South Korea unveils Support Plan to boost Semiconductor Ecosystem

South Korea has unveiled a comprehensive support plan aimed at bolstering its semiconductor ecosystem, announced at the recent Economic Ministers’ Meeting. This initiative is designed to enhance the country’s competitiveness in the global semiconductor market, building on a previously outlined support direction of 26 trillion won. Products and components relevant to semiconductors and related products usually require KCs certification in order to be approved for import and sale in Korea.

Key elements of the plan include the launch of an 18.1 trillion won financial support program for semiconductor companies starting next month. By 2027, the government aims to invest up to 2 trillion won into the Korea Development Bank, establishing a 17 trillion won low-interest loan program. Large companies will benefit from preferential interest rates between 0.8-1.0%, while SMEs will receive rates between 1.2-1.5%. Additionally, a new semiconductor ecosystem fund will be created, expanding to 1.1 trillion won by 2027, with equity investments in materials, parts, and fabless companies beginning next month.

Further measures include extending the national strategic technology tax credit application period by three years and expanding its scope to include advanced semiconductor technologies. From 2025 to 2027, 5 trillion won will be invested in R&D, commercialization, and workforce development. Infrastructure improvements, such as roads, water supply, and electricity for semiconductor clusters, will be prioritized. The government’s extensive investment underscores the strategic importance of the semiconductor industry for national security and economic growth.

Feel free to contact us any time if you need assistance or have any questions regarding Korean certifications like KC, KC EMC, KCs, KCs for explosion safety products or KGS factory registration.

Tel. Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261
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Email: info@korea-certification.com

For more information you can download our free brochure “Korea Certification Made Easy – The Booklet“.

South Koreas Radio Research Agency announces Changes to Conformity Assessment Standards

In a significant announcement, the National Radio Research Agency (RRA) has released a draft amendment to the Regulations for the Conformity Assessment of electronic devices for electromagnetic compatibility. Many electronic devices require a KC EMC registration in order to be approved for import and sale in Korea. The changes are scheduled to take effect on July 24, 2024.

The primary reasons for the proposed amendments include the introduction of a self-conformity verification system for certain low-risk product categories, establishing detailed procedures for reporting and rectifying non-conforming equipment, as well as defining new roles and responsibilities of domestic representatives of foreign manufacturers. Additionally, the amendment aims to simplify the method of indicating conformity assessment on equipment and packaging. The proposed changes encompass a reclassification of target equipment, introduction of new procedures for document submission, and clear guidelines for addressing major defects in equipment that has undergone conformity assessment.

Despite being a self-conformity verification system, it is important to note that affected manufacturers are still required to go through a process of officially registering their products with the RRA in a database. However, products falling under the new system will benefit from less stringent marking requirements.

If you have products for which a KC EMC registration or the new self-conformity verification is required, we would be happy to support you with the registration under these new regulations.

For products with radio technologies, a KC EMC certification is also required to gain access to the South Korean market. This applies to products with radio technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID or other wireless communication technologies.

Feel free to contact us any time if you need assistance or have any questions regarding Korean certifications like KC, KC EMC, KCs, KCs for explosion safety products or KGS factory registration.

Tel. Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261
Tel. US: +1 773 654-2673

Email: info@korea-certification.com

For more information you can download our free brochure “Korea Certification Made Easy – The Booklet“.

LG Display Debuts Groundbreaking Tandem OLED for Laptops

LG Display has launched its innovative 13-inch Tandem OLED panel for laptops, marking a significant advancement in display technology. Announced on June 24, this new panel begins mass production and is the first to feature the Tandem OLED design, which stacks two layers of RGB organic light-emitting diodes. This structure offers superior brightness, doubled lifespan, and up to 40% reduced power consumption compared to traditional OLEDs. Electronic products usually require KC Safety certification in order to be approved for import and sales on the Korean market.

     

Initially used in automotive displays for their demanding quality, the Tandem OLED is now tailored for high-usage IT products like laptops. The new panel is also 40% thinner and 28% lighter, enabling more portable and sleek laptop designs.

This is the first application of Tandem OLED technology in a laptop panel, specifically engineered to meet the unique demands of laptop usage. Compared to traditional OLED panels, this laptop-specific Tandem OLED panel offers double the lifespan, triple the brightness, and up to 40% reduction in power consumption. These features make it particularly suitable for both standard laptops and high-performance devices like AI-powered laptops.

Feel free to contact us any time if you need assistance or have any questions regarding Korean certifications like KC, KC EMC, KCs, KCs for explosion safety products or KGS factory registration.

Tel. Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261
Tel. US: +1 773 654-2673

Email: info@korea-certification.com For more information you can download our free brochure “Korea Certification Made Easy – The Booklet

Over 200,000 Children’s Products Detained at Customs

A government safety inspection at the customs stage has led to the detection of over 200,000 products that did not meet safety standards, with the majority being children’s items. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy’s National Institute of Standards and Technology, along with the Korea Customs Service, revealed these findings after a three-week inspection aimed at preventing illegal imports. Children’s items and also other products often require KC Safety certification in order to be approved for import and sales on the Korean market.

Since 2016, such inspections have targeted electrical appliances, household goods, and children’s products. This recent inspection uncovered over 200,000 non-compliant children’s products, mostly toys. Common issues included products with KC certification that lacked proper labeling and false certification numbers. Non-compliant products will either need to be corrected, discarded, or returned. The Korea Testing Laboratory and Korea Customs Service will continue to enforce strict inspections to ensure product safety.

Feel free to contact us any time if you need assistance or have any questions regarding Korean certifications like KC, KC EMC, KCs, KCs for explosion safety products or KGS factory registration.

Tel. Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261
Tel. US: +1 773 654-2673

Email: info@korea-certification.com

For more information you can download our free brochure “Korea Certification Made Easy – The Booklet“.