GCA | Korea KC Mark Certification

  Introduction On October 31, 2024, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) held the Overseas Certification Trends 2024 event. This event, organized in collaboration with 13 overseas certification support organizations including the Korean Standards Association and KOTRA, provided insights and guidance for businesses navigating global certification requirements. Key Highlights of the Event The event covered a range of overseas certification trends aligned with the latest global trade topics, such as: Cybersecurity Certifications: Addressing the growing need for secure international standards. ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance): Ensuring compliance with sustainable and ethical standards. Halal Standards: Supporting market entry into regions with Halal requirements. In-depth Presentations and On-site Consultations Participants benefited from: Presentations from export support organizations detailing available resources and assistance programs. On-site Consultation

KC Certification - Designation of a Local Agent in Korea The Korean Radio Waves Act has been amended to introduce a local agent system. Companies without a domicile or business presence in Korea must designate a local agent with a registered address or business place in Korea, documented in writing, to undergo conformity assessment. Key Points of the Local Agent System Certification Cancellation: If a local agent is not designated or a false agent is assigned, the product’s certification may be revoked. Liability for Legal Violations: Any legal violations committed by the local agent will be attributed to the company receiving the conformity assessment. Why Choose GCA KOREA as Your Local Agent? Choosing a reliable and experienced local agent is critical to ensuring smooth product certification in Korea. GCA KOREA is a trusted certification consulting firm, offering expert guidance to help international businesses navigate the Korean regulatory environment successfully. Product Testing

Revised Regulations for KC Efficiency Management Equipment Overview The Korean government has announced revised regulations for KC efficiency management equipment. These updates specify the effective dates and product categories subject to the new standards. Below is a summary of the changes and applicable timelines.  Key Updates by Product Category 1. Electric Rice Cookers, Electric Ranges, and Electric Heaters Effective Date: July 1, 2025 Details: The revised regulations will apply to all electric rice cookers, electric heaters, and electric ranges manufactured on or after July 1, 2025. 2. Clothing Care Devices and Bidets Effective Date: January 1, 2026 Details: The revised regulations will apply to clothing care devices and bidets manufactured on or after January 1, 2026. Important Note for Imported Products The manufacturing date rule applies equally to products manufactured abroad and imported into Korea. Products must comply with these standards based on their manufacturing dates

Medium Voltage Direct Current, MVDC The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) participated in the 2024 IEC General Meeting (Oct 21-25, Edinburgh) and proposed the creation of a new Technical Committee (TC) for Medium Voltage Direct Current (MVDC) standards.   This initiative follows the selection of MVDC technology —proposed by Korea in May—as a key area for future standardization by the IEC.   🔑 Key Achievement: Korea has secured a strong position to take on the TC secretariat role for future MVDC standardization efforts.   🌐 Need KC Certification for your products in South Korea? 🤝 Contact GCA KOREA today! We provide fast and accurate certification services to help you navigate regulatory requirements with ease. 👉 Contact GCA Tel. +82-31-360-8180 Email: forest.lee@gca-kr.com GCA Global Website

Public Consultation: Draft BEREC Report on Private and Public 5G Networks in Europe On October 3, 2024, at its 60th plenary, BEREC approved the draft report on the evolution of private and public 5G networks in Europe for public consultation. This consultation provides an opportunity for industry professionals, regulators, and stakeholders to contribute to shaping the future of 5G network regulation and implementation in Europe. Key Insights from the Draft BEREC Report: Chapter 1: Provides background information, explains the purpose of the report, and outlines the framework for public consultation. Chapter 2: Defines private mobile networks, presents their technical architecture, and explains the current spectrum regulations, with a focus on the spectrum ranges used to support private networks in various countries. Chapter 3: Highlights the first consultation issue on numbering resources, addressing the challenges of ensuring unique resources for private networks as identified by N

Korea RRA EMC Standards Update Revision of EMC Standards at the Korea RRA Some EMC standards are scheduled to be updated in accordance with the revision of the national standard (KS) in the field of electromagnetic compatibility. Public comments will be accepted until November 11, 2024. 📝 KS C 9832:2023 → KS C 9832:2024 Electromagnetic Interference Prevention Test for Multimedia Equipment 🔄 Key Changes: Allowing TV patterns for video port testing. Relaxing the impedance tolerance limit of the voltage probe used in conducted emission tests (148.5 Ω → 131 Ω). 🤝 Contact GCA KOREA today for KC Certification in South Korea.      We provide fast and accurate certification services! 👉 Contact GCA Tel. +82-31-360-8180 Email: forest.lee@gca-kr.com GCA Global Website

From October 23 to 26, RoboWorld 2024, Korea’s largest robotics industry exhibition, will take place in Goyang, showcasing the latest innovations in robotics technology across 880 booths with the participation of 291 companies and organizations. AI-Integrated Robots Steal the Show The highlight of this year’s exhibition is intelligent robots integrated with AI, which demonstrate the future of robotics across various industries. A-robot’s Humanoid: Demonstrated the ability to deliver candy in specific colors based on verbal commands using AI-powered voice and object recognition. ROBOTIS’s Indoor Delivery Robot: Showcased autonomous mobility by manipulating elevators and security doors using vision AI and a robotic arm, expanding its operational capabilities. Intigrit’s Hotel Service Robot: Powered by a large language model, this robot can engage in conversations with customers and assist with check-out services at hotels. Key Robotic Component Localization in Focus Several companies are

