Reports of customs code misuse quadruple in South Korea
In South Korea, the number of reports of suspected improper use of personal customs clearance codes in 2025 increased more than fourfold compared with 2023, reaching 71,440. In the first eight months of 2026, another 33,545 such reports were received, Korea Herald reports, citing data from the Korea Customs Service.
Report trends
In 2023, the customs service received 16,355 reports of possible code misuse, followed by 24,741 in 2024. In 2025, the figure rose to 71,440.
A personal customs clearance code, or PCCC, is used for customs clearance of goods purchased directly from abroad. It is used instead of a resident registration number. The customs service said that as the number of such purchases increased, so did cases of code misuse, including for tax evasion or drug smuggling.
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Additional authentication
On August 28, 2026, the Korea Customs Service began pilot operation of an e-commerce customs clearance platform designed to prevent PCCC misuse. The system requires users to enter, along with their PCCC, a one-time verification code sent by email or SMS for every direct purchase from abroad.
The requirement applies to people who obtain a new PCCC or change their registered information after August 28, as well as existing users when updating their code. Until then, they can place orders using only their PCCC. Online platforms with customs service-approved identity verification systems are exempt from requiring buyers to enter these codes.
The agency acknowledged that after misuse is detected, it may be difficult to determine exactly where the personal data leak occurred. Experts also stressed that people who discover their data have been compromised should promptly change their customs clearance code.
