GCA | Korea KC Mark Certification

  The KC EMC certification falls under the conformity assessment system managed by the National Radio Research Agency (RRA) and is categorized into four types: Certification of Conformity, Registration of Compatibility, Self-Conformity Verification, and Interim of Conformity. The self-conformity verification system applies to low-risk electromagnetic products (such as lighting equipment, USB-operated devices, or battery-operated devices). Under this system, manufacturers, importers, or sellers can either test the products themselves or have them tested by a testing agency. After testing, they can release the products to the market by publishing the results on the National Radio Research Agency's website. This system has been in effect since July 24, 2024. The introduction of the self-conformity verification system allows companies to reduce certification costs and accelerate the launch of new products, which is expected to boost industry activity and enhance consumer benefits. GCA ...

Expanding data quality certification to include unstructured data   The Ministry of Science and ICT announced it will expand data quality certification from structured data to include unstructured data and data management systems to enhance AI reliability and performance.   Data quality certification is a system that evaluates and certifies the level of error and quality management of data in accordance with the Basic Law on the Promotion and Utilization of Data. To implement this system, the Ministry of Science and ICT designated data quality certification agencies in July 2023, and these agencies have been certifying the quality of structured data since November of the same year.   The new quality certification for unstructured data and data management systems was created to meet rising industrial demands due to the generative AI era and widespread AI use. The certification system was developed based on international standards and expert discussions.   ...

  The Environmental Health Citizens' Center reported that high levels of electromagnetic radiation are emitted from neck fans, hair dryers, and laptop adapters, and recommended maintaining a distance of at least 30 cm when using these devices. In response, the Ministry of Science and ICT has been measuring electromagnetic radiation from household products since 2019 and has found no cases exceeding human safety standards. Neck fans, handheld fans, and hair dryers available on the market all meet these standards. However, as overseas products that do not comply with domestic human safety standards may be illegally distributed, consumers are advised to check for conformity assessment certification when purchasing such products through buying agents or directly from overseas. The Ministry of Science and ICT plans to continue measuring and disclosing electromagnetic radiation levels in various products. GCA KOREA provides testing and certification services for electrical and electronic...

The 7th KOTSA-BASt Traffic Safety Symposium will be held   The Korea Transportation Safety Authority announced that it will host the 7th KOTSA-BASt Traffic Safety Symposium with the German Federal Highway Research Institute in Seoul on July 25th.   In Part 1, TS and the German Federal Highway Research Institute introduce mobility-related projects and discuss strategies for proactive adaptation to the transition to the mobility era in transportation. They focus on supporting the mobility industry and securing global competitiveness.   In Part 2, Deputy Director André Seck from the German Federal Highway Research Institute presents on Germany's future direction in autonomous vehicle development. Deputy Director André Seck will discuss the status of Level 3 autonomous driving trials, and explore the development of Level 4 business models.   TS will introduce the operational status of K-city, a self-driving testbed in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, and outl...

  The Korea National Radio Research Agency (RRA) has announced a revised notification for the electromagnetic compatibility conformity assessment of broadcasting and communication equipment. The revised notification will take effect on July 24, 2024. • The self-conformity verification system for low-risk equipment has been introduced, along with the establishment of detailed procedures and the reclassification of target equipment. • Establishment of detailed procedures for reporting and mandatory correction of non-conforming equipment. • The basis for designating a domestic representative for the conformity assessment of foreign manufacturers and the clarification of their duties will be established, along with the introduction of procedures for changing the representative. • Improved to allow marking of conformity assessment on either the equipment or the packaging, simplifying the marking method. Self-conformity verification allows manufacturers or importers to be exempt from the...

