SKC presented semiconductor and battery materials at CES

SK Group’s chemicals and materials business, SKC Co, unveiled a range of new products at CES. At the tech show, which took place in Las Vegas in January, the Koreans unveiled a semiconductor glass substrate, copper foil for batteries and bioplastics, among other products. The glass substrate, described by SKC as a “milestone in development” for semiconductor production, was presented to the public for the first time at CES. SKC is investing around 600 million US dollars in the construction of a glass substrate plant in the US state of Georgia. Glass substrate is the name given to a thin layer of glass on which computer chips are created. It requires less space than plastic or silicone-based substrates and enables the production of faster and more energy-efficient chips. SKC’s US offshoot Absolics Inc. will be the first company in the world to mass-produce this important starting material. Machines and equipment needed to manufacture products in these product categories generally require KC certification to be approved for import and sale in Korea.
 

 
Furthermore, SKC showed a new type of copper foil for the production of EV batteries at CES. The SK Nexilis foil business is able to produce copper foil with a thickness of only 4 micrometres. This corresponds to one-thirtieth of the thickness of a human hair. The foil is produced at a width of 1.4 metres and a length of 77 kilometres. According to SKC, this would be the world’s thinnest, widest and longest copper foil ever produced. With materials for anodes made of silicone, the company will introduce another component for EV batteries next year, the silicone is supposed to improve the range and charging speed. SKC is investing in the British battery material manufacturer Nexeon for this purpose and will work with them in development in the future. At CES, SKC participated in a food truck event serving alternative foods such as plant-based milk and meat substitutes. SKC provided disposable tableware made from biodegradable plastics for the event.

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 point of contact for competent service when it comes to exporting to Korea. For example, KC Safety is relevant for electronics and household products, which are 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, 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“.

Lotte Chemical joins hands with RWE and Mitsubishi to embark on an ammonia venture

Lotte Chemical has joined forces with RWE, a German energy giant, and Japan’s Mitsubishi Corp. to form a world-wide partnership focused on clean ammonia. This partnership aims to establish a comprehensive system for the production and distribution of clean ammonia across Asia, Europe, and the United States, with a joint effort by all partners involved. Machinery and equipment involved in the production of chemicals often requires KC or KCs certification in order to be approved for the Korean market.
 

 
The first milestone in this venture was achieved on 7th February, when the three companies gathered at the Lotte World Tower in Seoul to officially sign a Joint Study Agreement (JSA).
The Joint Study Agreement (JSA) signed by the three companies has set the stage for a collaborative effort to launch production and export of clean ammonia (blue and green) at the Port of Corpus Christi in Texas, the largest energy export terminal in the United States. The project has ambitious goals, with plans to gradually produce a maximum of 10 million tons of clean ammonia, beginning in 2030. This ammonia will then be exported to Asia and Europe through shared shipment facilities.
The Corpus Christi area boasts a wealth of natural gas resources, making it a prime location to harness the power of renewable energy. Its abundant resources and advantageous location, along with its well-developed export infrastructure, including top-notch port facilities, make it an ideal spot for producing clean ammonia.

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 and Magna strengthen cooperation for autonomous driving solutions

LG Electronics and automotive supplier Magna announced in early January that they will strengthen their cooperation in the field of autonomous driving. The two companies are combining synergies of LG’s advanced in-car entertainment technology and Magna’s driver assistance systems. There are plans to develop a prototype for new systems and conduct a joint feasibility study. LG and Magna were also present at the CES electronics show in Las Vegas in January to make new business contacts with global car manufacturers. Parts and equipment used in the production of autonomous vehicles often require KCs certification to be approved for import and sale in Korea.
 

 
LG has been continuously developing its in-car entertainment systems in recent years and is the world’s number one with 23 per cent market share, according to market analyst Strategy Analytics. LG’s portfolio includes telematics, audio, video and navigation systems. The expanded collaboration between the two companies stems from the LG Magna e-Powertrain joint venture of 2021. After building plants in South Korea and China, LG Magna is now building a third automotive parts plant in Mexico at a cost of US$100 million.

KCs certification was introduced to ensure basic safety in the design and manufacture of hazardous machinery and protective equipment in hazardous workplaces in Korea. The aim is to protect the health and safety of workers by preventing accidents. We offer 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 Ex 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 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“.

SK Innovation showcases battery and plastics recycling technologies at CES

SK Innovation showcased various products and technologies in the field of “green innovation” at the US technology show. Visitors were able to see recycled batteries, plastic waste recycling and other advanced materials. The Energy Division of South Korea’s SK Group is one of eight divisions represented at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). CES is a major international consumer electronics trade show that took place in Las Vegas, USA, from 5 to 8 January. E-mobility machinery, technology and equipment often require KC Safety certification to be approved for import and distribution in Korea.
 

