Posts

South Korea to Expand WEEE Obligations to All Electrical and Electronic Equipment from 2026

Image
The MCEE* announced that, under the amended Act on Resource Circulation of Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Vehicles , the obligation to collect and recycle waste products will be expanded to cover all electrical and electronic products starting January 1, 2026. * MCEE: South Korea’s Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (formerly: Ministry of Environment) Previously limited to 50 items like TVs and refrigerators, WEEE obligations will expand from January 1, 2026, to cover all electrical and electronic products operating at AC 1,000V or less, or DC 1,500V or less. This includes mid- and small-sized appliances and IT devices such as clothing care systems, portable fans, and Bluetooth earphones. Exemptions apply to certain medical devices, defense products, industrial equipment, and large fixed installations. GCA Korea provides expert support for global companies navigating South Korea’s regulatory requirements. Our specialties include  KC EMC ,  KC Safety ,...

Revised 34 Electrical Appliance Safety Standards Announced in South Korea (October 2025)

Image
This notification takes effect on October 27, 2025. On October 27, 2025, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) announced the revision of 34 electrical product safety standards, effective immediately. Revised 34 Electrical Appliance Safety Standards 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 2-28: Particular...

South Korea to Mandate Pedal Misoperation Prevention Device

Image
On October 24, 2025, South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) announced a legislative pre-notification for the partial amendment to the Regulations for Performance and Safety Standards of Motor Vehicles and Vehicle Parts. The amendment aims to enhance vehicle safety, align domestic standards with international regulations, and improve system efficiency. Key details of the amendment:   Mandatory installation of a pedal misoperation prevention device   Requirement for electric vehicles to display the remaining life of traction batteries   Harmonization of manufacturer logo lighting and bumper safety standards with international regulations   Correction of an error in the test voltage specification for light sources   Expansion of eligible vehicle categories under the length exemption criteria   Comments on this proposal must be submitted to MOLIT by December 23, 2025. GCA Korea provides expert support for global...

South Korea Updates Medical Device Good Manufacturing Practice

Image
On October 22, 2025, South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) announced an administrative notice on a partial amendment to the Medical Device Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). The amendment aims to enhance the rationality and efficiency of the medical device conformity assessment system by introducing a basis for expedited review of life-supporting devices, removing duplicate evaluations in contract manufacturing, and clarifying the scope of on-site inspections. Key Details of the Amendment Establishment of Expedited Review Procedures A framework will allow expedited review of medical devices essential for life support, surgery, or emergency care, as well as newly developed or innovative devices. This is intended to minimize commercialization delays and improve patient access when rapid market supply is needed due to manufacturing or import suspension. Streamlining Review Procedures Between Contracting Parties If a manufacturer already holds a valid conformi...

South Korea Proposes Amendment to Medical Device Production Reporting Regulation

Image
On October 22, 2025, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) issued an administrative pre-announcement of the draft amendment to the Regulation on Reporting the Production, Export/Import, and Repair Performance of Medical Devices. The amendment aligns with the enforcement of the Digital Medical Products Act (effective January 24, 2025) and aims to specify reportable digital medical devices and establish new reporting forms suited to their characteristics, improving the efficiency of the reporting system. Specification of digital medical devices subject to reporting and establishment of new reporting forms for digital medical devices Reportable digital medical devices will be clearly defined, excluding standalone software. New forms will enable reporting by product code for more accurate and efficient submissions. Refinement of employee reporting forms Employee reporting forms will be standardized to ensure consistent classification across the food and drug sectors. Establishm...

RRA Issues Proposed Amendment to EMC Standards

Image
This notification will take effect six months after its promulgation. On October 20, 2025, South Korea’s National Radio Research Agency (RRA) issued an Administrative Notice on the Partial Amendment to the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Standards . The amendment seeks to enhance broadband radiated immunity compliance for platform screen door (PSD) laser and LiDAR sensors to prevent malfunctions caused by broadband 5G signals. Key Points A new “broadband radiated RF electromagnetic field” immunity requirement will be added to the enclosure port criteria in the EMC Standards for Multimedia Equipment. Revision of the effective date and related notifications. Comments on the proposed amendment may be submitted to RRA by December 19, 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...

Children’s Furniture Safety Standards to Be Revised in South Korea

Image
On October 16, 2025, South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) announced a proposed amendment to Annex 14 (Children’s Furniture) of the Safety Confirmation Targeted Children’s Products with Individual Safety Standards. The revision aims to update relevant standards, correct typographical errors, and refine the wording and structure of safety criteria for children’s furniture. Key Amendments: Standards update: Removing outdated citations and revising standard titles to reflect current versions. Error corrections: Aligning terminology with other safety standards and clarifying wording. Individuals, companies, or organizations wishing to comment are invited to submit opinions to the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) by November 7, 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...