Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormEssential oil (lemon oil)
Industry PositionFood flavoring ingredient / food additive (flavoring substance) input
Market
In South Korea, lemon oil is primarily an imported essential-oil ingredient used as a flavoring input for food and beverage manufacturing and related B2B formulation (HS 330113 in UN Comtrade/WITS tables). UN Comtrade data presented via the World Bank WITS platform indicates Korea imported about USD 2.62 million (82,183 kg) of HS 330113 in 2024, with the United States and Italy among the largest suppliers by value. Korea’s exports of the same HS 330113 line are comparatively small (about USD 17.55 thousand in 2024), consistent with an import-dependent market. Market access for food-use shipments depends on MFDS imported-food import declaration procedures and conformity with Korea’s Food Additive Code framework for additives/flavoring substances.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent ingredient market)
Domestic RoleB2B flavoring ingredient used by domestic food and beverage manufacturers; domestic production appears limited relative to imports
Market GrowthMixed (recent trade years (2023–2024))2023–2024 import value decreased slightly in UN Comtrade/WITS for HS 330113
Specification
Compositional Metrics- Quality assessment commonly references physicochemical characteristics and analytical profiling as set out in ISO 855:2003 for expressed lemon oil.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas citrus-oil producer (expression/cold-press) → bulk export shipment → Korean port entry → customs clearance and (if food use) MFDS import declaration/inspection workflow → local B2B distribution to flavor houses/food manufacturers
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighMisclassification (e.g., food-use flavoring vs. other uses) or failure to meet MFDS imported-food import declaration/document expectations can lead to clearance delays, rejection, or corrective actions at the border.Before shipment, confirm intended-use classification, align specifications to MFDS food additive/flavoring requirements where applicable, and pre-check the current MFDS published import-declaration document checklist (증명서제출).
Quality Fraud MediumEssential oils can face authenticity/adulteration risk (dilution, substitution, or off-spec composition), creating regulatory and customer-rejection risk in Korea’s B2B ingredient channels.Contract for defined quality specs (e.g., ISO 855:2003-aligned parameters for expressed lemon oil), require batch COA, and implement periodic authenticity testing with documented traceability.
Logistics MediumErrors in shipment declaration (including HS classification and any transport-hazard documentation expectations for concentrated oils) can trigger holds and added cost, even when the product’s freight intensity is low.Use experienced customs brokerage, validate HS code and documentation pack pre-shipment, and align shipping labels/docs with importer and carrier requirements.
FAQ
How much lemon oil did South Korea import in 2024, and who were the main suppliers?UN Comtrade data shown via the World Bank WITS platform indicates South Korea imported about USD 2.62 million (82,183 kg) of HS 330113 (essential oils of lemon) in 2024. The largest suppliers by import value were the United States and Italy, followed by Spain, France, and Japan.
Is South Korea mainly an importer or exporter of lemon oil?South Korea is mainly an importer for HS 330113: in 2024, imports (about USD 2.62 million) were far larger than exports (about USD 17.55 thousand) in UN Comtrade data presented via World Bank WITS.
Where can importers check the required documents for MFDS import declaration of imported foods?MFDS publishes and updates the import-declaration required-document list on its ‘수입식품정보마루’ site under ‘증명서제출’. Those notices describe which documents should be submitted at import declaration and which documents businesses should confirm and retain.