National Radio Research Agency Announces New Relevant Product Types and Reclassifications

The National Radio Research Agency (RRA) has officially announced updates to the suitability assessment standards for various broadcasting and telecommunications equipment, which came into effect on June 30, 2024. The new requirements introduce a reclassification for certain types of equipment, which all require a KC EMC registration in order to be approved for import an sales in Korea. The updates are primarily aimed at ensuring that all relevant equipment meets the necessary safety and performance criteria in accordance with the latest technological developments.

Among the new devices now subject to conformity assessments are:

1. Laser Welding and Cutting Equipment
   Classified under industrial and scientific electric machinery, these devices will now require testing with a designated institution.
2. LED Hair Growth Helmet
   Falling under beauty equipment, these helmets must also be registered with a designated testing institution to comply with the new regulations.
3. UV Sterilizers for Nails
   Another category of beauty equipment, UV nail sterilizers will need to undergo testing and registration with a designated body.
4. Tufting Guns
   Classified as electric tools, tufting guns will require registration with a designated testing institution.
5. Heat Guns
   Heat guns, categorized under electric heat tools, will now fall under the new self-verification registration.
6. Automatic Can Seamers, Laser Engravers, and Laser Marking Machines
   These devices, commonly used in office and business settings, will also need to be registered with a designated testing institution.
7. Smoke Detectors and Inverters
   Equipment such as smoke detectors and inverters will require self-verification registration under the new rules.
8. LiDAR Systems
   Automotive LiDAR systems must be registered with a designated testing institution.

In addition to the introduction of new devices, the RRA has also revised the assessment types for certain equipment. For instance:

• Lint Removers will transition from designated testing institution registration to the new self-verification registration.
• Electric Insect Killers will move from self-test registration to designated testing institution registration.

These changes underline the RRA’s continuous efforts to maintain high standards in product safety and performance, ensuring that all equipment distributed within South Korea meets rigorous conformity requirements.

If you have products in these categories, 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
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Email: info@korea-certification.com

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

Updated KGS Standards for Hydrogen and LPG Piping in South Korea

The Gas Technology Standards Committee (Chairman Shin Dong-il) recently convened its 155th meeting, where 15 revisions to detailed standards, including KGS FU671, were reviewed and approved. These updates involve significant changes to the standards governing hydrogen pipelines, particularly regarding the electrical method, non-destructive inspection procedures, and seismic design for buried pipelines. Additionally, new standards for ventilation in hydrogen fuel cell rooms and the painting of hydrogen piping have been introduced to better align with practical, on-site conditions. Pressure piping materials typically require KGS certification to be approved for import and sale in South Korea.

The meeting also focused on revisions related to city gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) facilities. For city gas systems, updated standards for pipes installed in homes and for sound-absorbing materials in pressure regulator rooms have been clarified. Meanwhile, the LPG division introduced new standards for installing fixed image information processing devices at charging stations to enhance safety. These changes, along with adjustments to standards for river crossing installations and airtightness tests for buried pipes, are expected to be approved by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy soon, with the revised standards becoming official upon publication.

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“.

9 Product Standards from Gas Sector revised, including KGS FP111

The Korean Gas Technical Standards Committee has recently approved changes to nine detailed product standards, including ‘KGS FP111’, which pertains to the facility, technology, inspection, supervision, and precision safety inspection of high-pressure gas manufacturing. High-pressure vessels and other products from the gas sector generally require a KGS Registration in order to be approved for import and distribution in Korea.

Key updates include standardizing the separation distance between storage tanks and integrating water spraying devices according to existing facility standards.
The amendments also address the placement of safety valves in specific equipment and establish distances between buried pipes and water facilities in setups using ammonia as hydrogen carrier gas.

These updates support the government’s ‘Hydrogen Safety Management Roadmap 2.0.’

The Korea Gas Safety Corporation anticipates that these revised standards will gain final approval from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy soon and be published officially in the Korea Electronic Gazette. The updated KGS Code will be accessible online following its publication.

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“.

Simplified Categorization of Textile Products for young Children

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) under South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy plans to simplify textile product standards for baby, children, and household items to alleviate challenges faced by textile companies. Clothes for young children generally need KC Certification in order to be approved for import and use in South Korea.

The revision, announced on June 6, consolidates ten product categories into six, streamlining classifications such as merging footwear and hats into outerwear, gloves into middlewear, and socks into innerwear. This change aims to broaden the recognition of similar product models.

Overview of the changes:

Additionally, a new, simplified test method for detecting hazardous arylamine has been introduced to lower testing costs. The updated standards also address societal concerns by allowing labels to include “reused wool” to promote animal welfare and eco-friendly consumption, and provide flexibility in labeling the date of manufacture or importation for imported products.

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“.

Rollout of new Energy Efficiency Classification System for Electric Vehicles

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of Korea has fully launched an energy efficiency rating system for electric vehicles, categorizing 278 models into five levels. From March 31, 2024, each vehicle in the market will display a grade indicating its energy efficiency. This initiative is expected to spur technological advancement in the sector and encourage consumer interest in more efficient electric vehicles. Components and equipment used for electric vehicle production usually require KC certification, KOSHA certification or other certifications in order to be approved for import and use on the Korean market.

