The KC (Korea Certification) mark is a mandatory compliance requirement for electrical and electronic products entering the South Korean market.
As of 2025, South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) and the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) have introduced several new rules — including expanded product categories and enhanced energy efficiency requirements.
This article summarizes the latest updates, required documentation, factory audit rules, and validity periods to help manufacturers plan effectively.
| Certification Dimension | Core Content & 2025 Latest Requirements |
|---|---|
| Applicable Product Range | • Mandatory Safety Certification: High-risk products such as cables, power tools, home appliances, industrial control equipment. • New in 2025: Certain AIoT and smart devices now require KC approval. • Voluntary Safety Confirmation: For low-risk items like electric clocks, printers, scanners. |
| Core Test Standards | • Safety Standards: KC 62368-1 and related. • EMC Standards: KC 61000 series. • Energy Efficiency: Updated 2025 requirements for wireless chargers and commercial displays; new limits on standby power consumption. |
| Certificate Validity Period | • Mandatory Certification: No fixed validity, but requires annual factory audits and product sampling. • Voluntary Confirmation: Fixed validity period of 5 years. |
| Factory Audit Requirements | • Mandatory Certification: Requires initial audit + yearly follow-up. • Voluntary Confirmation: No audit required. |
| KC Marking Requirements | • KC mark format: KC:XXXX-XXXXX.• Minimum font height ≥ 5 mm, must appear permanently on the product body or rating label. |
Gather required technical files, including:
Korean user manual
Circuit diagrams and PCB layout
Component list (preferably using KC- or CB-certified components)
2 test samples for safety and EMC testing
Submit the application to a Korean-authorized certification body, along with required fees and documentation.
The lab performs comprehensive safety and EMC tests:
Safety Tests: Insulation resistance, leakage current, abnormal operation, temperature rise
EMC Tests: Conducted and radiated emissions
Factory Audit: (mandatory category only) evaluates production quality control and conformity of materials/components
Upon passing the audit and testing:
The KC certificate is issued
For mandatory certification, the manufacturer must undergo:
Annual factory audits
Random product sampling inspections to maintain certificate validity
Starting 2025, certain product types must provide additional materials:
Networked smart devices (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth): Must include a cybersecurity compliance declaration.
High-energy-consumption products: Required to submit a carbon footprint report as part of the technical documentation.
Select test labs officially designated by MOTIE/KATS and accredited under KOLAS ISO/IEC 17025.
Such labs ensure your reports are authoritative and internationally recognized, avoiding delays in certification acceptance.
| Strategy | Description & Benefit |
|---|---|
| Leverage Existing CB Certificates | If your product already holds an IEC CB certificate, submit it to the KC body to exempt 30-50% of repeated test items. |
| Prepare Complete Korean Documentation | Include a Korean-language manual and labeling early to shorten review time. |
| Plan for Annual Audits | For mandatory products, schedule audits proactively to avoid lapses in certificate validity. |
| Average Certification Cycle | Typically 4–8 weeks depending on product complexity and testing scope. |
| Certification Type | Validity Period | Audit Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandatory Safety Certification | No fixed expiry | Annual factory audit + product sampling | Non-compliance may lead to suspension or revocation. |
| Voluntary Safety Confirmation | 5 years | None | Renewal required at end of validity period. |
Note: If any product design, component, or supplier changes, re-testing and re-submission may be required to maintain compliance.
Expanded scope: AIoT and smart control devices added to mandatory KC certification.
Energy efficiency upgrade: Stricter standby-power limits for displays and chargers.
Environmental compliance: Carbon footprint reporting introduced for high-energy devices.
Network security compliance: Required for connected smart products.
At Blue Asia Technology (Shenzhen), we assist manufacturers in achieving KC Safety Certification with efficiency and confidence.
Our team provides:
Full-scope KC safety & EMC testing
CB → KC report conversion support
Annual audit preparation and follow-up
Compliance consulting for AIoT, smart, and home appliance products
king.guo@cblueasia.com
+86 135 3422 5140
Simplify your KC certification process — from document preparation to factory audits — with expert guidance from Blue Asia Technology.
Get a Free KC Certification Consultation →
Related News