  MFDS Approval for Medical Devices The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) approved a total of 109 medical products in September 2024. These include: • 15 pharmaceuticals • 4 quasi-drugs • 90 medical devices This approval figure represents 55.9% of the previous year’s monthly average of 195 and 87.9% of the third quarter’s monthly average of 124 for this year. The MFDS aims to enhance the transparency and reliability of the approval process by regularly disclosing approval status. It also seeks to expand patient treatment opportunities by swiftly approving safe and effective products. You can quickly find the latest updates on domestic medical product approvals and news from the MFDS on the GCA KOREA website. 👉 Contact GCA Tel. +82-31-360-8180 Email: forest.lee@gca-kr.com GCA Global Website

On October 21, 2023, Jeong In-kyo, Deputy Minister for Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, held a meeting with Martin Kocher, Austria’s Minister of Labor and Economy, in Sejong to explore ways to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries. The discussion focused on trade, investment, industry cooperation, and Korea-EU trade relations. Strengthening Cooperation through EUREKA and Advanced Technologies During the meeting, Deputy Minister Jeong emphasized that Korea and Austria have been working together in ICT and biotechnology through the EUREKA platform, a multilateral R&D initiative. He stressed the importance of further expanding collaboration into hydrogen energy and artificial intelligence (AI) to drive innovation. Joint Research in Hydrogen Mobility The ministers also discussed ongoing joint research projects in hydrogen mobility, expressing a shared commitment to developing the hydrogen economy through continued cooperation between public institut

On October 15, President Yoon Suk Yeol held a public discussion forum at the Jeju Free International City Development Center (JDC) to engage with citizens on key initiatives, including the commercialization of Urban Air Mobility (UAM). The Korean government is working closely with industry, academia, public institutions, and local governments to develop a strong UAM ecosystem.   World’s First Urban Air Mobility Act Enacted As part of its commitment to UAM commercialization, Korea has introduced the world’s first Urban Air Mobility Act. This new framework aims to simplify aviation regulations while ensuring safety, giving businesses the flexibility to operate freely within safety limits.   Large-Scale UAM Pilot Projects Across Key Sectors The government is collaborating with companies from various industries, such as aviation, construction, telecommunications, and platforms, to run large-scale UAM pilot projects. These projects provide: - Technology validation opportunities for the priv

  KC EMC Self-Conformity Verification System The Self-Conformity Verification System has been implemented following the enforcement of the Radio Waves Act on July 24, 2024. 1. What is the Self-Conformity Verification System? Self-Conformity Verification is a system that allows manufacturers, importers, or sellers to conduct conformity assessment tests on products with low radio wave risk by themselves or through a testing agency, confirm compliance, and then prepare and manage a Self-Conformity Verification Declaration, which is disclosed on the RRA website, enabling the immediate release of the products. 2. What products are subject to Self-Conformity Verification? • Household appliances, power tools, audio devices, video devices, and office equipment that operate on USB or battery power • Lighting equipment • Measuring, inspection, and testing instruments 3. Which institutions can conduct tests for Self-Conformity Verification products? • Testing institutions designated under the Rad

Launch of Pilot Project for EV Battery Safety Certification System The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has launched a pilot project this month to enhance the safety of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. This project involves direct testing and certification of battery safety by the government. What is the Battery Safety Certification System? A system designed to pre-certify the safety of EV batteries to improve overall vehicle safety. Official implementation is scheduled for February 2025, following amendments to the Automobile Management Act. Strengthening Battery Safety and Preventing Fires In response to recently announced EV fire safety measures, the government aims to establish the certification system early through this pilot project and enhance battery safety management. Overview of the Pilot Project Participants: 5 companies Testing Organization: Korea Automobile Testing & Research Institute (KATRI) under the Korea Transportation Safety Authority Scope: 12 safe

  LEO: Low Earth Orbit Satellite The National Radio Research Agency (RRA) announced a revision to the technical standards for earth stations on October 15, 2024, to facilitate the smooth introduction of low Earth orbit satellite communications services in Korea. The public consultation period for this revision will be open until December 13, 2024. • Background The goal is to establish technical standards to enable citizens to access high-speed internet anywhere, anytime through low Earth orbit satellite communications in Korea. In particular, new technical standards for earth stations (user terminals) will be introduced to ensure the smooth adoption of these services. • Regulatory Details New technical standards will be introduced for user terminal earth stations that communicate with non-geostationary satellites used for fixed satellite services at altitudes below 600 km. • Objectives and Expected Benefits This regulation is expected to enable smooth communication in areas where the c

