Many export enterprises are confused by “new rule rumors” when applying for KC certification: one moment they hear about mandatory USB-C certification, the next about energy efficiency grade upgrades. It is not until the goods are ready for customs clearance that they realize many “new rules” are still in the consultation phase. The core logic of Korea’s KC certification has never been “frequent disruptive reforms”, but “stable framework + detailed optimization + stricter supervision”. Combining KATS Announcement No. 2025-402, RRA’s new radio frequency certification rules, and cross-border law enforcement dynamics, this article breaks down key information that truly affects compliance, helping you avoid “false new rule” traps.

I. Core Framework of KC Certification (Unchanged)

KC certification is Korea’s mandatory market access system, jointly regulated by KATS (Korea Agency for Technology and Standards), RRA (Radio Research Agency), and KEMCO (Korea Energy Management Corporation). The core framework has remained unchanged for years — enterprises need not be misled by “new framework” rumors:

·KC Safety (Safety Certification): Divided into mandatory and voluntary categories. High-risk products with AC voltage of 50V-1000V (such as refrigerators, lithium battery cells ≥20Wh) require mandatory certification, including initial and annual factory inspections and sampling tests; low-risk products (such as ordinary printers, electric clocks) undergo voluntary confirmation, requiring only submission of test reports with a 5-year certificate validity.

·KC EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility): A “basic requirement” for all electrical products, focusing on avoiding electromagnetic interference between devices. Test items include conducted emissions, radiated emissions, electrostatic discharge, etc., complying with standards such as KN 32 (IT equipment) and KN 35 (home appliances).

·KC RF (Radio Frequency Certification): Exclusive to wireless products, covering Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5G, and other devices. Tests include frequency tolerance, transmission power, spurious emissions, etc., and must be conducted in KATS-recognized laboratories (such as KTL, KTC).

·Energy Efficiency Requirements (MEPS): For high-energy-consuming products such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and LED lamps, energy efficiency labels are required for market access. The current system still uses 3 energy efficiency grades — there is no official notice of upgrading to 5 grades in 2025.

  II. 4 Confirmed Key Developments (2025-2026) (Supported by Official Documents)

These are the “real changes” enterprises must focus on, all derived from KATS announcements or RRA’s official new rules, not rumors:

1. “Procedural Revision” of Safety Standards for 34 Electrical Product Categories (Effective 2025)

KATS Announcement No. 2025-402 clearly states that safety standards for 34 electrical product categories have been revised, focusing on “optimizing terminology definitions and correcting expression errors” rather than changing test items or limits. For example, updating “administrative terminology” in some standards to unified government legislative expressions, making it easier for enterprises and certification bodies to understand and implement — without affecting existing certification processes.

2.Doubled Supervision on Cross-Border Online Shopping (Implemented 2025)

According to KATS’ 2025 Product Safety Survey Plan, the number of inspections on cross-border e-commerce products has increased from 450 to 1,000, a more than 100% increase. Key inspections target products without KC certification, incorrect labeling of certification marks, and inconsistencies between certified samples and mass-produced products. Once deemed non-compliant, not only will the goods be detained, but platforms such as Coupang and Gmarket will also be required to delist the products, and customs may even ban the enterprise from importing subsequent products.

3.Expansions of Certification Requirements (Gradually Implemented 2025)

·AIoT Devices Included in Mandatory Certification: Smart IoT devices such as smart cameras, connected sockets, and Wi-Fi-enabled smart lighting systems have officially entered the scope of mandatory KC certification in 2025, requiring compliance with safety, EMC, and cybersecurity requirements.

·Cybersecurity Testing for Connected Devices: All products with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G, and other connected functions need additional KN18031 cybersecurity testing, including anti-hacking capabilities, data encryption, and vulnerability repair capabilities — extending the certification cycle by 1-2 weeks.

·Carbon Footprint Reports for Some Products: For products such as lithium batteries, wireless charging devices, and commercial displays, carbon footprint assessment reports must be submitted when applying for KC certification, focusing on verifying carbon emission data during production — a new requirement in response to Korea’s “carbon neutrality” policy.

4.“Risk-Graded Dual-Track System” for Radio Frequency Certification (Implemented 2025)

RRA has optimized the certification process for wireless products, moving from a “one-size-fits-all” approach to risk grading:

·High-Risk Devices (e.g., 5G routers, mobile phones): Follow the “conformity certification” path, requiring complete testing and annual factory inspections, with a cycle of 8-12 weeks.

