KC Certification for Electronic Products
Electronic products to be sold in South Korea are required to have a KC (Korea Certification Mark) Certification. An accreditation is needed for products with more than 30V (AC) or 42V (DC). Most electronic devices that use the Korean voltage of 220V AC, require a certification. A distinction is made between the three different certification types:
Type 1: KC Safety Certification
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- Product categories which could to pose a potential danger for users
- Products will need to be tested at an approved South Korean test lab
- The KC certificate is valid for 1 year
- Factory inspection and market surveillance are required
- Some product examples for Type 1 include: electric wires, cords, capacitors, switches for electrical appliances, filters, motorized electric tools, fuse holder, switches, insulated transformers, lightning appliances
Type 2: KC Safety Check
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- Product categories which are less dangerous for users, e.g. AV and ITE equipment
- Products of this type do not have to be tested in Korea, but do need a certification and registration under KATS
- The KC Certificate is valid for 5 years
- No factory inspection and market surveillance is required
- Some product examples for Type 2 include: electric switches, electric appliances, information technology equipment, audio and video devices
Type 3: KC Supplier Conformity Check
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- Product categories which are seen as not dangerous for users (e.g. appliances with less than 50V)
- Safety standards are applied according to in-house or third-party testing
- No KATS (Korean Agency for Technology and Standards) registration or certification needed
- The KC certificate has no expiration date
- No factory inspection or market surveillance is required
- Some product examples for Type 3 include: fluorescent lamp starter, DC power supplies, charger for electronic devices
Certification Process
The process for KC Certification is similar to other international certifications. The first step includes the preparation of application forms and supporting documents including:
- Application Form
- Business License
- Complete contact details of the Korean importer and the production plant
- Product descriptions and/or user manuals (in Korean language)
- List of critical components
- KC or CB certificates of critical components
- Circuit diagrams (only electronic products)
- Example for the marking
- If available, CB certificate and test report of the products according to IEC standard, that includes 220V (AC) 60Hz
After submitting the application documents for the KC Certification, they will be checked for consistency and accuracy by the relevant authority. As a part of the approval process to receive the KC Mark, it is required to have the products tested by an internationally accredited test lab. A factory inspection will also be required in accordance with the Korean regulations for safety products.
Video about the KC certification for Korea
Presented by Julian Busch, director of MPR China Certification GmbH / China Certification Corporation:
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There are several approved testing centers which can be used to confirm the product conformity, these are the “Korea Testing Laboratory” (KTL), the “Korea Testing and Research Institute” (KTR) and the “Korea Testing and Certification” (KTC).
Process of KC Mark Certification:
Further Information:
For more info about KC Certification for Electronic Products, please visit our dedicated Korea Certification website.
You can also find more details about the Korea Certification in our brochure KC – Korea Certification. Please download it here.
If you need assistance with your KC Certification or have any questions, please feel free to contact us any time. Call us directly: EU: +49-69-2713769150, UK: +44-2071931135 or send us an email.
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