Ministry of Science and ICT Holds Telecommunications Disaster Management Deliberation Committee   On July 23, the "Global ICT System Failures: Causes and Impact" report was presented at the Telecommunications Disaster Management Deliberation Committee. It addressed global digital disruptions and their impact on Korea, proposing measures like gradual rollouts, thorough pre-deployment testing, and a central control system. The Ministry of Science and ICT will review these proposals for policy integration.   Coupang, Kakao, and Equinix have been designated as major disaster management obligated businesses, meeting the legal requirements. They will be subject to these obligations starting in 2025.   The "2025 Telecommunications Disaster Management Plan Guidelines" were approved. Obligated businesses must submit and implement their disaster management plans according to these guidelines.   The data center guidelines include strengthening early detection of battery fires ...

  Bioanalytical Method Validation NIFDS Releases Guidelines for Reliable Bioanalytical Methods in Drug Development On July 23, 2024, the National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation (NIFDS) published guidelines and a Q&A document on bioanalytical method validation and sample analysis for drug development. These guidelines aim to ensure the reliability of bioanalytical methods by reflecting international standards (ICH M10). Key Points: • Bioanalytical Method Validation: Provides methods for evaluating parameters such as accuracy, precision, specificity, recovery, linearity, range, and stability.  • Sample Analysis: Outlines procedures for conducting sample analysis based on the results of bioanalytical method validation.  • Q&A: Addresses frequently asked questions (FAQs) that arose during the development of the guidelines. 👉 Contact GCA Tel. +82-31-360-8180 Email: forest.lee@gca-kr.com GCA Global Website

Korea Leads International Standards for AI Safety and Reliability The Ministry of Science and ICT announced that the data quality standards for AI safety and reliability, developed by Korea, have been approved as an international standard (ISO/IEC 5259-1:2024) by ISO/IEC JTC 1 SC 42.   The new standard is part of the "Data Quality Standards for Data Analytics and Machine Learning (ISO/IEC 5259)" series by SC42 WG2. It provides tools and methods for organizations to ensure data quality in AI development and consists of six parts, offering consistent terminology and best practices.   Korean researchers led the development of "Part 1: Overview and Terminology, Examples," which provides an overview of data quality, common concepts, measurement, management requirements, and procedures to aid in understanding and applying the data quality standards series.   The researchers plan to continue developing international standards for AI safety and reliability by co...

  On July 19, the Ministry of Environment (MOE) will sign a business agreement with home appliance manufacturers, recycling companies, and E-circular governance to establish a standardized management system for the certification of recycled plastic raw materials in electrical and electronic products. This agreement aims to expand the use of recycled materials by home appliance manufacturers and to implement a circular economy by standardizing recycled material certification methodologies and establishing an integrated management system. Home appliance manufacturers will expand the use of recycled materials, and recycling companies will strengthen quality control. The Ministry of Environment will establish relevant laws and regulations, and the Korea Environment Corporation will develop standard forms for recycled material management. E-circular governance will standardize recycled material certification methodologies in line with international standards and establish an integrated ...

22nd Northeast Asia Standards Cooperation Forum Held in Seoul   The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards hosted the 22nd Northeast Asia Standards Cooperation Forum from July 15 to July 17 in Seoul, with participation from over 120 attendees, including government standard directors and private sector standard experts from Korea, Japan, and China.   The Northeast Asia Standards Cooperation Forum, involving public and private organizations from Korea, Japan, and China, has met annually since 2002. It has helped establish 29 international standards through shared strategies and expert exchanges. Additionally, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and China’s State Administration for Market Regulation have held director-level meetings to discuss government support for standardization cooperation.   At the forum, Korea, Japan, and China discussed 18 new projects, including metaverse healthcare, and 9 e...

  On July 10th, the South Korean government announced measures to develop laws, systems, and infrastructure for the spent battery industry. With more than 100,000 spent batteries expected to be discarded annually by 2030, the government plans to establish an integrated management system for these batteries, support the creation of new markets for remanufacturing and reuse, and respond to trade regulations such as the EU's Battery Directive. The government enacts a unified law for this purpose and introduces a battery lifecycle management system, a certification system for recycled materials, and performance evaluations for electric vehicle batteries before disassembly. Additionally, the government plans to establish this system by 2027 to ensure the safety and fairness of the related industries. 👉 Contact GCA Tel. +82-31-360-8180 Email: forest.lee@gca-kr.com GCA Global Website

