Liquor Import Agency
(Wine · Chinese Spirits · Japanese Sake · Whisky · Vodka)Purple Ocean International Co., Ltd. is a specialist liquor import agency, managing the import, customs clearance, licensing, taxation, and distribution structure of all types of liquor worldwide — including wine, Chinese distilled spirits (baijiu/gaoliang), Japanese sake (nihonshu/shochu), whisky, and vodka — with a hands-on, practice-centered approach.
Liquor import is a highly complex field — far beyond simple customs clearance. It simultaneously involves multi-layered legal, tax, and administrative procedures including liquor manufacturing and import licenses, National Tax Service declarations, tariff/liquor tax/education tax/VAT calculations, MFDS standards, labeling regulations, and bonded warehouse operations.
Drawing on years of hands-on experience, we provide customized liquor import agency solutions tailored to each client — from small and medium enterprises, individual business owners, and Korean branches of foreign companies, to university research departments, research institutions, and large conglomerates importing raw materials and secondary products.
In particular, we pre-address the most challenging aspects for overseas liquor brands entering the Korean market:
- Import license structure design
- Tax structure simulation
- Parallel import and exclusive contract risk review
- Advance assessment of domestic distribution feasibility — supporting failure-free liquor import
Frequently Asked Questions
The full process is covered — direct contact with overseas wineries, import contracts, international logistics (air freight, ocean freight), liquor packaging, import license preparation, MFDS procedures, tariff/liquor tax/VAT declarations, Korean labeling, specialized liquor warehouse/wine cellar management, and cargo release.
No. A liquor import license is mandatory.
The basic flow is the same, but liquor tax rates, labeling standards, and inspection items vary depending on alcohol content, country of origin, and ingredients — making advance review essential.
Yes. We can serve as a Korean branch for foreign companies, operate the import gateway, and manage trade, customs clearance, and taxation.
Yes. We have extensive experience handling initial imports, sample imports, and research-purpose liquor imports, designed for cost-effective efficiency.
Import Agency by Liquor Type
| Wine | High demand for European and American varieties; label review and certificate of origin mandatory |
| Whisky | Many premium brands; high liquor tax rate; bonded warehouse management is critical |
| Beer | Bulk import and distribution possible; expiry date and refrigerated logistics are essential |
| Sake | High demand for Japanese products; alcohol content and ingredient testing required |
| Traditional Liquor | Overseas-produced products require separate certification for domestic sale |
| Vodka | Popular Eastern European and Russian varieties; alcohol content verification essential |
| Rum | Caribbean and Latin American imports; certificate of origin and liquor tax review required |
| Gin | Herb and botanical ingredient verification; strict labeling requirements |
| Tequila | Exclusively produced in Mexico; certificate of origin mandatory |
| Champagne | French-origin protected designation; high-value label management required |
HS Codes for Imported Liquor
| Liquor Type | HS Code | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Beer | 2203.00 | Beer made from malt |
| Wine | 2204.21 | Grape wine, volume ≤ 2 litres |
| Wine | 2204.29 | Grape wine, volume > 2 litres |
| Sparkling Wine (Champagne) | 2204.10 | Including champagne |
| Fortified Wine (Port, Sherry, etc.) | 2204.30 | Alcohol-fortified wine |
| Vermouth | 2205.10 / 2205.90 | Flavored wine |
| Other Fermented Beverages (Cider, Perry, Mead, etc.) | 2206.00 | Apple wine, pear wine, mead, etc. |
| Soju | 2208.90-2000 | Distilled spirits |
| Whisky | 2208.30 | Including blended and single malt |
| Brandy (including Cognac) | 2208.20 | Including cognac |
| Rum | 2208.40 | Sugarcane-based distilled spirit |
| Gin | 2208.50 | Gin / juniper berry distilled spirit |
Wine Import Agency
| What is Wine? | An alcoholic beverage made by fermenting grapes. Taste and aroma vary depending on the grape variety, fermentation method, and aging period. |
| Types of Wine | Red Wine: Fermented with red grape skins → rich tannins and body |
| White Wine: Fermented from green grapes or with skins removed → fresh and crisp | |
| Rosé Wine: Fermented with brief red grape skin contact → subtle color and flavor | |
| Sparkling Wine: Carbonation from CO₂ produced during fermentation (representative: Champagne) | |
| Dessert Wine: High-sugar wine, enjoyed after meals | |
| Reading a Wine Label | Country of origin / Region (e.g., Bordeaux, France; Tuscany, Italy) |
| Grape variety (Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, etc.) | |
| Vintage (harvest year) | |
| Alcohol by volume (ABV) |
Major Wine Grape Varieties
| Category | Variety | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Cabernet Sauvignon | Full body, blackcurrant and tobacco notes. Flagship variety of Bordeaux, France and Napa Valley, USA |
| Merlot | Soft tannins, plum and chocolate notes. Easy drinking even for beginners | |
| Pinot Noir | Light body, cherry and strawberry notes. Flagship variety of Burgundy, France | |
| White | Chardonnay | Versatile styles ranging from buttery and oaky to fresh and citrusy |
| Sauvignon Blanc | Bright acidity, grassy notes, grapefruit and lime flavors | |
| Riesling | Can range from sweet to crisp; peach and floral notes. Flagship variety of Germany |
How to Read a Wine Label
A wine label is like the wine's identity card. By reading the label well, you can anticipate the type, quality, and flavor of the wine.
Indicates the nationality of the wine. Each major producing country — France, Italy, Spain, Chile, the USA, Australia — has its own distinct characteristics.
Example: Produit de France → French wine
Indicates the region where the wine was produced. In France, regional names such as Bordeaux, Bourgogne, and Champagne are particularly significant.
The stricter the appellation designation, the stronger the quality guarantee. (AOC, DOCG, DO, etc.)
The name of the winery or company that produced the wine. The brand of a renowned winery provides an assurance of credibility.
Indicates the name of the grape variety used. Representatives include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Riesling. Traditional European wines often identify themselves by regional name rather than grape variety.
Refers to the year the grapes were harvested. A vintage from an exceptional year can significantly elevate the wine's value.
Typically between 11% and 15%. Higher ABV generally indicates a longer aging period and a fuller body.
The standard bottle is 750ml. (Half bottle: 375ml; Magnum: 1.5L, etc.)
Each country has its own classification system. France: AOC, Vin de Pays, Vin de Table / Italy: DOCG, DOC, IGT / Spain: DO, DOCa. Higher grades indicate stricter production regulations and quality assurance.