South Korea

Type C

Type F

Regulatory agency

Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS)

Regulations

All products subject to legally compulsory certification are required to affix the KC Mark.

Products are categorised into 2 groups:

• Type 1 products require certification by a designated CB.
• Type 2 products fall under a self-regulatory safety confirmation scheme.
• Compliance with K standards.

EMC compliance is required for the above, where applicable.

Guidelines

Certification procedure for Type 1 products:

• Submission of application along with other essential documents.
• Factory inspection.
• Product testing.
• Issuance of certificate by the designated CB.
• Compliance procedure for Type 2 is the same except that the factory inspection is exempted and a Confirmation Letter of Declaration is needed in place of certification.

Applicable product categories

Only electrical apparatus using AC 50V up to 1000V are subject to KC Mark certification. Product categories (may consist both Type 1 & 2) requiring KC Mark include:

• Audio, video and similar electronic appliances
• Cables and cords 
• Capacitors or filters as components for power supply units
• Household and similar electrical appliances
• Installation accessories and connection devices
• Installation protective equipment
• IT and office appliances
• Lighting
• Motor tools
• Safety transformers and similar equipment
• Switches for electrical appliances

To determine if a particular product is subject to the above regulations, please contact us.

Our services at a glance

TÜV SÜD has the experience and capability to support manufacturers in attaining compliance with Korean requirements and obtaining the necessary approval. TÜV SÜD is a MOU partner of the Korea Testing Laboratory (KTL). Test reports issued by TÜV SÜD are thus acceptable to KTL for issuance of the KC Mark.

Regulatory agency

Korea Energy Management Corporation (KEMCO)

Regulations

• Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) is mandatory energy efficient standards system developed to promote energy conservation. The products that do not meet MEPS are banned from production and sales. Non-compliance of this system would result in penalties.
• The devices that are automatically switched to energy saving mode, minimises standby power and meet the standby power reduction standards are allowed to bear energy saving label. Those that do not meet the standards must bear warning labels.
• High-efficiency Appliance Certification is for products that meet certain level of energy efficiency standard. This program is on a voluntary basis and aims to develop energy efficiency technology and to promote high-efficiency equipment.

Guidelines

• Testing for energy efficiency labelling must be performed by designated test laboratories, mostly in-country.
• Reporting should be made to KEMCO.

Applicable product categories

• Target of High-efficiency Appliance Certification 
• Target of MEPS program
• Target of the e-Standby program

To determine if a particular product is subject to the above regulations, please contact us.

Our services at a glance

TÜV SÜD has the experience and capability to support manufacturers in attaining compliance with Korean requirements and obtaining the necessary approval. TÜV SÜD can also support manufacturers in obtaining voluntary endorsement labels.

Regulatory agency

Ministry of Environment (MOE)

Regulations

• Compliance based on the Act on the Recycling of Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Automobiles.
• Notification is required.

Guidelines

• There is a regulated recycling ratio and listed banned hazardous substances.
• Similar to European WEEE, RoHS and ELV. 

Our services at a glance

TÜV SÜD has the experience and capability to support manufacturers in attaining compliance with Korean requirements and obtaining the necessary approval. TÜV SÜD can also support manufacturers in obtaining voluntary endorsement labels.

Regulatory agency

National Radio Research Agency (RRA)

Regulations

• Applicable products are required to be certified and affixed with the KC Mark.
• Type approval is required for terminal equipment. For radio facilities and equipment, it is necessary to obtain either type verification or type registration depending on the product. Type verification test should only be conducted by the Radio Research Agency (RRA).
• EMC registration is required for IT equipment.

Guidelines

• A local representative is required.

KC Mark procedure:

• Apply for testing at designated test laboratory
• Apply for certification
• Submit essential documents
• Obtain certification
• Affix KC Mark on product

Applicable product categories

To determine if a particular product is subject to the above regulations, please contact us.

Our services at a glance

TÜV SÜD has the experience and capability to support manufacturers in attaining compliance with Korean requirements and obtaining the necessary approval.