What Is the Tariff Response 119 Comprehensive Support Center?
The Tariff Response 119 Comprehensive Support Center is a one-stop support platform for Korean exporters facing difficulties from higher U.S. tariffs and changes in the global trade environment. It is jointly operated by cross-government institutions including the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, KOTRA, the Korea Customs Service, and the Korea International Trade Association, allowing exporters to address tariff damage consultations, legal advisory needs, and alternative market discovery in one place.
The name "119" refers to emergency rescue. It was designed to serve as an emergency response for exporters facing the "fire" of tariff shocks, and it provides a multi-channel service system covering phone, online, and in-person consultation.
Support Areas and Service Structure
The 119 Center provides more than simple inquiry handling. It offers in-depth, expert-matched advisory services. Depending on a company's situation, the most suitable specialist is assigned, whether a customs expert, trade lawyer, or rules of origin advisor, and on-site consulting can also be arranged when needed.
How to Use the Center
Applications can be made through three channels: phone, the online portal, or a visit to a regional center. Urgent cases are guaranteed an initial response within four hours when submitted by phone, while standard cases are assigned to a specialist within 24 hours of receipt. All advisory services are free of charge, and the Center also helps connect companies to related follow-up support programs such as export vouchers and trade insurance.
How Korean Firms in Bangladesh Can Use the 119 Center
The 119 Center is especially useful for Korean companies using Bangladesh as a production base or alternative export platform. As origin verification by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) becomes stricter, issues surrounding origin determination for goods produced in Bangladesh are increasing rapidly.
Expert Pool Composition and Consultation Quality
The core strength of the 119 Center is its pool of more than 150 experts. Customs brokers, trade lawyers, rules of origin specialists, and trade finance professionals are matched to each company's issue. In particular, many lawyers specializing in U.S. trade law, including Korean-American law firms, participate in the network, making high-level advisory support possible for issues such as Section 301 appeals and AD/CVD (anti-dumping and countervailing duty) cases.
| Field | Headcount | Key Qualifications / Affiliations |
|---|---|---|
| Tariff & Customs | 50+ | Customs brokers association, former customs officials |
| Trade Law | 30+ | Trade-focused law firms, U.S.-qualified lawyers |
| Rules of Origin | 20+ | Authorized exporter (AEO) origin specialists |
| Trade Finance | 15+ | K-SURE and trade finance experts |
| Market Research | 35+ | KOTRA overseas offices and regional specialists |
Use Cases and Expected Benefits
Since its pilot launch in the second half of 2024, the 119 Center has accumulated a range of successful cases. It has delivered particularly practical outcomes in areas that are difficult for SME exporters to address on their own, including tariff appeals, origin determination, and market diversification.
| Case | Company Type | Issue | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case A | SME auto parts exporter | 25% U.S. tariff imposed | Established an origin conversion strategy → reviewed Bangladesh assembly option |
| Case B | Mid-sized textile exporter | EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) | ESG certification consulting → secured green premium positioning |
| Case C | IT services startup | U.S. services trade regulations | Advisory support on using digital trade agreements |
| Case D | Chemical materials exporter | Response to AD investigation | Matched with a trade lawyer → launched appeal procedure |
The Tariff Response 119 Comprehensive Support Center is one of the most accessible public resources available for Korean exporters managing trade risks. For companies considering diversification into South Asian markets including Bangladesh, reviewing tariff, origin, and legal issues through the 119 Center before market entry is a practical first step that can significantly reduce risk.