South Korea requires the KC (Korea Certification) mark on regulated electrical, electronic, children’s and household products. KC Safety is run by KATS for electrical safety, and KC EMC/radio is run by the National Radio Research Agency (RRA). Testing is usually done in Korea, and a Korean applicant is often needed. Global Approbation coordinates the whole process from India.
KC at a Glance
| KC Safety schemes | Safety Certification (type test + factory inspection + annual follow-up) · Safety Confirmation (type test) · Supplier’s Conformity Confirmation (self-declaration), depending on risk |
|---|---|
| KC EMC & radio | Conformity assessment under the Radio Waves Act, managed by the RRA, for EMC and radio equipment |
| Testing | Generally by Korean designated/accredited labs; some CB report acceptance for safety |
| Applicant | Foreign manufacturers can apply for KC Safety; for RRA a Korean applicant or representative is commonly required |
| Marking | KC mark plus certification number permanently on the product |
Products We Commonly Support
- Household appliances
- Chargers & adapters
- LED lighting
- IT & AV equipment
- Bluetooth & Wi-Fi devices
- Batteries
- Toys & children’s products
- Power tools
How Global Approbation Handles Korea KC
- Scheme check. KC Safety level and RRA category identified
- Testing. Samples tested at designated Korean labs; CB data used where accepted
- Factory inspection. Initial inspection for Safety Certification products
- Certificate & marking. KC certificate issued; KC mark and number applied
- Follow-up. Annual factory and product follow-up inspections
Read Our KC Guide
For background, see our article KC Mark Korea Certification: Complete Guide for Electronics Exporters.
Korea KC: Frequently Asked Questions
Is KC mandatory in Korea?
Yes, for regulated products. The scheme level (certification, confirmation or supplier’s conformity) depends on the product’s risk category.
Can my CB report be used for KC Safety?
CB reports can support KC Safety for many products, but Korean national differences apply and some testing in Korea is usually required.
Who handles KC for radio products?
The National Radio Research Agency (RRA) handles KC EMC and radio conformity assessment.
Is there ongoing inspection?
Yes. Safety Certification products have regular follow-up factory and product inspections.
Regulations, standards and deadlines change. Scope, testing route and timelines are confirmed product by product after our applicability review. Global Approbation is a consultancy and does not itself issue certificates; approvals are granted by the relevant authority, accredited laboratory or certification body.