Well-known South Korean companies present innovative technologies at World IT Show

Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, SK Telecom, KT, Kia and other well-known companies from South Korea were among the exhibitors at the World IT Show in April 2022. The largest IT event in the capital city of Seoul, hosted by the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), offers companies the opportunity to showcase their latest trends and future products. This year’s exhibition was themed “Transitioning the Global Community from Pandemic to Endemic.” Organizers reported that more than 350 large, small and medium-sized companies and public institutions participated in the exhibition. The show was divided into these areas: contactless technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT), digital worlds and metaverse, smart devices, digital healthcare, and cybersecurity and blockchain. Many electronic products need a KC certification in order to be approved for the Korean market.     Among the well-known exhibitors was Samsung Electronics, the world’s number one in smartphones and TVs, showcasing its latest gadgets such as the Galaxy S22 series devices and the foldable Galaxy Z Flip 3. LG Electronics also showed robots and gadgets for business customers in addition to its home appliances. An LG spokesperson elaborated further on the exhibits: For example, the LG CLOi ServeBot assistance robot greeted guests at the LG booth and explained the products on display. In the Smart Office Solutions area, LG introduced the LG One:Quick, a 4K touchscreen with camera, microphone and speaker for hospitals and clinical facilities. South Korean mobile operator KT presented smart cleaning robots for quarantine facilities and hospitals, as well as monitoring and control systems for road traffic, as part of its restructuring as a digital platform provider. Certifications for the Korean market are a complex hurdle and difficult to navigate due to different authorities and certification systems. With over 15 years of experience in the certification business, MPR International GmbH is your best contact for competent service when it comes to exporting to Korea. For example, KC Safety is relevant for electronics and household products mostly intended for consumers, as well as products for children and babies. Feel free to contact us any time if you need assistance or have any questions regarding Korean certifications like KC, KC EMC, KCs an more. Tel. Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261 Tel. US: +1 773 654-2673 Email: info@korea-certification.com Urgent questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us via chat. You will find the chat window at the bottom right of each page (if this is not visible, please check your browser settings). For more information you can download our free brochure “Korea Certification Made Easy – The Booklet“.

Lotte Chemical to invest around US$7.68 billion in hydrogen and battery materials by 2030

The South Korean company Lotte Chemical is investing the equivalent of 7.68 billion US dollars in the hydrogen and battery materials business areas by 2030. In addition, the turnover in these sectors is to increase to 38.42 billion US dollars, of which 9.22 billion US dollars are to be invested in environmentally friendly business sectors. These figures and business plans were announced at the “Lotte Chemical 2022 CEO IR day” in Seoul at the end of March. Compressed gases and similar products must undergo KGS certification to be approved in Korea.     Lotte Chemical identified hydrogen, battery materials, recycling and bio-plastics as new growth drivers and therefore decided to invest about 8 billion US dollars until 2030. The largest part will be invested in hydrogen energy, followed by battery materials and, with a comparatively small amount, recycling and bio-plastics. For this purpose, the hydrogen energy and battery materials business units will be newly founded. The Hydrogen Energy Division is to secure the leading role in the entire value chain. This includes, among other things, the production, transport and distribution of hydrogen as well as securing the necessary supply of ammonia, which serves as a feedstock for hydrogen production. To this end, mainly so-called blue and green ammonia is to be imported from overseas by 2030, which will then be converted into a total of 1.2 million tonnes of hydrogen gas in Korea. Lotte Chemical is also promoting the expansion of the hydrogen filling station network as well as energy production with hydrogen by participating in corresponding joint ventures. In battery materials, Lotte Chemical expects sales of US$3.84 billion by 2030 and hopes to become a major player within the electric vehicle, battery and materials supply chain. To this end, Lotte Chemical, together with its subsidiaries Lotte Fine Chemical and Lotte Aluminium, is investing directly or indirectly in four key battery precursors. We offer certification services for all product areas, including KGS certification, KC EMC certification for electronic products and KCs certification for machinery, as well as KCs for explosion-proof products. We are at your disposal for all questions regarding Korea certifications. Feel free to contact us any time if you need assistance or have any questions: Tel. Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261 Tel. US: +1 773 654-2673 Email: info@korea-certification.com Urgent questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us via chat. You will find the chat window at the bottom right of each page (if this is not visible, please check your browser settings). For more information you can download our free brochure “Korea Certification Made Easy – The Booklet“.  

