Canned Tuna Supplier
for South Korea
Top Tide Canning is a Thailand-based B2B canned tuna manufacturer supplying South Korea importers, supermarket chains, and online retailers. We produce FSSC 22000-certified skipjack, yellowfin, and albacore tuna for Emart, Lotte Mart, Homeplus, and Coupang Rocket Fresh — CIF Busan Port with full MFDS documentation, HACCP certification, and Korean-language label design.
South Korea: High-Income, High-E-Commerce Market — MFDS, HACCP, Korean Labels, and Coupang Rocket Fresh
South Korea is a high-income, digitally sophisticated food import market. MFDS governs food safety, HACCP certification is required for canned fish production, and Korean-language labels are mandatory for retail. Emart, Lotte Mart, Homeplus, Coupang Rocket Fresh, and SSG.com are the primary buyer channels.
Three Supermarket Giants Dominate Korea Retail Canned Tuna Category
South Korea retail grocery is dominated by three hypermarket groups — Emart (Shinsegae), Lotte Mart (Lotte Group), and Homeplus (MBK Partners). Together they operate 400+ hypermarket and supermarket outlets nationwide. All three run active private label programmes (Emart No Brand, Lotte Mart Choice L) and source canned tuna from MFDS-registered, HACCP-certified overseas suppliers.
- Emart — No Brand private label
- Lotte Mart — Choice L own-brand
- Homeplus — 140+ stores nationwide
- GS Supermarket / Hanaro Mart regional
Korea E-Commerce and Rocket Delivery Drive Rapid Import Food Growth
South Korea has one of the highest e-commerce penetration rates globally. Coupang Rocket Fresh (next-day and same-day grocery delivery) and SSG.com (Shinsegae / Emart online platform) are major channels for imported canned food. Coupang has launched its own Rocket brand private label range and actively sources imported canned tuna for its online grocery programme.
- Coupang — Rocket Fresh delivery
- Coupang Rocket brand private label
- SSG.com — Shinsegae / Emart online
- Market Kurly premium online grocery
KAFTA Preferential Tariff and Korean-Language Label Mandatory for Retail
Thailand-origin canned tuna benefits from a reduced tariff under KAFTA (Korea-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement) — Form D Certificate of Origin required. Korea Food and Drug Safety regulations mandate Korean-language labels on all retail food imports — product name (chamchi for tuna), ingredient list, allergen declaration, nutrition per 100g, and Korea importer address. English-only labels are not accepted for retail sale.
- KAFTA preferential tariff — Form D required
- Korean-language label — mandatory retail
- Chamchi (참치) product name in Korean
- Korea importer address on label
Six South Korea Compliance Requirements — MFDS Declaration, HACCP, Korean Label, KAFTA Form D, Dolphin-Safe IMMP+EII, and ISO 17025 CoA
Korea food import compliance is governed by MFDS. HACCP or FSSC 22000 is required for canned fish producers. Korean-language labels are mandatory for retail. KAFTA Form D delivers significant tariff savings vs MFN. Dolphin-Safe IMMP + EII is required by all mainstream Korea retailers.
All food imports into South Korea require a Food Import Declaration filed with MFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety) at the port of entry. MFDS may require random sampling and lab testing for new suppliers, or for products flagged in its risk-based import management system. A licensed Korea customs broker is required to file the declaration on behalf of the Korea-registered importer.
MFDS documentation package (CoA, HACCP/FSSC 22000 certificate, Thai MOPH health certificate) provided with every shipment. Confirm requirements with a licensed Korea customs broker.
South Korea requires HACCP certification for canned fish production facilities exporting to Korea. FSSC 22000 (GFSI-recognised) is broadly accepted as an equivalent by Korea importers and MFDS. Top Tide Canning holds both HACCP and FSSC 22000 certificates for canned fish manufacturing. Emart and Lotte Mart private label qualification additionally requires the FSSC 22000 certificate.
HACCP and FSSC 22000 certificates available on request for Korea importer qualification.
