GCA | Korea KC Mark Certification

  LG Electronics announced on the 29th that its electric vehicle charger has received certification from UL, a leading safety testing and certification organization in the United States.   After manufacturing electric vehicle chargers for the domestic market since May, LG Electronics plans to expand into international markets starting with the United States next year.   LG Electronics has received certification for electric vehicle charging standards and safety-related items, including the 'UL Standard for Safety for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (UL 2594).' The certified product is an attached slow charger (11kW AC EV Charger) scheduled for release in the U.S. market in the first half of next year. LG Electronics plans to secure UL certification for a 175kW fast charger by early next year, aiming to explore new opportunities in the global electric vehicle charging market, expected to grow to $186 billion by 2030. 👉 Contact GCA Tel. +82-31-360-8180 Email: forest.le

  Through the conformity assessment announcement in 2015, USB or battery-powered devices were permitted to simplify their conformity assessment tests. However, there have been instances of inappropriate use of simplified test items, prompting a re-announcement to clarify their application. - When simplifying testing for USB or battery-powered devices, only Radiated Emission (RE) testing is applicable for EMI, and Disturbance Power (DP) testing cannot be used as a substitute. - Disturbance Power (DP) testing is applicable when testing product groups that include conducted tests, and it is not applicable during simplified testing. 👉 Contact GCA Tel. +82-31-360-8180 Email: forest.lee@gca-kr.com GCA Global Website

On December 28th in Seoul, a joint declaration was signed during the South Korea-GCC Ministerial Meeting, confirming the finalization of the South Korea-GCC FTA negotiations, with Jassim Muhammad Al-Budaiwi, the Secretary-General of the GCC. The South Korea-GCC FTA is South Korea's 25th FTA and the second one concluded after the Korea-UAE CEPA signed in October with an Arab country.   South Korea primarily imports energy and resource-related items, including oil, LNG, and aluminum, from the GCC. On the other hand, it exports manufactured goods such as automobiles and parts, machinery, and weapons. To address concerns raised by Korean businesses operating in the GCC regarding entry and stay conditions for business purposes, the agreement aims to facilitate smoother business activities for South Korean companies in the GCC by easing these conditions.   They agreed on intellectual property norms, including copyrights, trademarks, and designs. Additionally, six cooperation

  HD Hyundai is accelerating digital industry innovation using "generative artificial intelligence (AI)" through a collaboration with Google Cloud. HD Hyundai announced that it will strengthen strategic cooperation with Google Cloud to build its own AI platform. Through this collaboration, HD Hyundai plans to introduce generative AI technology into its core businesses, including shipbuilding and construction equipment. Google Cloud has committed to providing a variety of solutions to HD Hyundai, including the enterprise-customized AI platform "Vertex AI" with generative capabilities. Starting from January next year, HD and Google Cloud prioritize significant tasks such as industry specialization, AI solution and service development, development of AI-based platforms for enhancing customer digital experiences, and training AI experts. 👉 Contact GCA Tel. +82-31-360-8180 Email: forest.lee@gca-kr.com GCA Global Website

  The National Institute of Technology Standards has designated four institutions, including PMGROW, as safety testing organizations for reused batteries. The growing demand for reusing post-use batteries accompanies the rapid growth of the electric vehicle market. Safety verification is required due to variations in product conditions based on usage environments and histories. The National Institute of Technology Standards amended the "Electric and Household Appliance Safety Management Act," making it mandatory to sell and distribute only reused batteries that have undergone safety testing since October 19th. To ease the industry's inspection burden, reused battery manufacturers meeting specific criteria can designate themselves as safety testing organizations and conduct inspections. The National Institute of Technology Standards plans to further expand the designation of inspection agencies to cover all regions. 👉 Contact GCA Tel. +82-31-360-8180 Email: fores

On December 21, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, along with other organizations, held the "AI Autonomous Manufacturing Innovation Forum" in Seoul.   'Autonomous Manufacturing' minimizes human intervention using AI-based robots and manufacturing equipment, offering revolutionary improvements in production efficiency and addressing issues like aging labor force, global supply chain crises, and carbon neutrality.   The Ministry sees combining our manufacturing industry with AI technology, especially in the 'Manufacturing AI' sector of global companies like Tesla and Siemens, as key to leading the future market. The forum featured presentations by industry experts on the application and importance of AI in manufacturing, global shifts in manufacturing paradigms, and related technological trends. Following this, experts from various fields discussed action plans for leading the AI autonomous manufacturing market. 👉 Contact GCA Tel. +82-31-36

