Korean authorities close at the turn of the year – 2024/25

At the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025, the Korean authorities and certification bodies will be closed.

On December 25, 2024, the authorities will be closed for Christmas. Also on January 1, 2025 for the New Year’s Day. The offices will resume their work on January 2, 2025. This closure period over the turn of the year can lead to delays in certification processes.

Although New Year’s Eve is celebrated rather quietly in Korea compared to the Spring Festival, it is still a noticed time. The Spring Festival holiday, the date of which is determined according to the Chinese lunar calendar, will take place next year from January 28 to 30, 2025. We will inform you in good time about the exact closing days of the authorities during the Spring Festival.

MPR International GmbH will continue to support you in your certification processes in the new year. We wish you a successful New Year 2025!

Korea Launches Pilot Program for EV Battery Safety Certification

The Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has announced a pilot project to enhance safety oversight for electric vehicle (EV) batteries, addressing concerns over recurring EV fires. Starting this month, five major companies, including Hyundai Motor, Kia, and LG Energy Solution, will participate in the initiative. Full implementation of the KC Safety certification rule for equipment related to EV battery production is scheduled for February 2025. Equipment used in EV battery production generally requires KC Safety certification to be approved for import and sale in Korea.

Under the pilot scheme, automakers and battery firms must report their EV batteries and battery management systems to the ministry for certification. These systems will undergo rigorous safety tests assessing 12 criteria, such as overheating, overcharging, and thermal shock. Companies failing to meet safety standards must address deficiencies before certification. This initiative is part of a broader overhaul of the self-certification system, in place for over two decades. The government aims to collaborate with safety authorities and industry stakeholders to ensure public confidence in EV 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 69 259
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“.

KCs Certification for Robotics Products in South Korea’s Food Industry

Robotics products used in South Korea’s food industry must meet the KCs (Korea Certification) standards to ensure safety and quality compliance. With automation becoming more prevalent in food service operations, various robotic solutions are being implemented, such as barista robots, automated fryers, and noodle-cooking robots. These robots help address labor shortages, improve efficiency, and maintain product consistency. To enter the South Korean market, robotics products typically require KCs certification to be approved for import and sale in Korea.

KCs certification involves safety assessments to ensure that robotics used in food preparation meet national safety regulations. The certification covers key aspects such as mechanical safety, electrical safety, and operational standards. As the government aims to support robotics-focused startups and expand robotics adoption in the food industry, obtaining KCs certification is critical for manufacturers looking to participate in this growing market. The increased demand for robotics in food tech, driven by labor challenges and cost-efficiency needs, is expected to continue reshaping the industry in South Korea.

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 69 259
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

Revised KGS Guidelines for Hydrogen Equipment in Korea

The 159th Gas Technology Standards Committee Meeting, held on November 15, 2024, by the Korea Gas Safety Corporation (KGS), introduced significant revisions to 11 KGS codes, including updates related to hydrogen equipment. Changes to hydrogen equipment standards include KGS AH171 for hydrogen extraction facilities and KGS AH271 for water electrolysis equipment, both of which now align overcurrent protection and grounding standards with international norms (IEC 60204-1 and IEC 60364-5-54). For stationary fuel cells, as per KGS AH371, safety measures for idle operation during grid anomalies have been added, and performance testing of power conversion devices has been harmonized with Korean standards (KS C 8569). Mobile hydrogen fuel cells also saw updates, including higher allowable exhaust temperatures for forklifts (KGS AH372) and improved durability testing for drone applications (KGS AH373) to meet IEC 62282-6-200 standards. Hydrogen equipment typically requires KGS certification for legal operation and market approval in Korea.

Further updates include clarifications and refinements to other gas-related standards. These cover changes in liability insurance forms for gas boilers, installation standards for double-structured flues, and revisions to terminologies under KGS GC209. LPG standards, such as KGS FP331, now emphasize rigorous safety evaluations for container charging and inspections. All updates aim to enhance safety, promote international harmonization, and provide clear technical guidelines for the gas and hydrogen industries.

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 69 259
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“.