Korea KC Certification | GCA

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 expe...

South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has announced the approval status of medical products for August 2025. Last month, a total of 118 medical products received approval, comprising 33 pharmaceuticals, 6 quasi-drugs, and 79 medical devices. This represents 95% of the average monthly approvals from the previous year (124 products) and aligns with the monthly average for the first half of this year (117 products). Notably, the “Sleep Apnea Notification Feature (SANF)”—a portable respiratory analysis software—was approved in the digital medical device sector. SANF analyzes data collected from Apple Watch (Series 9 and later, Ultra 2 and later) to provide notifications for potential sleep apnea. 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 Medic...

On September 22, 2025, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) issued an administrative notice regarding the revision proposal of the Safety Standards for Consumer Products Subject to Compliance - Appendix 16 (High-visibility warning jackets) . This revision addresses deficiencies identified during the current system's operation by replacing outdated standards with more appropriate, up-to-date ones. Key revision details Replacing abolished related standards with current appropriate standards: KS A 3507 KS T 3507: Standard specification for retroreflective sheeting for traffic control & industrial safety KS K ISO 105-C02 KS K ISO 105-C06: Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part C06: Colour fastness to domestic and commercial laundering Individuals, companies, or organizations wishing to provide feedback on the proposal may submit comments to KATS by October 20, 2025. GCA Korea provides expert support for global companies navigating South Korea’s...

On September 23, 2025, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) announced a draft amendment to the safety standards for eyeglass frames and sunglasses, classified as Consumer Products Subject to Compliance with Safety Standards. This amendment updates the referenced standards in the safety regulations. The main revision adds the "Nickel Release Test Method" to the appendix, following the withdrawal of the previously cited KS G ISO 24348 standard. KS G ISO 24348: Ophthalmic optics － Spectacle frames － Method for the simulation of wear and detection of nickel release from metal and combination spectacle frames Comments on the draft can be submitted to KATS by October 20, 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 ,  KC Automotive Components ,  KCsEx (ATEX, IECEx) , or  MFDS (Korean Medical Devices) . F...

On September 22, 2025, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) announced a draft amendment to the "Standards for Handling Nonconformity of Children’s Products Safety Standards" and the "Operational Guidelines for the Children’s Products Safety Management System" to reflect recent updates to safety standards. Key Amendments Standards for Handling Nonconformity of Children’s Products Safety Standards: Remove the provision on “inclined cribs” under infant beds and introduce handling standards for non-sleep inclined products. Operational Guidelines for the Children’s Products Safety Management System: Update the scope for infant beds, non-sleep inclined products, and synthetic resin children’s products to reflect current safety standards. Comments on the draft amendment can be submitted to KATS by October 31, 2025. GCA Korea provides expert support for global companies navigating South Korea’s regulatory requirements. Our specialties include  K...

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...

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...