  LG Chem initiates the construction of a cathode material plant in Clarksville, Tennessee, USA. The Tennessee plant is expected to become the largest cathode material facility in the United States, with the capacity to produce cathode materials for 600,000 high-performance pure electric vehicles annually. The cathode material plant in Tennessee is scheduled to produce NCMA (Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese-Aluminum) cathode materials from 2026, In the future, the plant plans to diversify its product portfolio through next-generation cathode products and expand its production scale in line with increasing customer demand. 👉 Contact GCA Tel. +82-31-360-8180 Email: forest.lee@gca-kr.com GCA Global Website

On December 20th, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy held the 'K-Battery Standardization Forum' and presented the strategy for standardizing post-use electric vehicle batteries to support the circular economy in the K-Battery industry. Safety standards (KC) for reusable batteries were implemented in October. Testing methods for recycled cathode materials will be completed by year-end. To cut safety inspection costs, a software (SW) inspection method is proposed as an international standard. Market support will be enhanced by linking testing methods with certification for excellent recycling products (GR).   We plan to actively participate in international standardization discussions on record management and performance evaluation. Additionally, standardization efforts have begun for post-use battery terminology and transportation/storage to reduce industry confusion and promote market activity. 양식의 맨 위     👉 Contact GCA Tel. +82-31-360-8180 Email: forest.lee@g

  Previously, there was a challenge in predicting the approval date for changes, as once the review by the MFDS was completed for a change approval application, the approval process would proceed without separate notification to the company. In response, the MFDS has announced the pilot operation of the Pre-notification System for Changes in Pharmaceutical Marketing Authorization starting from December 18th. This initiative aims to increase predictability for changes in drug authorization schedules and ensure a stable supply of pharmaceuticals in the domestic market. The Pre-notification System for Changes in Pharmaceutical Marketing Authorization is a system in which the MFDS and pharmaceutical manufacturers or importers, prior to processing changes in product authorization, engage in pre-discussion with the applying company to consider the company's manufacturing or import schedule. Subsequently, the applying company submits a pre-notified application, allowing them to obtain the

  On December 14, the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy chaired a meeting on advanced robotics, presenting three key strategies for realizing the K-Robot Economy. Firstly, a joint public-private investment of over 3 trillion won until 2030 will enhance competitiveness in technology. We aim to secure eight key technologies, including hardware and software. Plans include establishing a technology development roadmap in the first half of next year. Secondly, by 2030, we plan to deploy over 1 million robots across various industries to enhance their industrial and societal contributions. We will strengthen government collaboration and actively support international certifications for robot companies entering the global market. Thirdly, a comprehensive revision of the Intelligent Robot Law will create a new regulatory foundation to support technological advancements. An investment of 200 billion won will establish a national robot test field for safety and reliability. At

  Google Gemini Google's latest AI language model, Gemini, is being fully implemented in Google Cloud's enterprise solutions. Google announced that starting from December 13, Gemini Pro will be incorporated into 'Vertex AI,' the enterprise AI platform provided by Google Cloud. Gemini Pro is one of the models: Ultra, Pro, or Nano, and it is a model that can be scaled across a wide range of tasks. Enterprises can experience Gemini Pro in a preview format on Vertex AI, Google Cloud's platform for independently developing AI. You can make requests in various multimodal formats, including text, images, audio, and video, and obtain results. Google explained that Gemini was trained on a variety of data types from the start and that businesses can create the AI features they want according to their needs. Google explained that Gemini was trained on various types of data from the beginning, and businesses can create the AI features they desire according to their specific pur

