Jung Min-ho has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2012, mostly covering social and political issues. He currently belongs to the Politics & City Desk where he covers topics such as health, labor and human rights. Prior to joining the team, he was responsible for covering North Korea and sports. His article about a biosecurity breach of Middle East respiratory syndrome won him an award from the Korea Science Journalists Association in 2016. He is also the co-author of the book, "Medical Pioneers of Korea" (2019). He served as the head of the international relations committee at the Journalists Association of Korea from 2021 to 2023.
Bills of lading unnecessary for APTA tariff benefits: top court
The Supreme Court in Seoul / Yonhap
By Jung Min-ho
By Jung Min-ho
The Supreme Court has ruled that a bill of lading ― a receipt that acts as proof of ownership of goods being transported ― is not necessary to be eligible for tariff benefits included in an international trade deal.
According to the Seoul-based law firm HMP Law Thursday, the court has overturned the High Court's ruling, saying it is unlawful for the Seoul Main Customs service to acknowledge bills of lading as the only legitimate proof of direct transportation.
With the decision, those who trade under the Asia Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) between seven member nations ― Korea, China, India, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Laos ― can now receive tariff concessions stated in the deal even without bills of landing if they provide other proof of direct dealings.
HMP said its Korean client filed a lawsuit against the customs office several years ago after officials refused to recognize its goods imported from China through Hong Kong were eligible for APTA tariff benefits for failing to provide a bill of lading.