More than 20 million OLED TVs shipped – Technology becomes standard for premium sets

TVs with OLED displays will account for about 40 percent of all premium sets sold this year, Pulsenews Korea reports. This makes the technology a standard for home flat-panel displays, reaching more than 20 million units shipped. The inventor of OLED displays, LG Electronics, is responsible for more than 60 percent of the shipments. According to market trackers Omnia in mid-May, a total of 20 million units have been sold since the introduction of OLEDs in 2013 through the end of March 2021. The speed at which OLED displays have conquered the market is remarkable. While the number of units shipped was still 10 million in September 2020, this figure has doubled in less than two years. Most electronic products and components must be awarded a KC certificate in order for the products to be exported to China or manufactured locally.     Among manufacturers, LG Display dominates the OLED TV market and is capable of producing up to 7.42 million units annually. This increase only became possible with this year’s startup of a new factory in Guangzhou, China. Previously, the plant in Paju, South Korea, shipped about 4 million units annually. Rival Samsung Display, which makes OLEDs using its own QD (Quantum Dot) technology, is estimated to ship more than 10 million units this year. Pulsenews reports 21 manufacturers worldwide in the market for OLED displays or TV sets and therefore assumes a further spread of this technology. KC certification for electronic products is a complex project that requires professional supervision at all stages. 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 Urgent questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us via chat. You will find the chat window at the bottom right of each page (if this is not visible, please check your browser settings). For more information you can download our free brochure “Korea Certification Made Easy – The Booklet“.

Samsung and LG expand home appliances with features for pet owners

Korean companies Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are looking to launch more home appliances with functions for pet owners. This is in response to the growing number of pet owners, the companies’ respective spokespeople said in early May. LG Electronics, for example, is offering a software upgrade for certain home appliances with new programs specifically for pet owners. Owners of LG’s Tromm, Mini and Wash Tower series washers and dryers can use the new programs to better clean clothes of stubborn stains, dirt or grass. In addition to the software upgrade, LG dryers can also be equipped with a filter for pet hair. Machines used in households often need a KC safety certification, in order to be approved for sale and use in Korea.     Samsung, in addition to washers and dryers, has also adapted vacuum cleaners and air filters specifically for pet owners. For example, the Cube Air air filter can remove pet hair and odors from the air. The brand’s robotic vacuum cleaners monitor pet behavior and send an alert to the owner in case of abnormalities. According to a spokesperson, Samsung plans to expand its products for customers with pets in the future. KC safety certification was established to ensure basic safety in the design and manufacture of machines used in households in Korea. The goal is to protect the health and safety of consumers by preventing accidents. We provide certification services for all product areas, including KC certification for consumer products and especially electronics, KC-EMV certification for electronic products, and KCs certification for machinery, as well as KCs for explosion-proof products. We are available to answer any questions you may have about Korea certifications. 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 Urgent questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us via chat. You will find the chat window at the bottom right of each page (if this is not visible, please check your browser settings). For more information you can download our free brochure “Korea Certification Made Easy – The Booklet“.

