The KC (Korea Certification) mark is South Korea’s mandatory safety certification system for electrical, electronic, and communication products.
Administered by the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) and other regulatory bodies, it ensures compliance with electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), energy efficiency, and cybersecurity requirements.
In 2025, new KC regulations have expanded to cover AIoT (Artificial Intelligence + Internet of Things) devices, energy-efficiency upgrades, and network security testing, reflecting Korea’s focus on product safety and data protection.
| Certification Dimension | Core Content & 2025 Latest Requirements |
|---|---|
| Applicable Product Range | Mandatory Safety Certification: Wires, power tools, household appliances (refrigerators, washing machines), industrial control equipment. Voluntary Safety Confirmation: Low-risk products like electric clocks, printers, scanners. New 2025: Some AIoT devices added to mandatory list. |
| Core Test Standards | Safety: KC 62368-1 (Audio/Video), KN 60335 (Home Appliances), KN 62368 (IT Equipment). EMC: KC 61000 Series — KN 32 (IT Equipment), KN 35 (Home Appliances). Batteries: Must comply with KC 62133. |
| Key Test Items | Safety: Insulation, leakage current, temperature rise, mechanical strength. EMC: Radiated/Conducted Emissions, ESD. Energy & Environment: New 2025 efficiency rules for wireless chargers, commercial displays; standby power limits. Network Security: New penetration testing for IoT devices. |
| Certificate Maintenance | Mandatory Certification: No fixed expiry; annual factory audits & sampling required. Voluntary Certification: 5-year validity. |
The backbone of KC certification — verifying that products are safe under normal and fault conditions.
Electrical Safety: Tests insulation resistance, creepage distance, grounding, overload protection.
Mechanical Safety: Evaluates sharp edges, moving parts, hinges, and enclosure strength.
Thermal Safety: Checks for overheating, burn risk, and verifies the reliability of thermal protection.
✅ Goal: Prevent electric shock, fire, and mechanical injury risks during product operation.
Ensures the product maintains performance across diverse conditions.
Weather Resistance: High-temp, low-temp, and humidity endurance.
Chemical & Salt Spray Resistance: Tests corrosion resistance for coastal or industrial environments.
Applies to outdoor products, displays, and marine-grade devices.
Korea enforces strict RoHS and eco-safety limits.
Heavy Metals: Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr VI).
Organic Pollutants: PAHs, PBBs, PBDEs, phthalates, and related compounds.
All lithium battery products must meet RoHS and include Korean-language environmental labeling.
Starting 2025, IoT and smart devices (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, etc.) must:
Undergo penetration testing for data protection.
Submit a Network Security Compliance Declaration during KC application.
Goal: Prevent cyber-attacks on connected smart home and industrial devices.
Wireless Chargers & Displays: Tightened power efficiency standards and new standby power limits.
Battery Products: Must meet RoHS environmental limits and display Korean eco-labels.
Carbon Reporting: Some large appliances must submit a Carbon Footprint Assessment Report.
KC Mark Format: KC:XXXX-XXXXX, font height ≥ 5 mm, clearly visible and permanent.
Supplementary Documentation: High-energy products may require lifecycle or carbon analysis files.
Ensure all manuals, labels, and declarations are in Korean or bilingual (Korean + English).
| Product Type | Additional KC Requirements |
|---|---|
| Toys & Children’s Products | Must meet standards for mechanical safety (sharp edge, small parts), chemical safety (phthalates, heavy metals), and electrical safety for electric toys. |
| Wireless Devices | Require both KC Safety Certification and KCC Radio Certification for RF functionality. |
| Lithium Batteries | Tested per KC 62133, including overcharge, short-circuit, and drop tests. |
If your product already has a CB Certificate or CE test reports, you can submit them to KC authorities.
This may reduce 30–50 % of overlapping tests, saving time and cost.
The KATS agency is revising safety standards for 23 product categories and reforming certification numbering.
Keep monitoring the KATS website or authorized KC bodies to ensure early adaptation to new technical standards.
Proactive preparation prevents redesign delays and non-compliance penalties.
| Category | Highlights (2025) |
|---|---|
| Safety Standards | KC 62368-1 / KN 60335 / KN 62368 |
| EMC Standards | KC 61000 Series (KN 32, KN 35) |
| Battery Standard | KC 62133 (Mandatory for Lithium Batteries) |
| New Additions | Network Security Testing, Carbon Reporting |
| Energy Efficiency | Stricter standby power & eco-efficiency limits |
| Marking Format | KC:XXXX-XXXXX, ≥ 5 mm height |
| Factory Audit | Annual (for mandatory certification) |
| Certificate Validity | 5 years (voluntary), no fixed term (mandatory) |
As an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing laboratory, Blue Asia Technology (Shenzhen) helps manufacturers efficiently obtain KC Safety, EMC, and Radio certifications.
Our KC services include:
Full-scope Safety, EMC, Battery, and RF testing under KN and KC standards
Factory inspection coordination and Korean documentation support
CB/CE report conversion to KC format
Pre-testing & gap analysis to minimize cost and time
king.guo@cblueasia.com
+86 135 3422 5140
Share your product category (e.g., appliance, IoT device, or power supply), and Blue Asia’s experts will provide a customized KC certification roadmap — including timeline, cost estimate, and test plan — within 24 hours.
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