Korea Food and Drug Safety regulations require a Korean-language label on all imported retail food: product name in Korean (chamchi — 참치 — for tuna); ingredient list in Korean; allergen declaration per Korea allergen standards; nutritional facts per 100g or per serving; country of origin in Korean (taehandmin-guk for Thailand); best-before date; and Korea importer name and address. A backed Korean label is accepted for imports.
Top Tide Canning provides Korean-language label artwork and MFDS labelling pre-check as part of our Korea export service.
Thailand-origin canned tuna benefits from a reduced import tariff under KAFTA (Korea-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement). A Form D Certificate of Origin (issued by Thai Department of Foreign Trade) is required to claim KAFTA preference at Korea Customs. The standard Korea MFN tariff on canned tuna is approximately 20–24%. KAFTA preferential rate is significantly lower — confirm current rate with a licensed Korea customs broker.
Form D provided by Top Tide Canning as part of export documentation. Confirm current KAFTA rate for HS 1604.14 with Korea customs broker.
Dolphin-Safe IMMP and EII certification is required by Emart, Lotte Mart, Coupang, and major Korean importers of canned tuna. Korean consumer NGOs (Green Korea United) drive strong Dolphin-Safe policy expectations across mainstream retail. Top Tide Canning holds both IMMP and EII certifications with batch-level vessel declaration documentation.
IMMP and EII certificates and batch-level vessel declarations available with each shipment on request.
Top Tide Canning provides an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited CoA per production batch covering mercury, cadmium, histamine, and microbiological parameters — formatted to address MFDS inspection scope for imported canned tuna from Thailand. Included with all South Korea shipping documentation packages.
CoA per batch; included with shipping docs. MFDS heavy metal and histamine limits apply — confirm current standards with your Korea customs broker.
Four South Korea Buyer Channels — Emart No Brand, Lotte Mart and Homeplus, Coupang Rocket Fresh, and Food Service
Korea retail spans Emart No Brand private label, Lotte Mart Choice L, Homeplus hypermarkets, Coupang Rocket Fresh same-day delivery, Market Kurly premium online, and an active food service and institutional segment. Each channel has distinct MFDS, HACCP, Korean label, and Dolphin-Safe requirements.
How to Import Canned Tuna into South Korea — Six Steps from Factory to Emart and Coupang Shelf
Korea import process is governed by MFDS. Korean-language label approval must precede production. HACCP or FSSC 22000 is required. Form D Certificate of Origin is needed to claim KAFTA preferential tariff vs the 20–24% MFN rate. Thailand to Busan transit is 7–10 days.
| Origin | Agreement | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand (Form D) | KAFTA preferential | Reduced — verify with broker |
| Non-ASEAN origin | Korea MFN | ~20–24% |
| VAT | Korea VAT Act | 10% VAT |
KAFTA preferential rate and HS classification should be confirmed with a licensed Korea customs broker. Form D Certificate of Origin (Thai DFT issued) required to claim KAFTA preference.
Six Canned Tuna Formats for South Korea — Emart No Brand, Coupang Multipack, Convenience Store, Food Service, Premium Albacore, and Halal
From 100g Emart No Brand retail through Coupang Rocket Fresh multipacks, convenience store 90g cans, CJ Foodville A10 institutional, Market Kurly premium albacore, and Halal for Korea Muslim channel — each format matched to its Korea buyer. All formats MFDS-compliant, HACCP-certified, CIF Busan.
100g–140g Retail Can — Emart No Brand & Lotte Mart Choice L
Korea standard retail SKU. Korean-language label (chamchi — 참치 — product name, MFDS-compliant ingredient list, allergen declaration, nutrition per 100g, Thai origin, Korea importer address). GS1 Korea barcode. HACCP and Dolphin-Safe IMMP certified. Pull-tab easy-open lid standard for Korea retail.