 
The battery manufacturer SK On presented a fast-charging battery with a high nickel content for EVs under the official name E556. The SF (Super Fast) battery has a nickel content of 83 percent and enables a range of 400 kilometres with one charge. It is also said to charge to 80 per cent in just 18 minutes instead of the current average industry standard of 20 to 30 minutes. The SF556 battery is installed in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 EVs. Solid Power, a solid-state battery developer based in the US state of Colorado, will work with SK Innovation on this battery in the future.

SK IE Technology Co (SKIET), a manufacturer of electronic components, showcased a flexible display that can be used in place of glass for bendable, foldable or roll-up displays. SKIET also showed its lithium-ion separator, an important component in EV batteries. The chemical division SK Geocentric will soon launch a so-called UD tape, which is used in the automotive industry. It consists of a highly functional composite material made of thermoplastic resin and fibres. SK Geocentric also said it was continuing plans for large-scale plastics recycling facilities and building a plant for the further processing of pyrolysis oil.

KCs certification was introduced in South Korea to ensure basic safety in the design and manufacture of hazardous machinery and protective equipment in hazardous workplaces in Korea. The aim is to protect the health and safety of workers by preventing accidents. 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 at your disposal for all questions regarding Korea certifications.

Feel free to contact us any time if you need assistance or have any questions regarding Korea certifications!
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“.

Rising car sales figures in December 2022

Despite the ongoing semiconductor scarcity, import vehicle sales in South Korea increased last month by 24 percent compared to the same month last year. According to a statement from the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association (KAIDA), there were over 29,000 newly registered foreign automobiles this month, up from almost 24,000 units a year earlier. The E 250 and E 350 4MATIC sedans from Mercedes-Benz and the 520 sedan from BMW were among most popular models last month. A lot of equipment and machinery used in the automotive industry needs KC certification in order to be approved for the Korean market.
 

 
According to KAIDA, German automobiles made up over 75% of all imported vehicles sold in Korea last month. Volkswagen Group Korea, BMW Group Korea, and Mercedes-Benz Korea together sold over 22,000 vehicles in December, up from around 16,500 the previous year.
The percentage of imported brands in the Korean passenger car market increased from around 15 percent to 20 percent in November. According to KAIDA, their market share for December has not yet been disclosed.
According to the report, the number of imported cars registered overall in 2022 increased to over 280,000 vehicles from around 276,000units during the same month in 2017.
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“.

Hydrolux develops new storage method for hydrogen

The South Korean company Hydrolux recently unveiled the development of a new storage method for hydrogen with high safety and efficiency. The so-called Hydrolux alloy is a storage of the gas in a solid, not as usual under high pressure or as a liquefied gas. The company emphasises that it is now possible to store and retrieve hydrogen at room temperature, while at the same time increasing the amount of stored gas or decreasing its volume. The maximum storage capacity of the new alloy is 3.3 per cent of the total weight of a body made of the new material. Previous alloys only achieve around 1.8 per cent. This means that about twice the amount of hydrogen can be stored. Storage methods of this type usually require KGS registration to be approved in Korea.
 

 
Due to the low pressure during filling, a compressor can also be omitted, which simplifies storage and transport. Compared to a 45 Mpa pressure vessel trailer currently under development, the novel method is superior in terms of storage capacity, weight and volume. Hydrolux was established in September 2021 and was financially supported by the POSCO Group after completing a demonstration model. In addition, the government selected Hydrolux as a start-up under the “TIPS” (Tech Incubator Program for Start-ups) project. Hydrolux plans to build a production plant in the current year and then start full-scale production.
The Korea Gas Safety Corporation (KGS) is a government organisation 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 to MOTIE. KGS was accredited as a Korean Notified Body in 2006 and was also accredited to conduct 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-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 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“.

Samsung Electronics plans factories without workers due to labour shortage

Samsung Electronics Co, the world’s largest memory chip maker, is planning factories with no or only a few workers in the future. Other South Korean manufacturers are considering similar moves due to the country’s declining population and the resulting shortage of staff. Samsung therefore set up a working group to convert the most important factories to unmanned factories by 2030. According to the plan, all production processes will use automated procedures and machines, industry insiders said. A Samsung spokesman said a significant decline in available labour is expected over the next decade. Components and equipment needed to manufacture automated robot technology for industry generally require KCs certification to be imported and used in Korea.
 

