South Korea Flags Safety Risks in Overseas Direct Purchase Products

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On September 25, 2025, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) announced that 39 out of 206 products sold on major overseas direct purchase platforms failed to comply with South Korea’s safety standards.


The inspection, which focused on autumn outdoor activity products, showed a noncompliance rate of 18.9 percent—nearly four times higher than the 5.0 percent average found in domestic market inspections earlier this year.


By category, 11 of 63 household goods, 9 of 77 children’s products, and 19 of 66 electrical items did not meet safety requirements. Problematic items included bicycle and motorcycle helmets, electric kickboards, toys, textile and leather goods, DC power supplies, plugs, sockets, and batteries.


Notably, 8 of 18 helmets and 5 of 10 DC power supplies tested failed to meet standards, highlighting the need for caution when purchasing certain products through overseas direct purchase platforms due to significant safety risks.


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 (ATEX, IECEx), or MFDS (Korean Medical Devices). For tailored certification and regulatory assistance, contact GCA Korea. We’re here to streamline your market access in South Korea.



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