- 100g / 140g pull-tab tin
- Korean-language MFDS-compliant label
- GS1 Korea barcode
- HACCP + Dolphin-Safe IMMP
100g × 8 Multipack — Coupang Rocket Fresh & SSG.com
Eight-can multipack (100g × 8) heat-shrink tray for Coupang Rocket Fresh and SSG.com online grocery. Korean-language outer carton label. Skipjack in brine, oil, or mixed-pack variants. Dolphin-Safe IMMP. Coupang Rocket brand or buyer artwork. Consistent fill weight and shelf life for e-commerce fulfilment centre quality standards.
- 100g × 8 online multipack
- Coupang Rocket brand artwork
- Korean carton label
- E-commerce fulfilment spec
90g Convenience Can — CU, GS25 & 7-Eleven Korea
Korea convenience store (GS25, CU by BGF, 7-Eleven Korea, Ministop) channel requires small-format 90g–100g ready-to-eat cans for lunchbox accompaniment and snacking. Korean-language label with full MFDS allergen declaration. Easy-open pull-tab. Skipjack in brine standard. Dolphin-Safe IMMP. High-frequency repeat purchase format.
- 90g–100g convenience can
- GS25 / CU / 7-Eleven Korea
- Pull-tab easy-open lid
- MFDS allergen declaration
1.7kg A10 Institutional Can — CJ Foodville, School Lunch & Military
Standard A10 tin for Korea food service: CJ Foodville catering operations, school lunch (noodle dish and rice accompaniment), government cafeterias, and ROK Armed Forces ration supply. Skipjack or yellowfin in brine. 6 × 1.7kg outer carton. Korean-language carton label with HACCP documentation. Consistent fill weight for kitchen portioning and military ration spec compliance.
- 1.7kg A10 institutional can
- Korean carton label + HACCP docs
- School lunch / military ration spec
- CJ Foodville catering
Solid Albacore in EVOO — Market Kurly & Premium Online Grocery
Solid-pack albacore in extra-virgin olive oil for Market Kurly, SSG.com premium import category, and Emart Traders (Costco-format warehouse retail). 120g–150g pull-tab tin with premium bilingual English/Korean label. Dolphin-Safe IMMP certified. Supports Korea growing premium imported food consumer segment driven by health-conscious urban consumers.
- 120g–150g solid albacore in EVOO
- Market Kurly / Emart Traders
- Bilingual English/Korean label
- Dolphin-Safe IMMP certified
MUI Halal Certified — Korea Muslim Community & Halal Food Export
MUI Halal-certified skipjack and yellowfin tuna for Korea Muslim community (~200,000 residents) halal food specialty retailers and mosque catering. Korea is also a growing re-export hub for halal food to Southeast Asian markets. MUI Halal certification is recognised by Korea Halal importers and supports Korea-based halal food distributor export programmes.
- MUI Halal certified
- Korea Muslim community channel
- Halal re-export programme
- Halal logo on Korean label
South Korea Canned Tuna Import — Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from Korea importers, Emart and Lotte Mart category buyers, Coupang Rocket Fresh teams, and food service operators about MFDS compliance, HACCP, Korean labelling, KAFTA tariff, private label qualification, and Busan port logistics.
What MFDS documentation is required to import canned tuna into South Korea?
All food imports require a Food Import Declaration filed with MFDS at the port of entry. Standard documentation: HACCP or FSSC 22000 certificate, ISO 17025 CoA for mercury, cadmium and histamine, Thai MOPH health certificate, commercial invoice (HS 1604.14), packing list, and Bill of Lading. MFDS may trigger random sampling for new Thai suppliers. Top Tide Canning provides a complete MFDS documentation package with every Korea-bound shipment. A licensed Korea customs broker is required to file the declaration.
Is HACCP certification required to export canned tuna to South Korea?
Yes — HACCP certification for the production facility is a key requirement for canned fish imports into South Korea under MFDS regulations. FSSC 22000 (GFSI-recognised) is broadly accepted by Korean importers and MFDS as an equivalent or higher-standard certification. Top Tide Canning holds both HACCP and FSSC 22000 certificates. Full certificates are available on request for Korea importer and retailer qualification.