  On December 14th, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy held the "AI Standardization Expert Meeting" and the "2023 Industrial AI Standardization Forum." During the expert meeting, experts stressed the importance of a national AI standardization strategy for global competitiveness. They highlighted the need for direct industry participation, especially in areas like international standardization for AI data interoperability across industries. The standardization forum discussed AI standardization strategy. Industry experts presented on "Responsible AI Regulation and Standards," and international experts introduced outcomes of hosting the "International AI Standardization Conference" in Seoul. Panel discussions covered recent issues like the U.S. AI executive order and Europe's AI law. 👉 Contact GCA Tel. +82-31-360-8180 Email: forest.lee@gca-kr.com GCA Global Website

  On December 13th, the government announced plans to enhance the competitiveness of the secondary battery industry during an emergency economic ministerial meeting.   A bill will be introduced by 2024 to systematically promote the post-use battery industry. A three-stage safety inspection system will also be implemented for the secure distribution and utilization of electric vehicles with used batteries and reusable products. Batteries meeting performance criteria are recognized as products from the dismantling stage, with extended storage periods for recycling and mandatory information input at each lifecycle stage through legislation. The patent review period for secondary batteries will be shortened from 21 to 10 months. Exemptions for electric sales permits will be granted to electric two-wheeler battery exchange services, and support will be provided for new markets like secondary battery subscriptions. Tax deductions for overseas resource development investments, sta

  The Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport have announced on December 12 that they have decided to adopt LTE-V2X as the single communication method for the next-generation Cooperative-Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS). They further revealed that they will pursue subsequent measures, including the revision of technical standards, in the future. The next-generation Intelligent Transport System aims to create a safer road environment by providing information such as road conditions, debris, traffic accidents, and surrounding vehicle details to drivers and pedestrians through communication between vehicles and between vehicles and roadside base stations. In the future, this system can contribute to advancing the commercialization of fully autonomous driving by assisting sensor-based autonomous vehicles. 👉 Contact GCA Tel. +82-31-360-8180 Email: forest.lee@gca-kr.com GCA Global Website

  Korea Leads in Releasing 'Asia Smart City Key Performance Indicator Standard White Paper,' providing metrics for assessing urban development in areas like healthcare, energy, and transportation based on international standards.   On December 12, the National Standards Committee of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy hosted the '2023 Smart City Asia Standard Forum' in Seoul with the participation of representatives and experts from eight Asian countries.   At the recent forum, eight countries shared international standards for smart city performance indicators in their white papers. Korea highlighted its smart city initiatives, including the Sejong City case focusing on building energy efficiency and eco-friendly vehicle adoption in energy and environmental management.   The National Standards Institute proposed establishing common smart city goals and indicators for Asia to facilitate the promotion and spread of smart cities in the region through

  The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) announced on December 7th that it has prepared the 'Guidelines for Safety and Performance Evaluation as well as Clinical Trial Protocol Development for Digital Therapeutic Devices' to support the rapid productization of domestically researched and developed digital therapeutic devices. The main content of this guide includes methods and criteria for evaluating the performance and safety of digital therapeutic devices for the approval of improving hyperactivity and attention disorders (ADHD) as well as eating disorders. It covers aspects such as the evaluation methods for performance and safety during approval, clinical trial design methods, and criteria for effectiveness assessment. In addition, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety held the "Forum for Rapid Productization Support and Development Directions of Digital Therapeutic Devices" on December 7 to discuss the development direction of digital therapeutic devices. ※ D

  LG Energy Solution and KAIST jointly developed foundational technology for lithium-metal batteries, aiming to extend the driving range by about 50% and significantly improve charging efficiency and lifespan compared to lithium-ion batteries. 양식의 맨 위   The existing lithium-metal batteries have been criticized for limitations such as the threat to battery lifespan and safety due to the occurrence of dendrites on the cathode surface and continuous corrosion caused by the liquid electrolyte.   The research team successfully addressed the limitations of traditional lithium-metal batteries by introducing a groundbreaking 'borate-pyran-based liquid electrolyte,' enhancing charging efficiency, and achieving a high energy density for a 900km driving range on a single charge. In addition, the team emphasized that the technology ensures stability with over 400 recharge cycles, allowing for a simplified battery system design to enhance the driving range of electric vehicles.