Update of the “Special Law on the Safety of Children’s Products” in Korea

The “Special Act on the Safety of Children’s Products”, in short “Children’s Products Act”, is one of the most important South Korean regulations on the requirements for both locally manufactured and imported children’s products sold in the country. With the announcement of February 3, 2022, this law underwent some changes for the first time since 2016, which will take legal effect from August 4, 2022. Numerous products for children require KC certification in Korea.     The revision mainly deals with non-compliant products, for whom penalty descriptions used to be rather vague. A focus lies on products that fall under the so-called Safety Confirmation (Type 2) in Korea. This category currently includes, e.g., baby clothing, sports equipment and bicycles for children, highchairs, skateboards, and toys. Whenever manufacturers of KC certified products make incorrect statements when preparing test reports, untruthfully claim to be a “safety-friendly enterprise“, do not mark their products with the KC logo or apply the marking in a wrong way, the responsible Korean ministry may now demand rectification within six months (or less at its discretion) and suspend the existing certification of affected products for the corresponding period. Any marking of products with the KC logo is not permitted within this period. In the case of intentional untruthful statements from manufacturers, testing and certification institutions will further be instructed to begin re-certification of the affected products after no less than a one-year suspension period. An additional update faces the Korea Product Safety Management Agency, which will play a greater role in monitoring existing certifications in the future. It is to actively support the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the regional governments in the implementation of the relevant regulations. For this purpose, it may also impose the above-mentioned penalties on its own. Children’s products, i.e., products intended primarily for babies and children up to the age of 12, are subject to strict regulations in Korea. Many products require a KC certificate. Depending on the risk they pose to the age group, products fall into one of three certification categories, some of which require product tests or even a factory audit. Violations of the import and marking regulations are strictly punished by the authorities and may lead to fines or the loss of acquired certifications in the worst case. 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 Urgent questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us via chat. You will find the chat window at the bottom right of each page (if this is not visible, please check your browser settings). For more information you can download our free brochure “Korea Certification Made Easy – The Booklet“.

Samsung SDI begins construction of the world’s first pilot plant to produce solid-state batteries

Samsung SDI could soon be one of the few vehicle battery manufacturers to operate a pilot plant for the production of solid-state batteries. To this end, ground was broken at the beginning of March for a factory for the pilot production of solid-state battery cells at Samsung’s research and development centre in Suwon, 34 kilometres south of Seoul. The South Korean company expects to mass produce next-generation batteries around 2027, three years ahead of domestic rivals LG Energy Solution Ltd. and SK On Co. Equipment and components necessary for the production of batteries require KC certification to a large extent in order to be sold on the Korean market.     The plant, dubbed “S-Line” by Samsung, is seen as a milestone for an important technological advance, excellent quality and consistent growth, Chief Executive Officer Choi Yoon-ho said during groundbreaking ceremonies. The pilot plant covers 6,500 square metres and includes the latest production processes and facilities in battery manufacturing. Once construction is complete, Samsung says it will initially produce solid-state batteries for testing purposes. The findings from this are expected to accelerate the development of the so-called “Dream Battery”, with which Samsung hopes to extend its lead over domestic and foreign battery manufacturers. Solid-state batteries have no separating layer between the cathode and anode and consist of solid electrolytes that store ions. In contrast, lithium-ion batteries have a liquid electrolyte that allows the lithium ions to move between the anode, separating layer and cathode. By omitting the flammable liquid electrolyte solution in lithium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries are considered safer, more durable and also allow for faster charging times. According to insiders from the battery industry, the solid-state batteries developed by Samsung SDI consist of sulphite electrolytes, for which the company has already secured corresponding technologies and patents. Samsung is currently in the final review of its technologies. This should be completed for small cells in 2023, medium and large cells should be ready for the market in 2025. 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 Urgent questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us via chat. You will find the chat window at the bottom right of each page (if this is not visible, please check your browser settings). For more information you can download our free brochure “Korea Certification Made Easy – The Booklet“.

