AKFTA tariff 2026: preferential import duty & C/O

ASEAN – Korea Free Trade Agreement

KoreaASEAN (member states)
Quick facts
Effective for Vietnam
01/06/2007 (Trade in Goods Agreement)
Members
Korea, ASEAN (member states)
C/O form
AK (e-C/O exchanged with Korea via EODES)
Import side: Korea Customs/competent authorities of Korea or the exporting ASEAN country; Vietnamese exports: issued via eCoSys
Legal basis
Decree 119/2022/NĐ-CP (special preferential import tariff, 2022–2027)
Circular 49/2025/TT-BCT (effective 01/05/2026), amended by Circular 12/2026/TT-BCT (consolidated text 18/VBHN-BCT, 2026)
9,251/10,435 tariff lines at 0%

Top HS codes with the biggest duty savings under AKFTA

HS codeDescriptionMFNAKFTADifference
63090000Worn clothing and other worn articles100%50%−50 pts
85434000Electronic cigarettes and similar personal electric vaporising devices50%0%−50 pts
69051000Roofing tiles45%0%−45 pts
69059000Other45%0%−45 pts
69072121Paving, hearth or wall tiles, unglazed45%0%−45 pts
69072122Other, unglazed45%0%−45 pts
69072123Paving, hearth or wall tiles, glazed45%0%−45 pts
69072124Other, glazed45%0%−45 pts
69072211Paving, hearth or wall tiles, unglazed45%0%−45 pts
69072212Other, unglazed45%0%−45 pts

Based on the 2026 tariff schedule, excluding quota-restricted lines. Data is for reference only.

Does your shipment qualify for AKFTA?

Have an Avenir expert check the rules of origin & C/O form - free of charge.

Rules of origin to know

  • General rule: RVC 40% or CTH; specific PSR under the annexes of Circular 49/2025/TT-BCT - note the rulebook was REPLACED from 01/05/2026, re-check your regular lines.
  • AK C/O data with Korea is exchanged ELECTRONICALLY via EODES since 07/2023 (paper still issued in parallel) - declare the reference number for system matching.
  • Cumulation across ASEAN + Korea.

Steps to claim AKFTA preferential duty

  1. 1
    Determine the 8-digit HS code

    Use Avenir’s HS lookup tool or ask an expert.

  2. 2
    Compare AKFTA vs VKFTA vs RCEP

    Korean goods have up to three preference options - the code detail page shows all of them; pick the lowest the goods qualify for.

  3. 3
    Request a Form AK (e-C/O)

    Ask the Korean partner to transmit the e-C/O via EODES; during system maintenance windows, use the parallel paper original.

  4. 4
    Declare the C/O on the declaration

    Declare the reference number at clearance; 1-year supplementary window under Circular 33/2023/TT-BTC.

  5. 5
    Keep records for 5 years

    Including a print-out of the e-C/O - for post-clearance audit.

Post-clearance audit risks & common mistakes

Applying the old origin rules after 01/05/2026

Circular 49/2025/TT-BCT replaced the AKFTA rulebook from 01/05/2026 (further amended by Circular 12/2026/TT-BCT) - the PSR changed on several lines; goods that used to qualify may no longer do so.

e-C/O not yet in the system and no late-submission declared

EODES has delays/maintenance; if the data cannot be matched and late submission was not declared, the right to supplement the C/O is lost.

Frequently asked questions about AKFTA

How does the electronic Form AK work?
Vietnam and Korea have exchanged C/O data via EODES since 01/07/2023: the Korean exporter applies for the C/O as usual and the data flows automatically to Vietnam Customs - the importer only declares the reference number. Paper originals are still issued in parallel as backup.
What changed in the AKFTA origin rules in 2026?
Circular 49/2025/TT-BCT (effective 01/05/2026) replaced the previous rules, was amended by Circular 12/2026/TT-BCT and consolidated as text 18/VBHN-BCT. Importers of Korean goods should re-check the PSR on their key lines.
Should Korean goods use AKFTA or VKFTA?
Compare per line: VKFTA (bilateral) is deeper on many lines, AKFTA suits ASEAN–Korea production chains. Both exchange e-C/O via EODES.
Where do I look up 2026 AKFTA rates?
The 2022–2027 schedule is promulgated in Decree 119/2022/NĐ-CP - look up your HS code on Avenir’s tool.

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