Parallel Import
Purple Ocean International provides a specialized parallel import agency service based on hands-on parallel
import experience, proactively eliminating trademark rights, customs clearance, certification, and quarantine
risks at the pre-import stage.
Parallel import refers to the lawful importation of genuine goods that have been legitimately branded and
distributed overseas, conducted by a third party without the authorization of the domestic trademark holder or
exclusive licensee. However, a professional determination of whether the parallel import eligibility requirements
under the Korea Customs Service guidelines and Trademark Act are met is essential.
Purple Ocean International thoroughly reviews all of the following before customs clearance: identity of overseas and domestic rights holders, presence of affiliated company or agency relationships, domestic import track
record, and risk of consumer confusion regarding product origin or quality — preventing customs clearance holds and trademark disputes.
Parallel Import — Lawful vs. Cautionary Distinctions
- Confirmed identity between overseas and domestic rights holders
- Confirmed absence of affiliated company or import agency relationship
- Goods proven to be genuine (authentic products)
- No risk of confusion regarding product origin
- No risk of consumer misunderstanding regarding product quality
- Overseas and domestic rights holders are different parties
- A domestic exclusive import agency contract exists
- Risk of counterfeit or replica goods being mixed in
- Failure to meet KC or children's product certification requirements
- Risk of customs clearance hold due to insufficient documentary evidence
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Parallel import is a legal import method when it involves genuine products and meets the Korea Customs Service guidelines and trademark rights standards.
- However, proceeding without a parallel import eligibility review can lead to customs clearance holds or trademark disputes.
It is determined based on the identity of the overseas and domestic rights holders, the presence of affiliated company or import agency relationships, and domestic import
track record.
- In addition, parallel import is only recognized when there is no risk of consumer confusion regarding product origin or misunderstanding of product quality.
A suspected intellectual property infringement notice may be issued at the customs clearance stage, and in this case, you must prove the goods are genuine within 5 business days.
- Purchase contracts, invoices, foreign exchange remittance records, and email correspondence must be prepared in advance.
No. Parallel import is a concept related to trademark rights, and KC certification, safety certification, quarantine, sanitary goods and children's product certification must be
separately fulfilled.
- Purple Ocean International Co., Ltd. reviews parallel import and certification requirements simultaneously.
Yes, but under the Special Act on Safety of Children's Products, safety confirmation testing, safety confirmation declaration, and safety confirmation labeling are all needed.
- Toys without the safety confirmation label cannot be imported or sold, making specialized import agency essential.