Stronger Verification for Personal Customs Clearance Codes｜Three-Step Identity Check for Cross-Border Shopping to Prevent Identity Theft

As cross-border online shopping continues to grow rapidly, cases of personal customs clearance code misuse have increased as well. In response, the Korea Customs Service (KCS) has significantly strengthened customs clearance procedures, applying a stricter identity verification process than ever before.

Under the new system, clearance is only possible when not just the name and phone number, but also the delivery address postal code match. This marks the introduction of a “three-step identity verification system.”

---

① Why Misuse of Personal Customs Clearance Codes Became a Serious Issue

A personal customs clearance code serves as a substitute for a resident registration number when shopping overseas, and effectively functions as an official ID for import clearance. However, there have been repeated cases in which stolen codes were used to import illegal goods or were exploited for criminal activities.

Previously, verification was limited to checking whether the name and phone number matched, making it difficult to prevent misuse once personal information was leaked. Delivery addresses, often entered freely by the recipient, were especially considered a blind spot in the verification process.

---

② Key Details of the Three-Step Identity Verification for Cross-Border Shopping

To address these issues, the Korea Customs Service will begin comparing the following three pieces of information simultaneously for overseas direct purchases starting on February 2, 2025.

• Personal Customs Clearance Code
• Name and phone number
• Delivery address postal code

In other words, the postal code entered on overseas shopping sites or shipping agencies must match the address registered in the KCS personal customs clearance system for clearance to proceed without delay.

This measure leverages the structural reality that identity thieves must enter their own address to receive goods, thereby blocking misuse attempts at the source.

---

③ Who Is Affected and Plans for Future Expansion

To minimize confusion, the enhanced verification measures will be implemented in phases.

• Users who received a new personal customs clearance code after November 21, 2024
• Users who updated their personal information or changed their clearance code

In addition, starting in 2025, a one-year validity period will be introduced for personal customs clearance codes. As all users will be required to update their information sequentially, the scope of enhanced verification will naturally expand to include everyone.

---

④ Register Up to 20 Delivery Addresses to Minimize Inconvenience

To accommodate users who receive overseas purchases at multiple locations—such as work, home, or a family member’s residence— the KCS has improved its system to allow up to 20 delivery addresses to be registered in advance.

If the postal code of a pre-registered address matches the postal code entered on the overseas shopping site, customs clearance can proceed without additional delays.

Address registration and updates can be checked and managed directly on the KCS Personal Customs Clearance Code website (UNI-PASS).

---

⑤ Practical Checklist to Prevent Misuse of Your Customs Clearance Code

To prevent identity theft, the Korea Customs Service recommends taking the following preventive steps.

• Update your personal customs clearance code information before February 2
• Pre-register frequently used delivery addresses
• Delete unnecessary address information
• Avoid indiscriminately saving your clearance code on overseas shopping sites

In addition, by subscribing to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety’s “Public Secretary” notification service and enabling customs clearance alerts for overseas purchases, you can receive import declaration notifications whenever your clearance code is used, allowing you to detect misuse immediately.

---

⑥ What This Policy Change Really Means

This strengthened verification of personal customs clearance codes is not merely an administrative adjustment, but a crucial security measure designed to prevent cross-border shopping fraud, voice phishing, and illegal imports in advance.

If you frequently shop overseas, it is essential to check in advance whether your address information is properly registered and consistent, to avoid unnecessary customs delays and protect yourself from identity theft.