading and unloading.
Customs formalities: Customs formalities can be more complex for LCL shipments, as there are multiple shippers involved in a single container. This can result in delays and additional costs.

Advantages of FCL shipping

Dedicated space: Shipping goods in FCL provides dedicated space for the goods, reducing the risks of damages or losses.
Speed: Shipping goods in FCL is often faster than shipping goods in LCL, as there is no waiting time for consolidating the goods with other cargoes.
Flexibility: Shipping goods in FCL offers greater flexibility in terms of choice of shipping dates and delivery locations.
Economies of scale: The transportation costs per unit can be lower with shipping goods in FCL, as the fixed costs are spread among multiple units.

Disadvantages of FCL shipping

Cost: Shipping goods in FCL can be more expensive than shipping goods in LCL, as the customer must pay for the entire container space even if it is not fully utilized.
Capacity: Shippers may encounter capacity issues if containers are not available at the desired time.
Damage risks: Although shipping goods in FCL reduces the risks of damages, the goods can still be damaged during transport due to weather conditions or transport vibrations.
Customs formalities: Customs formalities can be more complex for shipping goods in FCL, as the customer must provide all the necessary documents for customs clearance of the goods.

How much does it cost to ship from Malaysia to South Korea?

Shipping goods by sea freight carries a wide range of costs based on a number of variables. For instance, you wouldn't use the same container type if you were sending a small or large quantity.

If your shipment is less than 15 cubic meters in size, go with an LCL (Less Than Container Load) as opposed to an FCL (Full Container Load). Naturally, our professionals will help you make the decision that is optimal for your requirements.

*The ultimate cost will be affected by your needs and our capacity to offer packing and/or loading services.

We can nevertheless explain how this is computed because the weight and quantity of the products being transported impact the cost of marine freight.

You should be aware that the weight/volume ratio is determined using the equivalent rule: = 1 m3 per ton.
In UP, groupage and conventional forms of transportation are well-established.
The carrier will always benefit by performing the computation or correlating to the highest value, regardless of the unit of measurement (in volume or in mass).

Air freight is the process of moving goods from one place to another using specifically designed aircraft, such as cargo planes or empty space in commercial planes. It is often used for urgent shipments or those requiring fast delivery, or for products that require specialized handling, such as perishable or hazardous goods.

Express versus regular air freight ?

There are two distinct forms of transportation:

Traditional air freight : This method is used by airlines like British Airways, Air China, Thai Airways, and Qatar Airways to deliver cargo on routine flights. It utilizes the space on commercial airplanes that is available.

Express air freight : With this second, more expensive choice, things are flown on freighter-specific aircraft. After that, "courier firms" are in charge of offering door-to-door services, such picking up the goods from the airplane and delivering them to the customer. They are, in order, UPS, FedEx, TNT, and DHL. This method of supplying goods to clients also enables hand delivery of such items anywhere in the world.

Main Malaysia airports

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)
Penang International Airport (PEN)
Langkawi International Airport (LGK)
Kuching International Airport (KCH)
Senai International Airport (JHB)
Miri International Airport (MYY)
Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB)
Sandakan Airport (SDK)
Sultan Mahmud Airport (TGG)

Main South Korean airports

Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
Jeju International Airport (CJU)
Daegu International Airport (TAE)
Busan's Gimhae International Airport (PUS)
Cheongju International Airport (CJJ)
Gwangju Airport (KWJ)
Ulsan Airport (USN)
Yangyang International Airport (YNY)
Muan International Airport (MWX)

How much does air freight between malaysia and south korea ?

Considering how much bulk and weight affect air freight rates, the cost will probably change based on what you're transporting. Because your shipment must also pass customs when it arrives, the contents will have an impact on your rates.

What distinguishes volumetric weight from gross weight ?

In order to account for the density of your cargo, two methods are used to classify the charged weight of your items.

Let's examine the process used to determine air freight tariffs. Understanding the distinction between volumetric weight and real weight is crucial for you. You can comprehend your air freight quotes once you've received them.

The carrier will provide you a quote based on this weight if the volumetric weight exceeds the actual weight of your consignment. Now that you know how it works, you may utilize online load weight calculators to make things simpler.

Customs clearance between Malaysia and South Korea

Customs clearance refers to the procedures and checks required to allow imported or exported goods to enter or leave a country in compliance with relevant laws and regulations. It involves administrative processes and customs inspections to ensure the goods meet the requirements.

The necessary document:

The customs clearance process for importing or exporting goods between Malaysia and South Korea involves several documents that must be filled out correctly to avoid any delays or issues at customs.