Germany’s Merck plans to manufacture semiconductor materials in South Korea

German company Merck plans to manufacture chemical mechanical polishing paste (CMP) in South Korea. Quality tests are currently underway with the CMP for customers in South Korea. Merck expects to begin shipments in the first half of 2022. CMP is a material used to polish and even semiconductor wafers. To do so, it is applied between the wafer and a rotating abrasive pad. Merck has previously built a CMP production facility in Pyeongteak, Gyeonggi Province. The research and development center and factory are located at the Korea Advanced Technology Center (K-ATeC), which opened in 2020. Equipment used in production facilities for such product categories in many cases requires KC certification to be approved in Korea.     The composition of CMP depends on the specific customer. Therefore, there is a trend to develop this material locally together with the customer and also to manufacture it there. This also allows changes in composition to be implemented more quickly. Meanwhile, Japan’s Showa Denko has also started up a CMP factory in South Korea. Experts therefore expect increasing competition between foreign companies and domestic firms such as Dongjin Semichem and KCTech. Merck also plans to produce so-called EUV rinse solution in South Korea. After exposure to extremely strong ultraviolet light (EUV), the residues are removed with this rinse solution. This requires a significantly different composition than the process using other light sources such as argon fluoride (ArF). Versum Materials, which Merck acquired in 2019, is also strengthening its presence in the Korean semiconductor market. Versum Materials supplies components with double patterning technology (DPT) to Samsung Electronics and other manufacturers. DPT prevents damage to semiconductors during microcircuit production. Samsung Electronics uses Versum Materials’ solution for about half of its production of DPT components. 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 Urgent questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us via chat. You will find the chat window at the bottom right of each page (if this is not visible, please check your browser settings). For more information you can download our free brochure “Korea Certification Made Easy – The Booklet“.

Hyosung expands production of carbon fibers for hydrogen tanks

The Advanced Materials division of the South Korean Hyosung Group is expanding the production of carbon fibers. To this end, a third production line is being built to meet the increasing demand for the material in the manufacture of hydrogen tanks. In March 2022, Hyosung announced plans to invest the equivalent of $39 million in total to expand production capacity at its Jeonju plant from the current 2,500 tons to 9,000 tons. The company already invested in the expansion of the Jeonju production facility in 2020 and 2021. According to its own information, Hyosung is the only Korean company that can produce high-strength carbon fibers for industrial purposes, including gas and hydrogen tanks for vehicles. It began in 2011 with the development of the “Tansome” material made from carbon fibers, followed by series production in 2013. Hyosung plans to invest the equivalent of around $800 million in expanding the annual production volume of carbon fibers to 24,000 tons by 2028. If the plan is implemented by 2028, Hyosung would become the world’s third-largest producer of carbon fiber, accounting for about 10 percent of the global market, the company said. Gas tanks, pressure vessels and similar product categories need KGS factory approval in order to enter and be used on the Korean market.     The Korea Gas Safety Corporation (KGS) is a government organization under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE). Gas safety regulations in Korea began in 1974 with the passage of the Compressed Gas Control Act. In 1995, the Institute of High Pressure Gas Safety was established, and after several restructurings, the Korea Gas Safety Corporation (KGS) was established in 2001. One year later, KGS was affiliated with MOTIE. KGS was accredited as a Korean designated testing body in 2006 and was also accredited to perform KCs certification and testing of explosion-proof electrical equipment. We offer certification services for all product areas, including KC certification for consumer products and especially electronics, KC EMC certification for electronic products, and KCs certification for machinery, as well as KCs for explosion safety products. We are available to answer any questions you may have about Korea certifications. Tel. Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261 Tel. US: +1 773 654-2673 Email: info@korea-certification.com Urgent questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us via chat. You will find the chat window at the bottom right of each page (if this is not visible, please check your browser settings). For more information you can download our free brochure “Korea Certification Made Easy – The Booklet“.