  Revised Notification on the Operation Regulations for Energy Efficiency Equipment   - Obsolete Clause Removed The clause “However, in the case of window sets and multi-electric heat pump systems, reporting by model series is permitted.” has been deleted.   - Clause Revisions Due to Changes in Related Laws The clause "Electrical Appliances Safety Control Act" has been revised to "Electrical Appliances and Consumer Products Safety Control Act."   - Establishment of Basis for On-site Testing of Pumps in Korea However, refrigeration units and pumps produced domestically can be issued a test report after on-site testing in Korea.   - Revision of Report Items for Direct-Type LED Lamps (External Converter) In the clause "luminous efficacy, input power and input current, power factor, light color, color rendering index (Ra), initial luminous flux, power consumption per 1 hour, CO2 emissions per 1 hour, energy efficiency rating," the power factor has been removed...

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) announced that it will hold a seminar on July 12 to support the entry of Korean cosmetics into the US market. At the seminar, Linda M. Katz, the Director of Cosmetics at the US FDA, will explain the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act and conduct a Q&A session. Additionally, a lead researcher from the global market research firm Euromonitor will present an outlook on the US cosmetics market and consumer trends. This seminar has been organized to help domestic companies verify U.S. regulatory information and strengthen their response capabilities in light of the enactment of the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act and the tightening of approval regulations in the United States. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced that the seminar aims to enhance domestic companies' understanding of the U.S. cosmetics market. They also plan to actively establish cooperation channels between regulatory agencies and provide regulato...

  Highways Designated as Pilot Zones for Autonomous Vehicles, Autonomous Freight Transport Begins in Earnest   The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport will designate pilot zones for autonomous freight transport on long-distance routes and highways under the revised "Autonomous Vehicle Act." They will also establish and announce the first licensing standards for autonomous freight transport businesses to reduce industry uncertainty.   Pilot zones are special areas where various regulatory exemptions, such as for paid transport and vehicle safety standards, are granted to demonstrate services using autonomous driving. In January, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport revised the "Autonomous Vehicle Act" to allow the ministry to designate wide-area routes, like highways, as pilot zones through consultations with cities and provinces, even without their formal applications.   The "Autonomous Vehicle Act" allows paid transport services...

The National Radio Research Agency and the Korea Radio Promotion Association jointly held the "2024 Wireless Power Transmission Workshop" on July 3. This workshop aimed to enhance information exchange and cooperation on the latest technologies, services, standardization, and regulations of wireless power transmission both domestically and internationally. The event focused on topics such as policies, industry, application technologies, and core technologies of wireless power transmission. Additionally, products incorporating the latest wireless power transmission technologies were exhibited and introduced. The National Radio Research Agency expressed significant interest in wireless power transmission technology, which can transform the paradigm of radio-related work. They expect this workshop to strengthen the global competitiveness of wireless power transmission technology. 👉 Contact GCA Tel. +82-31-360-8180 Email: forest.lee@gca-kr.com GCA Global Website

Localization of Ultra-High Voltage Direct Current and Voltage Source Technology   On July 9, Lee Ho-hyun, Director-General for Energy Policy at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, attended the completion ceremony for the 200MW Voltage Source HVDC at Yangju Substation and awarded commendations to those involved in its localization and technological demonstration.   Voltage Source HVDC enables real-time bidirectional current transmission, unlike traditional HVDC. Its advantages in long-distance, submarine transmission, and renewable energy integration are driving global demand.   The recently completed Yangju HVDC is a successful example of Voltage Source HVDC localization, involving 20 industry-academic-research institutions, including KEPCO, Hyosung, and the Electrical Research Institute, since 2013. With this achievement, South Korea has become the fifth country in the world to develop Voltage Source HVDC technology.   The HVDC facility at Ya...