 
The population of South Korea, the fourth-largest economy in Asia, fell 0.2 per cent to 51.7 million. According to industry experts, converting existing factories to fewer employees is not particularly difficult. The development of robot technology and the integration of sensors and smart learning make automated factories possible. As a result, the global robotics industry is expected to double in market value from last year’s US$14.1 billion to US$28.9 billion by 2026.

KCs certification was introduced in South Korea to ensure basic safety in the design and manufacture of hazardous machinery and protective equipment in hazardous workplaces in Korea. The aim is to protect the health and safety of workers by preventing accidents. We offer 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 at your disposal for all questions regarding 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

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

South Korea tests hydrogen as domestic fuel for heating and cooking

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) released plans to test blending hydrogen into the gas supply for residential buildings. This step comes as part of the plan to become a hydrogen economy and save carbon dioxide. Blending 20 per cent hydrogen into the existing gas supply could save CO₂ emissions of 3.5 million tonnes per year. To ensure the safety of the gas pipelines, the ministry will begin test runs this year and check the usability of existing pipelines and valves. By 2026, legal standards for gas companies to blend hydrogen could then come into effect. Products covered by gas safety regulations in Korea often require KGS approval to be approved for sale and operation in Korea.
 

 
In total, the gas mixture would flow through 50,000 kilometres of pipelines within South Korean cities. A first trial will take place in the second quarter of 2023 at Korea Gas Corp’s LNG plant in Pyeongtaek-si. The government plans to allocate US$23.4 million in funding for the project’s development and testing by 2025. South Korea consumes about 40 million tonnes of natural gas per year. According to government estimates, blending ten per cent hydrogen could save 1.29 million tonnes of natural gas and 3.55 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. Other countries such as the USA, Great Britain and Germany are conducting similar trials. Already since the end of 2020, the US Energy Department has launched the “HyBlend” research initiative, where the hydrogen-natural gas mix is being studied in more detail.
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“.

Korean Authorities Closed During New Year

Several Korean authorities and certification institutions will be closed for Christmas and New Year Holidays.
The holidays will be on December 25, 2022 and on January 01, 2023 respectively. This year, these days fall on Sundays, so the authorities will resume their work from 02 January 2023 without delay.
In Korea, New Year’s Eve is celebrated more quietly in comparison to the Korean New Year celebrations.
The Korean New Year’s Day which is calculated according to the Chinese lunar calendar will start in end of January for 2023. We will inform you about the exact days when the authorities will close for the Spring Festival when we get the official notice.
Due to the closing delays in the certification process may occur.
 

 
MPR International GmbH will continue to support you in your certification processes. If you would like to have products checked for KC-, KC EMC-, KCs-, KEMCO or other certifications, you can call or email us any time.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details and consultation. You can contact us via e-mail, or call us (UK: +44 2071931135, Rest of Europe: +49 69 2713769259, US: +1 773 654-2673).
If you have any questions you can also use our chat-window in the bottom right. (Please check your browser settings if you can’t see the window)

MPR International GmbH wishes you a succesfull New Year 2023!

Lotte and Hyundai Motor Group to work together to expand EV charging infrastructure in the future

The two South Korean corporations Hyundai Motor Group and Lotte Group will work together in the future to expand and develop the charging infrastructure for EVs. Company spokespersons made the announcement at the beginning of November. The alliance to strengthen the e-mobility sector was launched on the initiative of chairmen Chung Euisun (Hyundai) and Shing Dong-bin (Lotte). To this end, the companies signed an agreement to establish the “Electric Vehicle Super-Speed Charging Infrastructure Special Purpose Company” in November. The financial company KB Asset Management is participating in the project. Another joint venture, not yet named, consisting of the three companies will have an investment volume of around 211 million US dollars, according to local media reports. Equipment and components used in the production of charging elements for e-cars require KC certification in many cases.
 

 
The business model of the joint venture is to lease EV fast chargers to companies in order to keep the investment costs low for the operators. A total of 5,000 fast-charging stations are to be built in the country’s largest cities by 2025. The charging stations will be installed primarily in the distribution centres of the Lotte Group as well as Hyundai’s salesrooms and workshops. The cooperation between Hyundai and Lotte is seen as a major step towards expanding the EV charging infrastructure in South Korea. According to the Ministry of Environment, there are currently around 150,000 charging stations compared to 350,000 registered EVs. While experts believe that Hyundai and Lotte will take the lead in the increasingly competitive market for charging stations with the planned investment, other companies such as SK, LG, GS, Hanwha and LS are also poised to enter this business. SK Group, for example, acquired charging station manufacturer Signet V last year, while LG Group and GS Group also jointly acquired AppleMango, a charging station manufacturer.

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 point of contact for competent service when it comes to exporting to Korea. For example, KC Safety is relevant for electronics and household products, which are 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, 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“.