  On December 8, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards announced the establishment of new national standards for four types, including KS R 6200-1 Electric Bicycle Exchangeable Charging Stations.   Last year, four national standards were established for exchangeable battery packs for electric bicycles. This year, additional national standards have been set for exchangeable battery charging stations for electric bicycles (3 types) and electric bicycles (1 type).   Over time, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards has held business conferences and briefings to gather corporate opinions on safety requirements for electric bicycles and charging stations.   In the future, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards plans to propose national standards established with our technology as international standards to lead in the global standardization of electric bicycles. 👉 Contact GCA Tel. +82-31-360-8180 Email: forest.lee@gca-kr.com GCA Global Website

  On December 5th, the National Radio Research Agency (RRA) announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Communications Regulatory Commission of Mongolia (CRC) to utilize Korea's broadcast and telecommunications KC test reports for Mongolian radio certification. Through this MoU, the two countries will promote education and training on the testing, evaluation, issuance of certificates, and technical regulation of broadcasting and telecommunications products, as well as exchange and cooperation of experts. They will also work together to establish a cooperation framework to allow KC test reports to be recognized in Mongolia on an equal footing with CE (European Union) test reports. The National Radio Research Agency (RRA) said, 'The mutual cooperation between Mongolia and Korea in the field of testing and certification will help to reduce the burden on domestic exporting companies. It is also significant in that Korea has established an export base o

  The National Standards Institute of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy hosted a performance reporting session on December 6 in Seoul for R&D projects related to safety standards and evaluation methods for electric, household, and children's products.   The Korea Institute of Industrial Technology Testing (KIIT) presented new safety standards for fast chargers at a recent reporting session, adapting to changes in the electric vehicle market. This expansion increases the safe charging capacity from 200 kW to 500 kW, enabling fast charging in less than 10 minutes.   The KOTITI Testing and Research Institute has developed a new method for analyzing phthalate levels in children's products. Applying this new analysis method is expected to reduce testing costs for companies producing children's products by approximately 40%. 👉 Contact GCA Tel. +82-31-360-8180 Email: forest.lee@gca-kr.com GCA Global Website

  The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) revised and distributed the 'Cosmetic Hazard Assessment Guidelines' on December 1, 2023, to support scientific hazard assessments of cosmetic ingredients so that the public can use cosmetics with peace of mind. In this revised guideline, evaluations, methods, and examples related to inhalation exposure were added. Clear specifications were provided for the selection method of toxicity criteria, considerations for genotoxicity assessments, and other aspects. The guideline also comprehensively explains the latest global hazard assessment methods, including the modernization of toxicity data collection methods. The MFDS expects that the revised guidelines will contribute to enhancing the quality competitiveness of domestically produced cosmetics. The MFDS is committed to actively supporting the development and export of domestically produced cosmetics that are both safe and of high quality in the future. 👉 Contact GCA Tel. +82-31-360-

  On December 1, the U.S. Treasury and Energy Departments issued preliminary guidance on the Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for the green vehicle tax credit provision (30D). Under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and its Green Vehicle Tax Credit provision (30D), environmentally friendly vehicles with batteries involving a Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) are excluded from tax credit benefits.   Under the interim guidance, foreign concern countries include China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Foreign entities are considered FEOC if they are established or located in these countries, have a significant business presence, or are owned, controlled, or directed by the government of a concern country. 양식의 맨 위 Auto manufacturers must set up a system to trace critical minerals by late 2026. Traceability certification for minor minerals is excluded until then due to supply chain challenges and low added value. The FEOC regulations apply

  Hyundai Mobis / QL Display Hyundai Mobis announced on the 30th that it has developed the world's first automotive "QL display".   QL Display is a product that combines Quantum Dot, which enhances the color reproducibility by more realistically representing the original color, and Local Dimming, which enhances the clarity of the image by increasing the contrast between bright and dark colors.   Unlike OLED, which has high performance but high cost, QL display is evaluated as a product with OLED-like performance and price competitiveness.   Hyundai Mobis' QL display has raised the color reproducibility and contrast ratio, which determine high-definition, to the level of OLED, and features a 27-inch curved screen and a slim design of 14.5mm, and can be slimmed down to 10mm according to customer demand.   Hyundai Mobis plans to explore new opportunities to win new orders in the premium automotive display sector by introducing the newly developed QL displ