Overseas Shopping 2025: Alcohol, Health Supplements & Medicines — Customs, Duties & Rules by Country

Overseas Direct Purchase Guide (2025): Country-by-Country Rules for Alcohol, Health Supplements & Medicines

Buying alcohol, vitamins, or medicines from overseas isn’t just about shipping fees. Each destination applies its own customs duties, taxes, and product controls. Below is a concise, up-to-date comparison for Korea, the United States, the European Union, and Australia, focusing on what ordinary consumers need to know to stay fully compliant.

Korea (입국·개인통관)

Taxes & Thresholds

Korea’s express cargo “list” clearance exempts personal-use imports up to a total customs value of USD 150 from customs duty and VAT. If the total exceeds USD 150, duty and VAT are charged on the full value.

Alcohol

Traveler allowances are often cited (1 bottle ≤1 L, ≤USD 400 duty-free for travelers ≥19), but mail-order alcohol is not duty-free and is taxed according to liquor/individual consumption tax and VAT.

Health Supplements & Medicines

• Medicines: generally allowed for personal use up to six bottles or a 3-month supply; prescription or label recommended.
• Health supplements: treated as food; keep small quantities (commonly six bottles).

United States

CBP prohibits mailing alcoholic beverages via USPS; personal import allowed case-by-case. Supplements are FDA-regulated but not pre-approved; prescription drugs strictly limited.

European Union (EU)

Since July 2021, the EU charges VAT on all imports (no €22 exemption). Sellers may use IOSS for ≤€150 parcels. Medicines require national authorization; alcohol taxed with excise + VAT.

Australia

Under the TGA Personal Importation Scheme, up to a 3-month supply per order is allowed. GST 10% applies to most imports, with excise duty on alcohol.

Quick Comparison (Personal Postal Imports)

Compare key import limits, taxes, and restrictions across Korea, the U.S., EU, and Australia.

Pro Tips for Compliant Shopping

• Traveler duty-free limits don’t apply to postal imports.
• Keep invoices and prescriptions for customs clearance.
• CBD and controlled medicines often restricted or prohibited.

References & Sources

• Korea Customs Service — De minimis USD150 rule
• U.S. FDA — Personal Importation Policy
• EU Commission — VAT/IOSS reforms 2021
• Australia TGA — Personal Importation Scheme