South Korea introduces Government-Led EV Battery Certification and Tracking
20. February 2025In a regulatory shift, the South Korean government will now certify the safety of electric vehicle (EV) batteries before they are approved for installation, replacing the previous self-certification model by manufacturers. The new regulation, introduced under the revised Automobile Management Act, took effect on February 17, 2025 . EV batteries and certain other automotive components usually require a KC certification in order to be approved for import and sale on the Korean market.
Under the new Battery Safety Certification System, EV battery manufacturers must apply for certification from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT) before selling their products. The batteries will undergo comprehensive safety performance tests, including thermal shock, combustion, overheat prevention, short circuit, overcharging, over-discharging, overcurrent, vibration, impact, compression, drop, and water immersion tests. Certified batteries must display a safety label before they can be sold. The government also reserves the right to conduct post-certification conformity inspections to ensure ongoing compliance with safety standards. If a battery is found to be non-compliant, authorities may revoke its certification and halt production, import, or sales.
In addition to safety certification, South Korea is implementing a Battery Tracking System to ensure full lifecycle management of EV batteries. Under this system, each battery will be assigned a unique identification number, which must be registered in the official vehicle records. This will allow authorities to track battery production, usage, maintenance, and disposal, making it easier to analyze the causes of battery failures or fires. When a battery is replaced, the new battery’s identification number must be updated in the registry, ensuring accurate tracking of all battery-related changes.
The government will also introduce pre-disposal performance evaluations for used batteries starting in 2027, supporting the development of battery reuse and recycling industries. Officials emphasize that these measures will enhance public confidence in EV safety while ensuring South Korea remains a leader in the global electric vehicle market.
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