  The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) issued a legislative notice on July 5, 2024, that it will partially amend the Rules on the Safety of Pharmaceuticals, etc. Public opinions on this amendment will be collected until September 5, 2024. The main contents of this amendment are as follows. • The submission documents required for compliance assessment with manufacturing and quality control standards will be improved. • As a requirement for the registration of raw pharmaceutical ingredients, the submission of GMP assessment data will be streamlined to the submission of internationally recognized GMP certificates. • The verification and investigation system for extending GMP compliance assessment will be improved. 👉 Contact GCA Tel. +82-31-360-8180 Email: forest.lee@gca-kr.com GCA Global Website

Accelerating Economic Cooperation with Key Global South Country, Indonesia   Jung In-gyo, the Minister for Trade Negotiations at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, attended a ceremony for the mass production of electric vehicles with Indonesian-made batteries. He expressed hope that 'Made in Indonesia' electric vehicles would enter ASEAN and global markets, and that this cooperation would expand economic ties between the two countries.   He then met with Indonesia's Minister of Investment, Bahlil Lahadalia, to discuss comprehensive economic cooperation. They emphasized support for Korean projects in electric vehicles and petrochemicals, and agreed to collaborate closely in the clean energy sector.   He attended the signing ceremonies for MOUs on electric two-wheeler and smart e-mobility cooperation. At the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), he discussed regional cooperation and network expansion. He also met with local Korean ...

AI-Based Electromagnetic Wave Prediction Technology The Ministry of Science and ICT's National Radio Research Agency announced that during the ITU-T SG5 international meeting held in Wroclaw, Poland, from June 17 to 21, a new recommendation reflecting Korea's world-first AI and big data-based 5G base station electromagnetic wave prediction technology was approved, and additional recommendation content was proposed. In the future, they plan to enhance the reliability of electromagnetic wave prediction technology through AI learning based on real environment 5G base station electromagnetic wave measurement data and to promote stable institutionalization for digital-based electromagnetic wave evaluation and management. 👉 Contact GCA Tel. +82-31-360-8180 Email: forest.lee@gca-kr.com GCA Global Website

( http://www.nanokorea-sympo.or.k r/ ) Nanotechnology Turning Dreams into Reality, Nano Korea 2024 Held   The Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that "Nano Korea 2024" will take place from July 3 to 5 at KINTEX. This event, now in its 22nd year, is one of the world's top three nanotechnology events and South Korea's largest platform for networking and collaboration among nanotechnology researchers and businesses.    At the international symposium, over 20 sessions including keynote lectures, poster sessions, collaboration sessions, and public sessions will feature specialized talks across 16 major technology areas such as advanced materials, energy, and biotechnology. A total of 1,326 papers from 28 countries will be presented.   The Nano Convergence Exhibition, a major showcase centered around nanotechnology, features the latest in materials, parts, and equipment from 356 companies, including industry leaders like Sa...

  The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) announced on June 28th the publication of the "Guide to the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Drug Development," which presents considerations for the application of AI technology from both technical and ethical perspectives, in response to the increasing use of AI in drug development. This guide specifically outlines the potential applications of AI in various stages of drug development, including candidate discovery, non-clinical trials, and clinical trials. It also provides guidance on considerations to be taken into account when using AI. Notably, the use of AI in drug development can improve time, cost, and efficiency, as well as enable the safe and effective design of non-clinical trials and clinical trials. However, since AI inherently predicts results based on data, ensuring the quality and reliability of the data is critically important. The MFDS expects that this guide will help in understanding drug development usi...

2024 Korea-US Standards Cooperation Forum Held   On June 28th, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) hosted the "2024 Korea-US Standards Cooperation Forum" in Washington D.C. The event was attended by approximately 70 experts from both countries, including the head of KATS, the president of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), representatives from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Intel, IBM, and others.   At the forum, discussions expanded beyond the existing collaboration areas of semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), future mobility, quantum technology, and carbon neutrality/clean energy to include the emerging field of 'digital identity' in blockchain technology. The participants delved into the direction of joint standard development between the two countries. As a result, they agreed to propose five new international standards in the areas of semiconductors, quantum technology, and solar cells...