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For those who frequently shop online from abroad to South Korea — whether through forwarding services, global marketplaces, or personal shipments — there is one important document you must have: Personal Customs Clearance Code (PCC) or in Korean, 개인통관고유부호. Without a PCC, your shipment may be held at South Korean customs due to unverifiable sender or recipient identity data. This article will fully explain what PCC is, how to obtain it, and how to use it safely.
What is Personal Customs Clearance Code (PCC)?
Personal Customs Clearance Code is a unique personal identification number issued by the Korea Customs Service (관세청) for each individual making overseas direct purchases to Korea. Its primary purpose is to protect your personal data — such as your Residence Registration Number — from exposure during customs inspection.
Simply put, PCC serves as a "customs ID" that replaces your original identification number. Here are its main characteristics:
Starts with the letter P, followed by 12 digits. Example: P240123456789.
It does not expire. Once issued, it can be used for all subsequent purchases.
Preventing the original identification number from the risk of data leakage during the customs clearance process.
Immediately issued after identity verification is complete — no need to wait for days.
Why is PCC Mandatory?
Every item entering South Korea through overseas purchases must go through customs clearance. During this process, Korean customs requires clear identification of the consignee. PCC serves as the official reference number reported along with consignee information during import declaration and customs clearance list.
Without a valid PCC, your package may be detained at the customs office until the consignee provides the correct number. This causes delivery delays of several days.
PCC is connected to the Korea Customs Service system, so your cumulative purchase history is monitored. This is crucial for calculating duty-free and tax thresholds.
No need to provide your Residence Registration Number (Korean ID Card) to the seller or shipping party — just share your PCC.
If you activate the notification option, you'll receive an SMS every time there's an export-import activity using your PCC — useful for detecting misuse.
3 Ways to Issue PCC
The Korea Customs Service provides three methods for issuing PCC. Choose the one that best suits your device and situation:
The most practical and fastest method. Available for Android and iOS.
Download the Mobile Customs Service application from the Play Store or App Store, then open the 개인통관고유부호 menu. The entire process from verification to issuance is completed in one application.
An alternative if you do not want to install additional applications.
Open a browser on your phone, then search for "개인통관고유부호" through Naver, Google, or Daum. Click the 신규발급 (New Issuance) button to start registration.
Ideal for those who already have a Joint Certificate or Financial Certificate on their computer.
Visit unipass.customs.go.kr/csp/persIndex.do, click 신규발급, then select the available identity verification method.
Complete Steps for Issuing PCC via Mobile Application
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create a PCC using the Mobile Customs Service application — the most popular and practical method:
Open the Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS), search with the keyword 모바일관세청 or Mobile Customs Service. Make sure the official developer is "관세청" (Korea Customs Service), then tap Install.
On the main page of the application, tap the 개인통관고유부호 (PCC) icon. You will be directed to the registration or checking page.
There are three options: HP verification (휴대전화), Joint Certificate (공동인증서), or Simple Authentication (간편인증). Details of each method are explained in the next section.
Enter your name (full name), Residence Registration number (주민등록번호), and registered Korean mobile phone number. Perform verification according to the chosen method.
After successful verification, fill in your complete address in Korea (using the zip code search feature), mobile phone number, and email (optional). Check all required agreements.
Your PCC will be issued immediately — a 13-digit number starting with the letter P. Keep it safe, as this is the code you will use for every purchase from abroad.
Three Identity Verification Methods
The mandatory verification requirement is to use a Korean mobile phone number or Joint Certificate in your own name. Here are explanations of each option:
Most commonly used. Done through the PASS application (provided by cellular operators SKT, KT, LGU+, Alddeulpon) or via SMS. The mobile phone number must be registered in your own name in Korea.
Official digital certificate (formerly known as Accredited Certificate). For iPhone and Android users version 11 and above, the certificate must be transferred from PC to mobile phone via the "인증서이동" menu on the UNIPASS portal.
The fastest method if you already have an application such as KakaoTalk, Naver, Toss, PAYCO, PASS, NH, KB Mobile, Hana, Shinhan, Bank Salad, or Samsung Pass. Verification is done via push notification to the chosen application.
PCC Format and How to Use It
PCC consists of 13 characters: 1 letter P followed by 12 digits. Once issued, you will receive a display like this:
CONTOH PERSONAL CUSTOMS CLEARANCE CODE
P240123456789
13 digits · starts with the letter P
When making online purchases from abroad to Korea, enter the PCC in the requested column — usually labeled as "Personal Customs Clearance Code", "Customs Code", "Recipient ID", or "Buyer ID" at checkout. If using a proxy service or freight forwarder, simply provide the PCC to your agent; there is no need to provide the original Residence Registration number.
Tips and Important Things to Note
PCC does not have an expiration date. Once created, it can be used for life as long as it has not been deactivated.
You can deactivate and reissue a PCC, but a maximum of 5 times per year. Address and contact data can be updated at any time without limitations.
The cell phone number and certificate used for verification must be in your own name. Using someone else's data violates the Korean Information Technology Act and may result in criminal penalties.
Requires additional verification from a legal guardian aged 19 and above after the initial identity verification is complete.
During registration, check the notification option. You will receive an SMS every time there is a customs transaction or data change — useful for early detection of misuse.
Check again the spelling of your name and identification number. If it still fails, contact KCB customer service at 02-708-1000 to ensure your registration status and identity theft protection features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes. Anyone who receives goods sent from abroad to an address in Korea is required to have a PCC, regardless of nationality. The important thing is that you have an Alien Registration Number (ARC) and a Korean cell phone number in your own name.
No. The issuance of a PCC is completely free through the official Korea Customs Service channel. Be wary of parties that offer paid PCC creation services.
Just open the Mobile Customs Service application or UNIPASS website, select the 조회 (checking) menu, perform identity verification — your PCC number will be displayed immediately.
No. Each individual must have their own PCC. Using someone else's PCC for personal imports can be considered a violation and impose double taxation.
Technically, it can, as long as you have a Korean Residence/Alien Registration number and access to a verification method (Korean cell phone or Joint Certificate). However, for Indonesian citizens who have never lived in Korea and do not have this data, a PCC cannot be created.
Conclusion
Personal Customs Clearance Code (PCC) is a mandatory document for anyone receiving goods sent from abroad to South Korea. With a relatively quick creation process — only a few minutes through the Mobile Customs Service application — as well as free and valid for life, there is no reason to delay the issuance of your PCC. The existence of a PCC will protect personal data, speed up the customs clearance process, and prevent your shipments from being detained at Korean customs.
If you often shop or send goods between Indonesia and Korea, Erge Asia is ready to assist with your entire international shipping process — from purchase assistance services, document shipping, to freight forwarding — with a team that understands the customs regulations of both countries. Contact Erge Asia for a free consultation and the best shipping solutions to Korea!
