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South Korea Cracks Down on Unsafe Summer Imports: 58 Products Fail Standards

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The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS), under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, announced that 58 products sold through major cross-border e-commerce platforms were found to be non-compliant with South Korean safety standards. The inspection of 396 products, primarily high-demand summer items, revealed a 14.6% non-compliance rate—nearly three times higher than the 5.0% found in inspections of domestically distributed products earlier this year. Several product categories recorded notably high failure rates, including water play equipment (22 out of 27), LED luminaires (8 out of 9), and plugs and sockets (4 out of 5). These items were flagged as requiring particular caution when purchased through overseas shopping platforms. To help consumers make informed decisions, KATS has published the list of non-compliant products on its official website and requested that global e-commerce platforms block their sale. While KC certification is not mandatory fo...

2025 Recycling and Collection Indices for EEE Published in South Korea

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South Korea’s Ministry of Environment announced the 2025 Recycling and Collection Cost Indices for electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) on June 30, 2025, under the Enforcement Decree of the Act on Resource Circulation of Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Vehicles. Both indices are set at 1.1927 and are used to impose surcharges when manufacturers or retailers fail to meet recycling or collection obligations. The surcharge is determined by multiplying the relevant index by the unit cost for each product category. This notification took effect immediately on June 30, 2025. Need KC Certification for Your Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE)? GCA KOREA Is Here to Help. We assist global manufacturers with KC certification in South Korea, managing everything from documentation to regulatory compliance. ※ No part of this content may be reproduced or shared without permission. Please provide proper attribution and a link to the source. Contact  ⬇ Tel. +82-31-36...

Child-Resistant Packaging: South Korea to Clarify Notification Fees

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South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) is proposing an amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Electrical Appliances and Consumer Products Safety Control Act . The amendment aims to clarify the fee structure for child-resistant packaging notifications—a process for which the relevant fee provisions had previously been omitted from the Enforcement Decree. Clarified Fee Structure: Notification of Child-Resistant Packaging: KRW 50,000 for a confirmation certificate. Changes to Existing Notification: KRW 10,000 per instance for a revised confirmation certificate. We’re your go-to team for KC certification in South Korea! | GCA KOREA Getting your products certified doesn’t have to be complicated. At GCA KOREA, we help global manufacturers handle everything from paperwork to testing, so you can enter the South Korean market with confidence. We're here to make the whole process simple, smooth, and stress-free. ※ No part of this content may be repr...

Vehicle Use May Be Restricted Under South Korea’s New Cybersecurity Rules

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On June 27, 2025, South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) announced updated vehicle cybersecurity regulations under the revised Automobile Management Act. The changes introduce mandatory cybersecurity management system certification and tighter control over software updates. Manufacturers must meet these new requirements or face administrative penalties. The revised Enforcement Decree of the Automobile Management Act clarifies these key changes: Vehicle Operation Restrictions: Use of a vehicle may be suspended if a cybersecurity threat compromises operational safety. Fines for Update Violations: Non-compliance with update procedures may result in fines. Penalties for Data Issues: Inaccurate or missing data submissions before updates may incur penalties. Organizations, groups, or individuals can submit opinions on this proposed amendment until July 16, 2025. The new decree takes effect on August 14, 2025, with some provisions enforceable up...

South Korea Powers Up Wireless Future

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On June 25, 2025, South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) held a groundbreaking ceremony for the nation’s first real-world testbed dedicated to wireless power transfer (WPT). Scheduled to open in early 2026, the facility is intended to accelerate the commercialization of WPT technologies in sectors such as electric vehicles, industrial robotics, and next-generation mobility. What the Testbed Offers: Deployment Support: It will support the deployment of medium- and high-power WPT systems for use in electric vehicles, industrial robots, and carts. Platform Development: It will promote the development of standardized platform components, including power transceiver modules, transceiver pads, and parallel controllers. Real-World Testing: To replicate operational conditions, the facility will provide a simulated real-world environment and offer technical validation and support services to participating companies. As WPT technology expands beyond personal electronics t...

South Korea Proposes Revised SAR Testing Standards

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On June 25, 2025, South Korea’s National Radio Research Agency (RRA) announced a proposed amendment to the country’s Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) measurement standards. The revision suggests applying the national standard KS C 3350, developed by reflecting IEC/IEEE 62209-1528:2020, as the unified basis for SAR testing in wireless devices. The amendment aims to enhance human safety by eliminating redundant test methods and aligning with international practices. It also introduces a grace period and adds enforcement provisions to support a smooth transition. Relevant clauses from the Standards for Human Protection from Electromagnetic Fields are now clearly specified for consistent interpretation. Public comments are open until August 25, 2025. If finalized, the revised standard will take effect on April 1, 2026. Devices tested under the previous rules at the time of enforcement will be regarded as compliant with the new regulation. Looking to enter the Korean market with y...

U.S. Proposes Mandatory Disclosure of Foreign Telecom Ownership

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The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed a rule requiring telecom providers to disclose whether they are owned or controlled by foreign adversaries. The goal is to protect national security by identifying potential threats to the communications infrastructure. The rule applies to FCC-licensed providers, including wireless, satellite, cable, broadcast, and VoIP services, and may later extend to Universal Service Fund recipients. If a foreign adversary holds 5% or more ownership, details must be reported within 30 days. The FCC will publish this information within 120 days and update it annually. Public comments are open through July 21, 2025. GCA KOREA — Local experts, globally trusted. We help businesses navigate South Korea’s KC certification system by providing regulatory expertise and reliable end-to-end support for successful market entry. ※ No part of this content may be reproduced or shared without permission. Please provide proper attributio...