Jai-il Kim Appointed as the 4th Chairman of CUPIA

The Customs UNI-PASS International Agency (CUPIA), Korea’s leading organization specializing in the global deployment of the electronic customs system, has announced the appointment of Mr. Jai-il Kim as its new Chairman. Mr. Kim officially assumed the position as CUPIA’s 4th Chairman on April 21, 2025.

Chairman Kim highlighted CUPIA’s significant achievements, noting that since its establishment in 2006, CUPIA has been designated as the official operator of the Korea Customs Service’s UNI-PASS system, and has secured contracts in 10 countries across 20 development and maintenance projects, achieving cumulative overseas revenues of approximately USD 300 million. These accomplishments have made CUPIA the largest contributor to Korea’s e-government export sector.

Chairman Kim also emphasized the need for a customer-centric, field-driven, and performance-oriented organizational culture based on expertise and mutual trust, calling on all employees to work together toward CUPIA’s sustainable growth.

Mr. Jai-il Kim brings a wealth of experience in customs administration, international cooperation, and electronic customs systems. Since passing Korea’s 37th Senior Civil Service Examination in 1994, he has held numerous key positions, including:

  • Director General of Clearance at Korea Customs Service (KCS) Headquarters
  • Director General of FTA Implementation at KCS Headquarters
  • Director General of Investigation and Surveillance at KCS Headquarters
  • Regional Commissioner of Incheon Airport Customs
  • Assignment to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for international collaboration

His career spans leadership roles in customs clearance, narcotics investigation, audit policy, and international cooperation, showcasing both his administrative expertise and global perspective.

Under Chairman Kim’s leadership, CUPIA is poised to continue expanding its global footprint and contributing to the advancement of international trade facilitation and e-government solutions.