What labelling is required for canned tuna sold in South Korea?
Korea Food and Drug Safety regulations require a Korean-language label on all retail imported food. Required elements: product name in Korean (chamchi — 참치 — for tuna); full ingredient list in Korean; allergen declaration per Korea allergen standards (10 major allergens); nutritional facts per 100g or per serving; country of origin in Korean (tae-guk for Thailand); best-before date; and Korea importer name and address. A backed Korean label affixed to the original product is accepted for imports. Top Tide Canning provides Korean label artwork and MFDS pre-check.
How much tariff savings does KAFTA provide for Thailand-origin canned tuna?
Korea standard MFN tariff on canned tuna (HS 1604.14) is approximately 20–24%. Under KAFTA (Korea-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement), Thailand-origin tuna benefits from a significantly reduced preferential tariff rate. A Form D Certificate of Origin issued by the Thai Department of Foreign Trade is required to claim KAFTA preference. Current KAFTA rate for HS 1604.14 should be confirmed with a licensed Korea customs broker prior to each shipment. Top Tide Canning provides Form D as part of standard export documentation.
How do I qualify as a supplier to Emart or Lotte Mart?
Emart and Lotte Mart supplier qualification typically requires: HACCP or FSSC 22000 certificate; third-party audit report; product specification with ISO 17025 CoA; Dolphin-Safe IMMP + EII certificates; Korean-language sample label artwork; and GS1 Korea barcode registration. Category reviews at both retailers occur twice annually for ambient grocery. Top Tide Canning can support full qualification documentation through your Korea-registered importer.
Can Top Tide Canning supply Coupang Rocket Fresh directly?
Top Tide Canning can support Coupang Rocket Fresh supply through your Korea-registered importer. Coupang requires MFDS-compliant documentation, Korean-language labels, HACCP or FSSC 22000, and Dolphin-Safe IMMP for food product listings. Coupang Rocket Fresh also requires products to meet its e-commerce fulfillment quality standards including fill weight consistency and shelf life requirements. Contact us with your volume and format requirements for a CIF Busan quotation.
What is the minimum order quantity for South Korea?
Minimum order is typically one 20ft container (approximately 20–22 MT net product). For Emart No Brand or Lotte Mart Choice L private label trials, smaller pilot volumes may be discussed. Please contact us for a CIF Busan New Port quotation including MFDS documentation package, HACCP/FSSC 22000 certificates, Korean-language label artwork, Form D (KAFTA), and Dolphin-Safe IMMP + EII certificates.
Is the Korea tuna market competitive for Thai exporters?
South Korea is a well-established market for Thai canned tuna — Thai-origin skipjack has a long history of supply to Korea. The KAFTA preferential tariff rate provides a material cost advantage over non-ASEAN suppliers. Key competitive factors are HACCP or FSSC 22000 certification, Dolphin-Safe IMMP + EII (increasingly required by Emart and Lotte Mart), Korean-language label quality, and price competitiveness on CIF Busan. Top Tide Canning is qualified and experienced in the Korea import channel.
Top Tide Canning South Korea Capabilities — MFDS, HACCP, Emart, Lotte Mart, Coupang, Food Service, and KAFTA Form D
Every certification, document, and product format Korea buyers need — HACCP, MFDS documentation, Korean label design, KAFTA Form D, Emart and Lotte Mart qualification records, Coupang multipack, convenience store format, and CIF pricing to Busan or Incheon.
Explore Other Top Tide Canning Export Markets
Top Tide Canning supplies canned tuna across East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. Explore our dedicated market pages for country-specific regulatory, retail, and logistics information.
Request a Quote for South Korea
Tell us your channel — Emart No Brand private label, Lotte Mart Choice L, Coupang Rocket Fresh, Market Kurly premium, convenience store format, or food service. We respond within one business day with CIF Busan pricing, Korean-language label artwork, MFDS documentation, HACCP/FSSC 22000 certificates, Form D for KAFTA, and Dolphin-Safe IMMP + EII.
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