Korea KC Certification | GCA

On December 5, 2025, the Korea Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) announced the results of a safety inspection of 402 products sold on overseas online platforms. The inspection, focused on winter-season items, found that 36 products (9%) failed to meet KC safety standards. This rate is significantly higher than the 5% average observed in domestically distributed products. Key noncompliant items included Electrical appliances: heating pads (5), batteries (2), electric blankets (1), electric stoves (1) Children’s products: children’s textiles (7), school supplies (6), toys (4), infant textiles (3) Household items: heat packs (2), ski helmets (1), and electric scooters (1) KATS disclosed details of the identified hazardous products and requested that online platforms block sales of the affected items, implementing measures to safeguard consumer safety. GCA KOREA offers a comprehensive one-stop service covering importation, customs clearance, testing...

On December 5, 2025, the National Radio Research Agency (RRA) issued a notification of a partial revision to the SAR measurement standards. The current SAR measuring procedures, KS C 3370-1 and KS C 3370-2, will be integrated into a new standard, KS C 3350, which closely aligns with IEC/IEEE 62209-1528:2020. This new SAR standard will take effect on April 1, 2026. Revisions to SAR Measuring Procedures Previous Standard: KS C 3370-1 (based on IEC 62209-1) and KS C 3370-2 (based on IEC 62209-2) Revised Standard: KS C 3350 The integration into KS C 3350 is expected to reduce inconsistencies that previously arose from using the two separate standards. GCA Korea provides expert support for global companies navigating Korea’s regulatory requirements, including KC Certification. Our expertise covers  KC EMC ,  KC Safety ,  KC Energy Efficiency ,  KC Automotive Components ,  KCsEx (ATEX, IECEx) ,  and  MFDS (Korean Medical Devices) . Contact GC...

On December 3, 2025, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) issued an administrative pre-announcement to amend the KC safety standards for two-wheeled bicycles and electric boards, which are designated as Household Products Subject to Safety Confirmation. The revision aims to prevent fall accidents caused by weld breakage in folding bicycles, curb illegal maximum speed modifications on electric bicycles and boards, and address unlawful brake removal from regular bicycles through strengthened safety standards. KATS is collecting public opinions regarding this change until February 6, 2026. Key Points of the Revision Adds “whether equipped with a folding frame mechanism” as a new classification criterion for two-wheeled bicycles (regular, mountain, and electric). Mandates that users of electric bicycles and boards are unable to manipulate or unlock the maximum speed (under 25 km/h). Elevates brake defects in regular bicycles and top speed defects in electric ...

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) has issued a notification of a revision to the Standards for Handling Nonconformity with Electrical Appliance Safety Standards to better align with international standards. The revised standards took effect on November 26, 2025, the date of notification. Key amendments include: Changes to inspection items for isolation transformers, electrical equipment, power tools, and lighting equipment. Removal of electric vehicle components and connectors from safety control categories, and the addition of automotive adapters as a new category. In Korea, electrical appliances are classified by risk level under three KC safety management systems: Safety Certification, Safety Confirmation, or Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) . Each system specifies target product categories and safety standards.  KATS regularly inspects even certified products, and when noncompliance is identified, the agency may order recalls, sales su...

On November 24, 2025, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Resources (MOTIR) issued a notification revising the Safety Standards Appendix for Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) Targets of Children's Products for Roller Skates and Inline Skates. The key updates include changes to product classification criteria and the alignment of testing methods with international standards. Detailed information is available in the previously announced administrative notice. The revised notification is scheduled to take effect on May 25, 2026. Children's Products of SDoC Targets include all children's products except those that require safety certification or safety confirmation. Manufacturers and importers must self-verify compliance with safety standards based on test reports and supporting documents, then attach the SDoC mark to the products. GCA KOREA provides a comprehensive one-stop service covering importation, customs clearance, testing, certification, and follow-up...

Planning to enter the Korean market? Understanding the KC certification process is essential to ensure your smartwatch can be legally sold and distributed in Korea. Smartwatches are categorized by their communication method—Cellular or Bluetooth—and the required certifications vary accordingly.   KC Certification Requirements for Smartwatches Cellular Smartwatch (Bluetooth, 3G, LTE, 5G) Power: Battery Certification Type: KC Conformity Certification (EMC/RF/SAR) Sample Quantity: 2 normal (EMC/SAR), 1 conduction (RF)   Bluetooth Smartwatch (Bluetooth only) Power: Battery Certification Type: KC Conformity Registration (EMC/RF) Sample Quantity: 1 normal (EMC), 1 conduction (RF)   Check here for the KC certification timeline and required documents.   Notes If RF module installed in the product is approved, RF test is not needed. KC approved battery shall be used. If not, the batteries must obtain safety confirmation approval. GCA Korea pro...