Korean Certificate

KC Mark for all electronic and electrical products

Following the Asian economic crisis, the economy of the Republic of Korea rapidly improved with increased business and consumer confidence. With its 2002 economic policy, Korea aims to increase investor confidence through transparent and consistent restructuring. Many manufacturers around the world want to obtain the necessary certification and testing for their products to be sold in the Korean market. The Import Regulations in Korea have been replaced by a new safety certification system, which is supervised by special certification bodies, replacing the old type approval system. The Electrical Appliance Safety Control Act (Law No. 6019, announced on September 7, 1999) replaced the old regulation to bring the control and safety requirements for the production and use of electrical appliances into line with international standards. This change was developed to ensure the safety of electrical products and protect consumers from electrical hazards, and to enable world technology to be applied in Korea by enforcing safety standards and procedures. The Electrical Equipment Safety Control Act also facilitates the implementation of mutual recognition agreements regarding conformity assessment. The Korean Ministry of Industry launched a new KC plan in 2009 for all electronic and electrical products. These products must meet the safety requirements, electromagnetic compatibility testing, and energy efficiency testing specified to obtain the “KC Mark.” Under the program, electronic and electrical products are categorized into Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 product groups.

Type 1 covers a total of 53 devices, such as household appliances and electrical devices (devices posing a hazard to consumers). In addition to compliance with relevant standards, a factory inspection and supervision program is required. Type 2 products, considered less hazardous to consumers, have their own certification and testing process. This group includes a total of 93 devices. Safety testing is required without factory inspection and with a 5-year approval period. Type 3 product groups include a total of 33 devices and require a supplier DoC program involving self-declaration, testing, and verification. Safety testing must be conducted through internal testing or third-party testing without factory inspections.

KC Certificate Required Documents

• CB Test Report (Minimum 3 Years)
• Sample for testing
• Circuit Diagram
• Block Diagram
• Labels/User Manual (Korean Warning Signs)
• Photographs / (cable, plug, socket, etc.)
• FI question list (for KC certification scheme) signed by the manufacturer
• Authorization letter signed by the manufacturer/applicant