South Korea

Capitalise on the market opportunities in South Korea

Product safety requirements and regulations are put in place to reduce risks of injury, ensure safety during use and improve quality of life. Most products entering the Korean market must meet the relevant requirements of the authorities depending on the product scope.

Regulations and compliance requirements can however pose challenges to companies who are looking to explore new markets in Korea. You can ensure that your products successfully meet the Korean standards by working with a market leader, TÜV SÜD.

TÜV SÜD fully understands the local requirements and procedures applicable in Korea. You can rely on our expertise and knowledge to help you access key markets efficiently while at the same time, be assured of our objectivity, integrity and professionalism.

Market access information by category

Click on the respective blue bars below to get market access information for each category.

Electrical Safety

Regulatory agency 

  • Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS)

Regulations

  • All products subject to legally compulsory certification are required to affix the KC Mark.
  • Products are categorised into 2 groups:
    • Type 1 products require certification by a designated CB.
    • Type 2 products fall under a self-regulatory safety confirmation scheme.
    • Compliance with K standards.
    • EMC compliance is required for the above, where applicable.

Guidelines

Certification procedure for Type 1 products:

  • Submission of application along with other essential documents.
  • Factory inspection.
  • Product testing.
  • Issuance of certificate by the designated CB.
  • Compliance procedure for Type 2 is the same except that the factory inspection is exempted and a Confirmation Letter of Declaration is needed in place of certification.

Applicable product categories

Only electrical apparatus using AC 50V up to 1000V are subject to KC Mark certification. Product categories (may consist both Type 1 & 2) requiring KC Mark include:

  • Audio, video and similar electronic appliances
  • Cables and cords 
  • Capacitors or filters as components for power supply units
  • Household and similar electrical appliances
  • Installation accessories and connection devices
  • Installation protective equipment
  • IT and office appliances
  • Lighting
  • Motor tools
  • Safety transformers and similar equipment
  • Switches for electrical appliances

To determine if a particular product is subject to the above regulations, please contact us.

Our services at a glance

  • TÜV SÜD is a MOU partner of the Korea Testing Laboratory (KTL). Test reports issued by TÜV SÜD are thus acceptable to KTL for issuance of the KC Mark.

Environmental - Energy efficiency

Regulatory agency

  • Korea Energy Management Corporation (KEMCO)

Regulations

  • Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) are required for many products.
  • Compliance with the Energy Efficiency Standards and Labelling Program and the e-Standby Program for applicable products.

Guidelines  

  • Testing for energy efficiency labelling must be performed by designated test laboratories, mostly in-country.
  • Reporting should be made to KEMCO.

Applicable product categories

  • There are 35 target products under the Energy efficiency Standards and Labelling Program and 22 target products under the e-Standby Program. The lists of target products may be found here and here .   
  • To determine if a particular product is subject to the above regulations, please contact us.

Our services at a glance

  • TÜV SÜD has the experience and capability to support manufacturers in attaining compliance with Korean requirements and obtaining the necessary approval. TÜV SÜD can also support manufacturers in obtaining voluntary endorsement labels.

Environmental - RoHS & WEEE

Regulatory agency

  • Ministry of Environment (MOE)

Regulations

  • Compliance based on the Act on the Recycling of Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Automobiles.
  • Notification is required.

Guidelines  

  • There is a regulated recycling ratio and listed banned hazardous substances.
  • Similar to European WEEE, RoHS and ELV.

Our services at a glance

  • TÜV SÜD has the experience and capability to support manufacturers in attaining compliance with Korean requirements and obtaining the necessary approval. TÜV SÜD can also support manufacturers in obtaining voluntary endorsement labels.

Medical Devices

Regulatory agency

  • Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS)

Regulations

  • Medical devices must be approved for sale in their country-of-manufacture before they can be eligible for registration in Korea.
  • All local medical devices manufacturers must meet Korean Good Manufacturing Practice (KGMP).
  • For foreign manufacturers, a Quality Management System (QMS) certificate recognised by the device’s country of origin must be submitted.
  • All distributors must meet Korean Good Importing Practice (KGIP).
  • Pre-market notification for Class I devices and pre-market approval for Class II, III and IV devices is required.

Guidelines

  • A local representative is required.
  • After classifying the product and obtaining the certificate of Free Sale

Pre-market notification involves:

  • Submission of Form 5.
  • QMS certificate (KGMP or equivalent recognised by country of origin).
  • KGIP certificate (for importers).

Pre-market approval involves:

  • Submission of Form 3.
  • Technical File review (Form 7).
  • QMS certificate (KGMP or equivalent recognised by country of origin).
  • KGIP certificate (for importers).

Applicable product categories

  • To determine if a particular product is subject to the above regulations, please contact us.

TÜV SÜD solutions

  • TÜV SÜD has the experience and capability to support manufacturers in attaining compliance with Korean requirements and obtaining the necessary approval.

Telecom & Wireless

Regulatory agency

  • National Radio Research Agency (RRA)

Regulations

  • Applicable products are required to be certified and affixed with the KC Mark.
  • Type approval is required for terminal equipment. For radio facilities and equipment, it is necessary to obtain either type verification or type registration depending on the product. Type verification test should only be conducted by the Radio Research Agency (RRA).
  • EMC registration is required for IT equipment.

Guidelines

  • A local representative is required.

KC MARK PROCEDURE

  • Apply for testing at designated test laboratory.
  • Apply for certification.
  • Submit essential documents.
  • Obtain certification.
  • Affix KC Mark on product.

Applicable product categories

  • To determine if a particular product is subject to the above regulations, please contact us.

Our services at a glance

  • TÜV SÜD has the experience and capability to support manufacturers in attaining compliance with Korean requirements and obtaining the necessary approval.