Commercial invoice: This document details the description of the goods, quantities, prices, sales conditions, and other relevant information.
Certificate of Origin: This document proves the origin of the goods and is necessary to determine applicable customs duties.
Transport document: This can include a transport invoice, a bill of lading, or an airway bill, which indicates shipment details such as the name of the sender and recipient, the date of shipment, mode of transportation, and carrier details.
Customs declaration: This document is filled out by the importer or exporter and provides information about the goods to the customs administration.
Certificates of complianceor other regulatory documents: This may include safety certificates, environmental compliance certificates, or any other regulatory document required for specific goods.

The process of customs clearance :

The customs clearance process can be summarized in the following steps:

The Malaysian exporter prepares the necessary customs clearance documents such as a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and any necessary permits or licenses.
The goods are shipped from Malaysia to South Korea via air, sea, or land.
Import customs clearance request: The importer declares the goods to be imported to the customs chief, who would accept the declaration if it complies with customs law and other regulations.
Inspection: The process of inspecting and processing imports involves selecting goods for inspection using risk management techniques and analyzing cargo data to identify high-risk items.
If the goods are cleared, the importer pays applicable duties, taxes, or fees such as value-added tax (VAT) or customs duties, and the goods are released for delivery.
If the goods are flagged for further control, the KCS may conduct additional checks such as physical inspection of the goods, testing, or document verification. Once the KCS completes the customs clearance process, the goods can be delivered to their final destination in South Korea. For more information.

please visit the Korean Customs website by following this link for more information.

what is an HS code ?

The HS (Harmonized System) code is an international product classification system used by customs for the identification of imported or exported goods.

It is a six-digit code used to identify the type of product and to determine the applicable customs tariffs, as well as applicable regulations, restrictions, and requirements. Each country uses the HS code classification system, but some may add additional numbers to meet their national needs.

In Malaysia, the HS code is used for the classification of imported and exported goods and is administered by the Malaysian Customs Department.

How to find the HS code?

To find the HS code, you need to follow these simple steps:

Determine the nature of the product you want to import or export.
Visit the website of the World Customs Organization using this link.
Type the name of your product in the search bar and the HS code of your product will appear.

Customs Tariffs

South Korea imposes customs tariffs on certain imported products, although the country has signed several free trade agreements that have significantly reduced customs tariffs between member countries. Customs tariffs in South Korea vary depending on the product and country of origin. For example, imported cars may be subject to customs tariffs of up to 8%, while agricultural products may be subject to much higher customs tariffs, up to 513%.

FTA: FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS:

South Korea requires customs tariffs on certain imported products, although the country has signed several free trade agreements that have significantly reduced customs tariffs between member countries. Customs tariffs in South Korea vary depending on the product and country of origin.

How to obtain customs tariffs by product

In order to have a clear view of customs tariffs, you will need to determine the nature of the product and its country of origin.

To do this, you should follow these simple steps:

Visit the website of the South Korean customs from this link
Use a translation extension to translate the webpage (you can install it for Google Chrome via this link)

Type the HS code or product name in the Search Bar.
Click on the product you are looking for in the results

A detailed explanation of its tariff appears and you will thus obtain all the information which you need for your transaction.

Packaging and repackaging

Boxes are the most widely used kind of packaging. If your cardboard is of excellent quality, it may come in a range of sizes and be quite robust. If you're on a tight budget, pack carefully. When packing valuable or long-lasting objects, choose strong packaging.

Docshipper can handle all of your packing requirements. Whatever you need to pack, our technological professionals can handle it. You must agree that certain objects have odd dimensions. We'll take care of the packing for you! You are unable to pack since you lack the necessary supplies. For you, they will pack!

More information can be found on our specialist page : packing services.

FAQ | Freight between Malaysia and South Korea | Rates – Transit Times – Duties & Taxes

Can I get paid if my delivery is late?

When a delay is entirely attributable to them, express carriers promise recovery of all or a portion of the transportation charges for some of their services. The carrier is not liable for a shipment being blocked in customs, a strike, or a severe weather occurrence.

What are the permitted sizes and weights for packages being sent by expedited transportation?

While some carriers will take items up to 70 kilogram, the majority will only accept packages up to 30 kg for their primary service. Carriers decline to handle shipments that are excessively long or have dimensions that are limiting for transport, in addition to any minimal requirements. Therefore, a maximum length is mentioned in the general sales terms (from 1.5 meters to 2.7 meters)

What do you think is the best way to ship my items? Airplane ? By boat ? Train ?

There is no right or wrong answer to your question, it all depends on what you want to send and the constraints you have. If you are in a hurry and your item is not bulky, we recommend air freight. If your item is bulky and you are not in a hurry, we recommend sea freight.

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Freight Shipping between Malaysia and South Korea | Rates – Transit Times – Customs Clearance