POSCO to build largest plant for production of battery electrolyte

POSCO Group, the world’s sixth-largest steelmaker, announced March 14 the start of construction of a solid electrolyte plant in Yangsan, about 420 km southeast of Seoul. This is the first investment by the new subsidiary POSCO Holdings, which was established in February to accelerate the development and production of environmentally friendly materials within the group. The holding company and JK, a Korean solid electrolyte producer, established the joint venture POSCO JK Solid Solution in February and planned to build the new production facility from that date. The joint venture will operate the plant, which will begin producing up to 24 tons of solid electrolyte annually in the second half of the year. The production volume, which can build 1,000 EVs respectively their batteries, is currently one of the world’s largest plants of its kind. Batteries and production-related components in many cases require KC Safety certification to be approved for trade and use in Korea.     According to analysts, solid-state technology became the focus of industry interest after lithium-ion batteries, which are most commonly used in EVs, experienced problems with overheating and fire hazards. With solid-state batteries, charging is faster and the lack of electrolyte liquids reduces the risk of fire, the Wall Street Journal reported last September, following interviews with industry executives and analysts. POSCO’s new battery feedstock business model complements its existing main businesses: Steel, Lithium and Nickel, Hydrogen, Energy, Construction and Infrastructure, and Agricultural Biotechnology. After starting production of solid electrolytes, POSCO hopes to establish development and research collaborations with well-known battery manufacturers. By 2030, the group aims to be able to produce 420,000 tons of cathode material and 260,000 tons of anode material and achieve a global market share of 20 percent. In early 2022, the company’s chemicals business, POSCO Chemical, announced plans to build a battery feedstock factory in Canada together with leading U.S. automaker General Motors (GM). To this end, the chemical company and GM will invest in the joint plant in Bécancour, Quebec, starting in 2023, where cathode material will be produced. The plant is expected to have an annual capacity of 30,000 metric tons. Feel free to contact us any time if you need assistance or have any questions regarding Korean certifications like KC, KC EMC or KGS factory registration. Tel. Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261 Tel. US: +1 773 654-2673 Email: info@korea-certification.com Urgent questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us via chat. You will find the chat window at the bottom right of each page (if this is not visible, please check your browser settings). For more information you can download our free brochure “Korea Certification Made Easy – The Booklet“.

Kia plans to build new plant in South Korea for purpose-built vehicles

After 25 years, South Korea’s second-largest automaker Kia plans to build a new plant to produce purpose-built vehicles, or PBVs. In doing so, the company aims to become the market leader in this emerging vehicle category by 2030. A PBV is an autonomous driving platform that can be equipped with different bodies and coachwork depending on customer preferences, according to Hyundai Motor Group, which owns Kia. Recently, Kia presented union members with plans to build a new plant where future models of PBVs and pickup trucks, among others, will roll off the assembly line. The last time Kia built a new production facility was in 1997, which was 25 years ago. It was an addition to the production line at the Hwaseong plant, about 80 kilometers south of Seoul. Production equipment and components for projects like these usually require KC certification, or specifically KC certification for electronic products, in order to be approved and distributed in Korea.     Kia and its larger parent company Hyundai Motor Group have not expanded their production capacity in South Korea since 2000 because the domestic market is already saturated. Instead, they have focused on exporting vehicles. Kia’s decision to build a new plant for PBVs in South Korea was made because of the existing research and development center there. It is assumed that the company will invest several billion US dollars for the plant. However, an exact figure has not yet been given. Construction of the plant is scheduled to be completed in December 2024. Series production of the first Kia PBV is then scheduled for July 2025. This PBV has Level 4 self-driving features, an interior height of 1.8 meters, a mileage of 600,000 kilometers and automatic OTA updates. Initially, the PBV will be used to deliver goods. At a later date, there will also be a version as a robo-taxi as well as a larger vehicle for use in bus transport. Kia expects the global PBV market to grow to 20 million vehicles by 2030. That would correspond to around one third of all new vehicles sold. 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 Urgent questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us via chat. You will find the chat window at the bottom right of each page (if this is not visible, please check your browser settings). For more information you can download our free brochure “Korea Certification Made Easy – The Booklet“.