The breakdown shows six vehicle models in the top tier, achieving 5.8km/kWh or more, while the subsequent tiers have Tier 2: 54 models, Tier 3: 73 models, Tier 4: 83 models, and Tier 5: 62 models, with the least efficient category managing less than 3.3km/kWh. Annual charging costs for the most efficient cars are significantly lower, estimated at 530 EUR compared to 1100 EUR for the least efficient.

The government’s strategy also includes a focus on reducing the retail prices of electric cars, thereby enhancing market competitiveness and consumer benefits, such as more charging stations, funded by savings from subsidy reductions.

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“.

25 KS planned for Autonomous Driving by 2025

Over the course of the last year, a panel of 300 Korean experts (the Autonomous Forum for Vehicle Standardization) formulated a plan that should lead to the adoption of at least 25 new KS (Korean Standards) by 2025 to cover the field of “autonomous driving”. The desired standards should cover important, fundamental topics, such as data standards or standards for core components such as lidar, cameras, etc. The Korean KS Standards define the mandatory KC Safety, KCs Certification and other product certifications that products must fulfill in order to be approved for the Korean market.

The plan (‘Strategy for Promoting Autonomous Vehicle Standardization’) aims to ensure the safety and beneficial value of rapidly developing new technologies such as artificial intelligence.

To this end, data attributes such as the processing of traffic signals or the perception of the course of the road must also be covered by specific standards in order to enable the use of these new technologies in a meaningful way.

Furthermore, test requirements are also to be formulated that must be placed on core components such as lidar, displays and others in order to be able to guarantee the quality and safety of these elements.

In the course of these developments, standards for service models will also be created to access autonomous driving.

Accordingly, in addition to the 25 new CS made, an additional 30 new CS are to be formulated by 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
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Email: info@korea-certification.com

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

KATS intensifies Scrutiny on Safety of Kids’ Items, Domestic Products, and more

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS), under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, has announced its plan to intensify the inspection of children’s products, household items, and electrical devices in an effort to enhance consumer safety and eliminate the presence of unauthorized goods, specifically those lacking the mandatory KC Certification, in the market this year.

A particular emphasis will be placed on 59 items identified as high-risk due to their higher than average recall rates or their association with incidents like accidents or fires. This includes a detailed examination of 16 children’s items such as walkers, strollers, and bunk beds, 19 household goods including pressure cookers, heat packs, and mountain bikes, along with 24 electronic products, for instance, electric blankets.

The strategy also involves a closer look at products which haven’t been subjected to scrutiny over the past three years but are known to be available for purchase, as well as B2B goods. The campaign’s primary objectives are to (1) conduct thorough safety assessments, (2) escalate efforts to identify and seize illegal and flawed products, and (3) ensure the enforcement of targeted recall procedures depending on the method of sale, whether it be through online platforms or traditional brick-and-mortar outlets.

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“.

Korea Occupational Safety & Health Agency offers Service for Searching and Analyzing Data using AI

The Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) has introduced an AI-based service for searching and analyzing research data, aimed at enhancing research outcomes and their accessibility. Utilizing technology similar to ChatGPT for natural language interaction, this service simplifies access to over 3,500 documents including research and epidemiological reports, without requiring specialized training. KOSHA is responsible for KCs Certification, which is mandatory for many products that are to be imported into Korea and sold there.

It aims to lower barriers in research fields and boost field applicability by making complex research findings more approachable. Additionally, a “Research Report Writing Curriculum Using ChatGPT” was launched to further integrate AI into research practices.

Institutions like KOSHA are responsible for assuring that products entering the Korean market for distribution comply with national quality and safety regulations, as definedin national standards, and aim to continously improve their operation methods.

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“.

Enhanced Safety Measures and Certification Criteria for Aerial Work Platforms and Industrial Lifts

The regulations for the KCs Safety Certification and Safety Inspection for mobile elevating work platforms (MEWP) and industrial lifts have been revised as of September 1st. These updates are part of a broader initiative to enhance workplace safety by the Korea Occupational Safety & Health Agency (KOSHA). Work platforms and industrial elevators generally require KCs certification in order to be approved for import and distribution in Korea.

In response to the revisions, industrial lift operators handling equipment with a capacity of less than 0.5 tons are mandated to submit for safety inspections within six months from March 2nd 2024, the date these changes take effect. The Ministry of Employment and Labor has decided to forego administrative penalties like “suspension of operation” for those who apply for inspection within the designated period, recognizing the adjustment phase. Facilities that fail the initial inspection will be granted a period to make necessary improvements.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor, led by Minister Lee Jeong-sik, is set to implement significant updates to the safety standards for aerial work platforms and industrial lifts. Announced adjustments focus on the prevention of fatal accidents. These adjustments specifically target the enhancement of safety devices in aerial work platforms and comprehensive safety protocols for industrial lifts.

Key amendments for aerial work platforms include stricter manufacturing and safety criteria. These now specify the materials, quantity, and installation methods for over-rise prevention devices, which are required to be installed in accordance with defined heights and quantities. For industrial lifts, the new regulations require all lifts capable of carrying less than 0.5 tons to undergo safety inspections. Additionally, fall protection measures that were previously only required for operation heights of 10m or more are now required across the board, necessitating the installation of critical safety features such as impact dampening devices, slack rope detectors, and fall prevention systems to ensure comprehensive accident prevention.

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“.