"KCC" is an old industry term – the official Korean wireless certification is now KC, executed by RRA (National Radio Research Agency). New wireless certificates all have R‑prefix numbers – safety and EMC use separate numbering.
Products with old KCC marks may be sold during the transition. However, new models must use the new KC mark – old and new marks cannot be printed on the same device. Customs and platforms cross‑check certificate numbers against product marks – new products with old KCC marks are non‑compliant.
When submitting documents, RF (R‑prefix) and safety/EMC certificate numbers must be filled in separately – mixing them is a common rejection reason – keep them distinct in the technical file.
2. 2026 – The Hardest New Rule: SAR Standard Update
In December 2025, the authorities merged two old SAR standards into KS C3350 – technically aligned with current international test specifications. From 1 April 2026, all new certification applications must use this new standard – qualified overseas SAR data may be partially reused.
For laptops and body‑worn portable devices – the SAR test distance has been reduced from 25mm to 5mm – stricter test conditions – higher RF exceedance risk.
Old‑standard SAR certificates are only valid for existing‑product sales during the transition – not permanent. If antennas or RF hardware change – even for older models – retesting against the new standard is required – old certificates cannot continue.
3. 6 GHz Wi‑Fi – Power Limit Relaxation
In February 2026, Korea revised low‑power device technical requirements.
·5925–6425 MHz: indoor + subway cars only – EIRP limit raised to 1W.
·6425–7125 MHz: indoor remains 500mW – outdoor does not benefit from the relaxation.
Bluetooth indoor‑positioning specifications were also updated – more favourable for high‑precision terminals.
6 GHz EIRP and radar‑band avoidance are now high‑frequency review failure points in 2026. Multi‑band devices have additional test items – document review standards tightened – reserve buffer in project scheduling.
5 GHz Wi‑Fi DFS (radar avoidance) requirements remain unchanged.
4. Wireless Classification and IoT Security
RRA's wireless risk‑classification system took effect in 2025 – fully implemented in 2026.
·Low‑risk devices: simplified process – lower cost.
·High‑risk (cellular, high‑power): full RF testing + initial factory audit.
EMC is not covered by RRA classification – must go through KATS separately.
IoT products with external‑network access and remote control – increased KN 18031 IoT security audits in 2026 – encryption, attack resistance, vulnerability management, and firmware‑update assessments required – adding 1–2 weeks.
Devices with only local Bluetooth or local‑network communication (no external access) are exempt from IoT security assessment. IoT security is an additional requirement – not part of the wireless classification itself.
5. Certificate Validity, Changes, and Local Agent
·RRA RF KC certificates: 5‑year validity – renewal is simplified – no full retesting.
·RF certificates have no annual factory‑audit requirement – annual audits are KATS safety rules – don't confuse them.
RF‑chip, antenna, band, or transmit‑power changes → original certificate invalid – full re‑testing required. Cosmetic or minor software changes → change filing.
Overseas manufacturers must have a Korean local authorised agent. Product labels and user manuals must be in Korean – technical documents (drawings, BOMs, test reports) may be in English.
Cross‑border platforms increased audits in 2026 – missing/mistaken labels or sample‑batch mismatches result in delisting.
KC RF, KC safety, and KC EMC are independent – certificates cannot substitute. Many companies ship with only wireless certificates – only discovering missing safety at the port – maintain a checklist.
6. Common Misconceptions
·Confusing RRA RF certificate rules with KATS safety – assuming wireless certificates also require annual factory audits.
·Assuming old SAR certificates are permanent – old stocks may sell, but new projects or changes require the new standard.
·Treating EMC and IoT security as part of RRA wireless classification.
·Printing both old KCC and new KC marks on new models.
·Using only a wireless certificate to cover safety and EMC.
7. Practical Recommendations
For body‑worn portable products – at the project‑definition stage, plan antenna and enclosure design against the new SAR 5mm test distance. Adjusting antenna layout after prototypes are built is costly.
5 GHz Wi‑Fi DFS must be implemented at the design stage – don't leave it until certification – remediation adds time.
6 GHz power relaxation is scenario‑specific – distinguish usage environments when filing.
At project kick‑off, align SAR new standards, Wi‑Fi band limits, Korean documentation, and local agent.
BlueAsia can handle KC‑RRA RF, KATS safety/EMC, and IoT security assessment – liaise with Korean local agents – proactively managing 2026 new‑rule risks.
For 2026 KCC/KC certification, contact BlueAsia at 13534225140 (King) or email king.guo@cblueasia.com.
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