Classification

KOSTI supports the safe export of strategic items by determining whether an item falls under the strategic items control list.

As the classification institution for dual-use items designated under the Foreign Trade Act, KOSTI performs expert classification, providing officially recognized determinations following a specialist review. KOSTI also helps companies check for themselves, through the self-classification system, whether the items they intend to export are strategic items.

There are two types of classification: self-classification, in which a company determines the status of its item on its own, and expert classification, in which a company requests a determination from KOSTI.

Expert Classification

Expert classification of a strategic item or technology refers to a determination made by a designated classification institution at the request of a company or individual that finds it difficult to judge for itself whether the product or technology it intends to export falls under strategic items.

KOSTI delivers accurate determinations: each application is reviewed by classification staff specializing in the relevant item field and is then examined by the external Technical Advisory Group for Strategic Items.

Legal basis for expert classification

- Article 20 of the Foreign Trade Act

- Article 36 and 37 of the Enforcement Decree of the Foreign Trade Act

- Articles 7, 12, 14, 15 and 16 of the Public Notice on Trade in Strategic Items

Documents required for an expert classification application

- Expert classification application form

- Documents indicating the performance and intended use of the item, such as a manual, catalogue, specification sheet or test report

- Any other documents deemed necessary by the head of the classification institution

Processing period and validity

- Processing period : Within 15 days from the date the expert classification application is received.

* However, time spent on review or on consultation with the relevant administrative agencies is not counted toward the processing period.

- Validity : Two years from the date of the expert classification.

Applicant

KOSTI

Technical Advisory Group for Strategic Items

1. Application for expert Classification

Online application via Yestrade

2. Receipt and confirmation

Application

request for supplementary documents

3. Review

4. Expert review

5. Deliberation meeting

7. Classification result issued

6. Final determination

Expert Classification Procedure

Self-classification

“Self-classification” refers to the practice of traders checking for themselves whether a particular item falls under the category of strategic items (dual-use items).

Legal basis for self-classification

- Article 20-2 of the Foreign Trade Act

- Article 13 of the Public Notice on Trade in Strategic Items

Documents required for self-classification

- Materials indicating the performance, intended use and technical characteristics of the goods, such as product brochures and specification sheets.

Access the Yestrade system (www.yestrade.go.kr) Click “Apply for Self-Classification”