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South Korea Unifies Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Suction Power Measurement Unit to Watts (W)

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Cordless Vacuum Cleaner KC Certification South Korea is introducing a new national standard (KS) for measuring the performance of cordless vacuum cleaners. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy’s Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) announced that the new KS will reflect the international standard IEC 62885-4. Until now, manufacturers have used different units such as watts (W) and pascals (Pa) to indicate suction power, which often made it difficult for consumers to compare products objectively. With the new standard, suction power will be unified under watts (W), allowing fair and transparent product comparisons. KATS will conduct a 60-day public notice period starting September 18, with plans to complete the standard by early next year . This move is expected to reduce consumer confusion and further expand standards that are closely tied to daily life. ✅ Check out the essential KC certification required to sell cordless vacuum cleaners in South Korea! GCA Korea pro...

Overloaded Power Strips Are Putting Homes at Risk

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On September 4, 2025, South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) reported a rise in household accidents caused by overloaded power strips, outlets, and plugs. As more home appliances are used, electricity demand has increased, leading to a rise in fires and burn injuries. Data from the Korea Consumer Agency’s Consumer Injury Surveillance System (CISS) show that 387 accidents were reported between 2020 and 2024, with the number increasing each year. Nearly half were linked to electrical issues such as shocks, leakage currents, and short circuits. These problems can quickly escalate into serious fires. In response, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS), the National Fire Research Institute (NFRI), and the Korea Consumer Agency released safety guidelines for the proper use of power strips and announced plans to visit traditional markets, including outdoor stalls where aging power strips are commonly used, to carry out safety campaigns. Consume...

Children’s Roller and Inline Skate Safety Standards to Be Revised in South Korea

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On September 17, 2025, South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) announced a draft amendment to the safety standards for roller skates and inline skates, under the Supplier’s Conformity Confirmation requirements for children’s products with individual safety standards. The amendment aims to reflect the characteristics of currently marketed products and align classification and testing methods with international standards. Key Amendments Change product classification from size-based to weight-based Remove the distinction between leisure and competition use, applying a single standard Adjust the height of protrusions on test device surfaces and testing methods to meet international standards: - EN 13899: Roller sports equipment - Roller skates - Safety requirements and test methods - EN 13843: Roller sports equipment - Inline-skates - Safety requirements and test methods Comments on the draft can be submitted to the Korean Agency for Technology and St...

RRA Proposes New AeroMACS Standards to Support Growing Air Traffic

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On September 15, 2025, the National Radio Research Agency (RRA) announced a draft amendment to the technical standards for aeronautical radio equipment. Addressing continued growth in air traffic, the amendment updates AeroMACS standards to align with international norms, thereby enhancing efficiency and safety in airport air traffic management. Definition of AeroMACS AeroMACS refers to mobile communication radio equipment used on airport grounds for air traffic management purposes. Technical Standards for AeroMACS Operating in the 5,091–5,150 MHz Frequency Band Common Requirements Communication Method: Time Division Duplexing (TDD) using Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) Emission Designator: One or more of G7D, D7D, D7W, G7W, or W7W Occupied Bandwidth: Maximum 5 MHz Base and Mobile Station Transmitter Specifications Frequency Tolerance for Base Stations: ±2 × 10 ⁻⁶ of the assigned frequency Frequency Tolerance for Mobile Stations: Within ±2...

South Korea Safety Standards Revision: Portable Ethanol Stoves

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On September 15, 2025, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) issued an administrative notice on the draft amendment to the “Operational Guidelines for the Safety Management of Electrical Appliances and Household Products” and the “Criteria for Handling Nonconformities in Household Product Safety Standards.” This draft follows the enactment of safety standards for portable ethanol stoves on August 26, 2025. Key points include: Classification of detailed categories and models of portable ethanol stoves in the Operational Guidelines Classification of defect severity levels in cases of noncompliance with safety standards in the Handling Criteria Individuals, businesses, or organizations with opinions on the draft are requested to submit comments to KATS by October 17, 2025. GCA Korea provides expert support for global companies navigating South Korea’s regulatory requirements. Our specialties include  KC EMC ,  KC Safety ,  KC Energy Efficiency ,...

34 Electrical Appliance Safety Standards Set for Amendment in South Korea

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On September 10, 2025, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) proposed revisions to 34 electrical appliance safety standards. The updates aim to improve clarity and consistency for businesses, certification bodies, and other stakeholders. Key Areas of the Proposal 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-...

Clearer Standards Ahead for Self-Testing IVD Items in South Korea

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On September 4, 2025, South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) issued an advance notice of a proposed amendment to the Regulation on the Classification and Grading of In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) Medical Devices. The amendment is intended to clarify the criteria for classifying self-testing IVDs, thereby enhancing regulatory predictability and consistency. Under the proposal, an IVD may be classified as a self-testing device if it: Is intended for use by the general public rather than healthcare professionals; Uses easily collected samples such as saliva or urine; Can be used without specialized knowledge; and Does not pose significant risks to individuals or public health in the event of an error. Devices may also be classified as self-testing IVDs when needed to respond to a public health emergency under the Special Act for Promotion of the Development and Emergency Supply of Medical Products in Response to Public Health Crisis, or for disease prevention and c...