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Korea MSIT to Enforce USB-C Requirement for Mobile Devices Starting in 2026

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On November 5, 2025, the MSIT* issued a notification that the Technical Standards for Charging and Data Transmission Methods for mobile and smart devices, originally scheduled to start in February 2025 but delayed, will take effect on November 6, 2026. As previously announced in 2024: The standards apply to mobile and smart devices that support wired charging or both wired charging and data transfer. Products within scope must be equipped with USB Type-C receptacle connectors compliant with the relevant specification, which will be added to the Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) target items under KC EMC once the standards take effect. Covered devices include mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, handheld game consoles, portable speakers, e-book readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation devices, earphones, and laptops. * MSIT: the Ministry of Science and ICT in Korea GCA Korea provides expert support for global companies navigating ...

Korea KATS Announces Updates to KC Safety Standards for Protective Helmets and Visors for Motorcycle Users

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On November 3, 2025, the KATS* announced a draft amendment to Appendix 52 (Protective helmets and their visors for motorized vehicle users) of the safety standards for Consumer products subject to safety verification. Public opinions on the proposed changes are accepted until November 28, 2025. Main Amendments Newly cite international standards such as ISO/CIE 11664-1 and ISO/CIE 11664-2, and update helmet types Relax penetration resistance test criteria to align with international standards Expand test headform sizes from 3 to 6 and improve size labeling from XS to XXL for users Establish standards for photochromic eye protectors and add warnings for helmets without chin straps * KATS: Korea Agency for Technology and Standards GCA Korea provides expert support for global companies navigating South Korea’s regulatory requirements. Our specialties include  KC EMC ,  KC Safety ,  KC Energy Efficiency ,  KC Automotive Components ,  KCsEx (...

South Korea to Expand RoHS Scope in 2028, Exempting Hard-to-Recycle Products

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Under the amended Act on Resource Circulation of Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Vehicles , the scope of products subject to RoHS will expand from the current 50 items to most electrical and electronic products starting January 1, 2028. All low-voltage electrical and electronic products (AC 1,000V or below, DC 1,500V or below) will, in principle, be subject to RoHS. Products that are difficult to collect or recycle will be listed as RoHS exemptions. The following product categories have been newly added to the exemptions as of the 2028 RoHS expansion announced by the MCEE*: Large fixed industrial equipment and installations Devices recoverable only upon building demolition Machinery for construction, agriculture, and manufacturing Fundamental scientific research instruments Research prototypes and samples Medical devices with infection risks Electrical or electronic parts built into furniture or footwear * MCEE: South Korea’s Ministry of Climate, Energy an...

South Korea to Expand WEEE Obligations to All Electrical and Electronic Equipment from 2026

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The MCEE* announced that, under the amended Act on Resource Circulation of Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Vehicles , the obligation to collect and recycle waste products will be expanded to cover all electrical and electronic products starting January 1, 2026. * MCEE: South Korea’s Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (formerly: Ministry of Environment) Previously limited to 50 items like TVs and refrigerators, WEEE obligations will expand from January 1, 2026, to cover all electrical and electronic products operating at AC 1,000V or less, or DC 1,500V or less. This includes mid- and small-sized appliances and IT devices such as clothing care systems, portable fans, and Bluetooth earphones. Exemptions apply to certain medical devices, defense products, industrial equipment, and large fixed installations. GCA Korea provides expert support for global companies navigating South Korea’s regulatory requirements. Our specialties include  KC EMC ,  KC Safety ,...

Revised 34 Electrical Appliance Safety Standards Announced in South Korea (October 2025)

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This notification takes effect on October 27, 2025. On October 27, 2025, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) announced the revision of 34 electrical product safety standards, effective immediately. Revised 34 Electrical Appliance Safety Standards KC 60335-2-10  Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety Part 2-10: Particular requirements for floor treatment machines and wet scrubbing machines KC 60335-2-16  Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-16: Particular requirements for food waste disposers KC 60335-2-21  Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-21: Particular requirements for storage water heaters KC 60335-2-24  Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-24: Particular requirements for refrigerating appliances, ice-cream appliances and ice makers KC 60335-2-28  Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-28: Particular...

South Korea to Mandate Pedal Misoperation Prevention Device

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On October 24, 2025, South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) announced a legislative pre-notification for the partial amendment to the Regulations for Performance and Safety Standards of Motor Vehicles and Vehicle Parts. The amendment aims to enhance vehicle safety, align domestic standards with international regulations, and improve system efficiency. Key details of the amendment:   Mandatory installation of a pedal misoperation prevention device   Requirement for electric vehicles to display the remaining life of traction batteries   Harmonization of manufacturer logo lighting and bumper safety standards with international regulations   Correction of an error in the test voltage specification for light sources   Expansion of eligible vehicle categories under the length exemption criteria   Comments on this proposal must be submitted to MOLIT by December 23, 2025. GCA Korea provides expert support for global...

South Korea Updates Medical Device Good Manufacturing Practice

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On October 22, 2025, South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) announced an administrative notice on a partial amendment to the Medical Device Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). The amendment aims to enhance the rationality and efficiency of the medical device conformity assessment system by introducing a basis for expedited review of life-supporting devices, removing duplicate evaluations in contract manufacturing, and clarifying the scope of on-site inspections. Key Details of the Amendment Establishment of Expedited Review Procedures A framework will allow expedited review of medical devices essential for life support, surgery, or emergency care, as well as newly developed or innovative devices. This is intended to minimize commercialization delays and improve patient access when rapid market supply is needed due to manufacturing or import suspension. Streamlining Review Procedures Between Contracting Parties If a manufacturer already holds a valid conformi...