280,733 counterfeit items stopped at customs — toys and stationery most common, K-brand fakes doubled
Source material is a Korean government announcement (in Korean).
In an intensive crackdown from 3 August to 30 September 2026, the Korea Customs Service detected 280,733 counterfeit items at the clearance stage; suspected sales or distribution of counterfeits can be reported to its Smuggling Report Center (☎125).
Key facts
| Crackdown period | 3 August – 30 September 2026, 34 customs offices nationwide |
|---|---|
| Items detected | 280,733 (about 4,700 per day on average) |
| Categories | Toys and stationery 93,862 (33.4%), personal accessories 69,531 (24.8%), clothing 34,789 (12.4%), bags 27,298 (9.7%), cosmetics 5,596 (2.0%) |
| K-brands | 9,571 items, double the May–June special crackdown (4,744) |
| Entry route | General import cargo 146,323 (52.1%), express/postal 129,627 (46.2%), traveller luggage 4,783 (1.7%) |
| Report | Korea Customs Service Smuggling Report Center ☎125 |
Last checked:
On 14 October the Korea Customs Service said that during an intensive crackdown on intellectual-property-infringing goods at 34 customs offices nationwide from 3 August to 30 September 2026, it detected and blocked 280,733 counterfeit items at the customs clearance stage. By category, toys and stationery accounted for 93,862 items (33.4%), personal accessories 69,531 (24.8%) and clothing 34,789 (12.4%). Counterfeit K-brand goods totalled 9,571 items, double the 4,744 found in the May–June special crackdown. By entry route, general import cargo accounted for 52.1% and express/postal shipments 46.2%. The Customs Service advised consumers to be suspicious of unusually cheap products first, buy from official sellers, and report suspected cases to its Smuggling Report Center (☎125).
Summaries below are factual notes based on government announcements and primary sources — not evaluations or opinions.
FAQ
Why are counterfeit goods dangerous?
They are likely not to go through customs safety checks; counterfeit cosmetics, toys and clothing may contain lead, cadmium, plasticisers and the like above safety limits, and counterfeit appliances carry a risk of fire or electric shock.
How can I avoid counterfeit goods?
The guidance is to be suspicious first of products that are much cheaper than genuine ones, buy from the brand's official website or official sellers, and report suspected sales or distribution to the Korea Customs Service Smuggling Report Center (☎125).