Discovery of Microorganisms for Eco-Friendly Extraction of Metals from Waste Batteries   The National Institute of Biological Resources (NIBR), under the Ministry of Environment, announced that last year it discovered three types of microorganisms in an abandoned mine in Gyeongsangbuk-do, capable of eco-friendly reduction of key minerals from waste batteries used in electric vehicles. Recently, they confirmed the potential of these microorganisms to extract and separate metal resources. In collaboration with researchers, NIBR demonstrated that over 95 % of key minerals such as lithium, nickel, manganese, and cobalt were separated after leaching the cathode active material, used in the positive (+) electrode of lithium-ion batteries, in a microorganism-activated solution for 24 hours. NIBR plans to file a patent this month related to this bioleaching technology, which uses microorganisms to extract valuable metal components instead of toxic inorganic acids. Follow-up research will be c

Air Purifier The National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER) has established and announced the national standard (KS I ISO 16000-36) for testing the airborne bacteria reduction performance of air purifiers. This standard is an adaptation of the 2018 international standard (ISO 16000-36) to better fit the domestic industry and is expected to enhance the reliability of performance evaluation and product quality.  International Standard for Airborne Mold Reduction Performance NIER is also working on establishing an international standard for evaluating airborne mold reduction performance. The proposed standard was approved as the Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) on September 17, 2024, and is expected to be officially established this year. Importance of KC Certification To sell air purifiers in Korea, obtaining KC certification is essential. KC certification ensures product quality and safety and is a crucial requirement for entering the domestic market. For more details

To strengthen the quality and safety management of electric bicycles, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has decided to implement the China Compulsory Certification (CCC) for lithium-ion batteries and chargers used in electric bicycles. Please take note of the following details: Starting from October 15, 2024, designated certification bodies will begin accepting CCC certification applications for lithium-ion batteries and chargers used in electric bicycles. The certification process will be carried out in accordance with the relevant implementation rules and applicable standards for compulsory product certification. Starting from November 1, 2025, lithium-ion batteries and chargers used in electric bicycles must obtain CCC certification and be labeled with the CCC certification mark before they can be shipped, sold, imported, or used in any other commercial activities. Certification bodies and laboratories responsible for the CCC certification and testing of these pr

  Biopharmaceutical Raw Material Manufacturing Facility The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) published the “Guide on Submission Requirements for GMP Certification of Biopharmaceutical Raw Material Manufacturing Sites” on October 8 to support the research and development of domestic biopharmaceutical raw materials. This guide includes the targets of GMP certification, applicable standards, submission requirements, evaluation methods, and procedures. The MFDS expects this certification system to enhance the quality and reliability of domestic biopharmaceutical raw materials and contribute to their localization. The agency plans to select target companies for the GMP certification program by November. It will continue to actively support the research, development, and commercialization of biopharmaceutical raw materials. 👉 Contact GCA Tel. +82-31-360-8180 Email: forest.lee@gca-kr.com GCA Global Website

  MFDS Hosts Forum on AI and Food & Drug Safety Prevention On October 2, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) held a forum titled “The Future of Food and Drug Safety with AI,” in collaboration with the National Information Society Agency and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information. The forum introduced the pilot model of the “I’M-PRO” AI platform , which detects safety issues in real-time using data from media and social networks. Discussions covered AI trends, healthcare AI tech, and strategies for enhancing food and drug safety management. Key Features of I’M-PRO: Real-time Issue Detection : Collects and analyzes data from multiple sources to detect safety issues. AI-Driven Analysis : Classifies and evaluates risk levels to support fast responses. This event highlights MFDS’s commitment to leveraging AI for better safety management. 👉 Contact GCA Tel. +82-31-360-8180 Email: forest.lee@gca-kr.com GCA Global Website

Electronics Resource Circulation The Ministry of Environment (ME) announced a new amendment to the Resource Circulation Act on September 25, expanding recycling obligations to cover all electronic devices, including small products like wireless earphones and portable fans. This change is expected to enable the recycling of 76,000 tons of additional waste annually, generating over 200 billion KRW in benefits. Newly added items include multifunctional products and small imports, while industrial equipment and military supplies will remain exempt. The amendment is set to take effect in 2026, following stakeholder feedback and a grace period for smooth implementation. 👉 Contact GCA Tel. +82-31-360-8180 Email: forest.lee@gca-kr.com GCA Global Website

  Vehicle Cyber Security (VCS) Hyundai Mobis has become the first Asian automotive parts supplier to receive the Vehicle Cyber Security (VCS) certification from the European Network Exchange (ENX). This certification, awarded at a ceremony held at the Hyundai Mobis R&D Center in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, confirms the company’s compliance with Europe’s stringent cybersecurity standards. As of July 2024, Europe has mandated VCS certification for all newly registered vehicles to protect against cyber threats, such as hacking and data breaches. This regulation reflects the rising importance of cybersecurity, especially as Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV) with integrated IT functions become more common in the market. Hyundai Mobis’s successful certification demonstrates its advanced capabilities in vehicle cybersecurity, boosting its global competitiveness and paving the way for securing future orders and expanding its presence in the international market. If you have any questions rega