How New US Customs Rules Affect K-Beauty Shoppers – And Why Buying from Korea is Better

Introduction

If you’re a K-beauty fan in the US, recent changes in customs regulations may affect how and where you shop. The US government has introduced stricter import rules for products shipped from China and Hong Kong, leading to potential delays, additional paperwork, and unexpected costs for American shoppers. However, there’s good news—buying directly from Korea offers a smoother, hassle-free alternative.

What’s Changing?

As of February 2025, the US has implemented new duties and additional import requirements on various products coming from China, as outlined in the Federal Register. These changes mean that shipments from China may now be subject to:

• Higher tariffs on certain products
• Increased customs scrutiny and delays
• Additional documentation requirements

Furthermore, changes to Section 321 de minimis rules mean that small shipments from China and Hong Kong that previously avoided import taxes will now also be taxed, with those taxes set to increase. This is a major shift, as many US-based shoppers previously relied on this exemption when purchasing K-beauty products from China- and Hong Kong-based retailers like YesStyle and Stylevana. (Source).

Why Buying from Korea is a Better Alternative

At Gwenchanda, we ship directly from South Korea, ensuring a smooth and efficient shopping experience for our US customers. Here’s why buying from Korea is a better choice:

✅ No Additional US Tariffs – Unlike China and Hong Kong, shipments from Korea are not subject to these new tariffs, keeping costs lower for US buyers.

✅ Faster Customs Clearance – US customs processes shipments from Korea more smoothly, reducing the risk of delays.

✅ No Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) – Shipments from China and Hong Kong with a value over 250 USD are now subject to an extra Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF), which can range from $32.71 to $634.62 per shipment, depending on the value of the order. Korean shipments are NOT subject to this fee, meaning you save even more (Source).

✅ 100% Authentic Products – With Gwenchanda, you’re getting fresh, genuine products directly from Korean brands.

✅ Transparent Pricing – No unexpected duties or handling fees at checkout. What you see is what you pay!

How Fast is Shipping from Korea?

Worried about long delivery times? Don’t be! Gwenchanda’s average shipping times, at the time of this publication, to the US are:

🚀 Processing Time: 2.5 days
🚀 Shipping Time: 2.0 days (FedEx Express)

That means you can get your K-beauty favorites in less than a week!

How Does Gwenchanda Compare to Other Retailers?

Many popular K-beauty retailers, such as YesStyle and Stylevana, operate from Hong Kong, which means their shipments will face similar scrutiny and delays under the new US customs regulations. Additionally, these stores will no longer be able to take advantage of duty-free de minimis exemptions, leading to higher costs for US shoppers.

While Olive Young also ships directly from Korea, Gwenchanda offers competitive pricing—often up to 20% lower—making it a smarter choice for budget-conscious K-beauty fans.

Conclusion: Shop Smarter, Not Harder

With new import duties and customs regulations on Chinese and Hong Kong shipments, now is the perfect time to switch to a hassle-free alternative. Shopping directly from Korea ensures you get authentic products without the extra costs and delays.

📢 Check out Gwenchanda today for the best selection of K-beauty products, fast global shipping, and worry-free shopping!

Shop These Popular K-beauty Products from Korea