·Low-Risk Devices (e.g., Bluetooth headsets, wireless keyboards): New “compatibility registration” path, allowing simplified radio frequency test items. Some BLE modules even exempt RF testing, with a cycle of only 2-4 weeks — significantly reducing compliance costs.

·Key Reminder: 5GHz band devices still need to support Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) to avoid interfering with Korea’s military radar — a long-standing mandatory requirement, not a new rule.

  III. 5 Most Error-Prone Details in 2026

Most pitfalls in KC certification lie not in the “framework” but in detailed compliance. Based on 2025 enterprise failure cases, these 5 points must be noted:

1. Document Preparation: 2 New “Mandatory Documents”

In addition to basic documents (application form, Korean manual, circuit diagrams), the following must be submitted starting 2025:

·KC Certification Certificates for Key Components: For example, lithium batteries must provide KC 62133 certification numbers; core components such as chips and capacitors must be labeled with international certification numbers. Unbranded components will directly lead to certification rejection.

·Cybersecurity Compliance Declaration: Connected devices require a signature from the enterprise legal person, promising the product meets KN18031 standards and includes a vulnerability emergency response plan. False declarations will result in being blacklisted by KATS.

2. Factory Inspection: Focus on “Consistency Control”

Initial and annual factory inspections no longer only check document completeness but focus on “consistency between certified samples and mass-produced products”:

·Inspectors will randomly check production records from the past 3 months, verifying component purchase contracts and inspection reports to confirm no unauthorized replacement of cheaper parts.

·If there are changes to the product’s circuit, materials, or key components after certification, prior notification to KATS is mandatory. Unauthorized changes will directly invalidate the certificate.

3. Labeling: 3 Errors Leading to Direct Rejection

Labeling requirements for the KC mark have not changed, but supervision inspections have become stricter in 2025 — these errors are unacceptable:

·Mark size less than 5mm, or only affixed to packaging instead of printed on the product itself;

·Missing Korean after-sales phone number or voltage labeling (must clearly indicate 220V/60Hz);

·Incorrect certification number format (correct format: “KC:XXXX-XXXXX”).

4. Agent Selection: Avoid “Certificate-Only” Traps

Chinese enterprises must apply through local Korean agents. Formal agents must meet two conditions:

·Possess a “certification agent qualification certificate” issued by KATS, verifiable on the KATS official website;

·Provide full-cycle services, including annual inspection guidance, new rule update reminders (such as changes to carbon footprint requirements), and inspection response — not just document submission.

5. Cycle Planning: Reserve Time Based on Product Type

Certification cycles vary significantly by product. In 2026, it is recommended to reserve:

·Ordinary Home Appliances (e.g., rice cookers): 4-6 weeks (safety + EMC testing);

·Low-Risk Wireless Products (e.g., Bluetooth headsets): 2-4 weeks (compatibility registration path);

·High-Risk AIoT Products (e.g., smart cameras): 6-8 weeks (safety + EMC + cybersecurity + RF testing);

·Rectification Buffer Time: The probability of test failure is about 30% — reserve an additional 1-3 weeks for rectification and re-testing.

  IV. 2026 Compliance Action Guide: 3 Steps to Complete KC Certification

Facing complex regulatory requirements, enterprises need not blindly follow “new rule trends”. These 3 steps are the most reliable:

1. First, “Classify the Product” to Clarify the Compliance Path

·Step 1: Determine if the product is electrical (50V-1000V) → Yes → KC Safety required;

·Step 2: Determine if it has wireless functions → Yes → Add KC RF;

·Step 3: Determine if it is connected to the internet → Yes → Add cybersecurity testing + carbon footprint report.

Through these three steps, you can quickly identify the required certification items for your product, avoiding unnecessary work.

2. Prioritize CB Report Conversion to Save Costs

If the product has already passed CB certification, directly apply for KC conversion using the CB report — reducing duplicate testing by 30%-50%, saving both money and halving the cycle. Note: The CB report must be valid and cover all KC certification test items.

3. Establish a “Compliance File” to Respond to Subsequent Inspections

KC certificates have no fixed validity period, but annual inspections and market sampling are long-term requirements. Enterprises must establish compliance files including:

·Component purchase records (retained for at least 3 years);

·Production process inspection reports (retain records for each test);

·Certification change application records (report promptly if there are product adjustments);

·Annual inspection rectification reports (document rectification measures if there are non-conformities).

The essence of Korea’s KC certification is a “standardized access threshold”, not a “deliberately set trade barrier”. All changes in 2025-2026 focus on “improving product safety, adapting to environmental policies, and optimizing compliance efficiency”. For enterprises, instead of obsessing over “rumored new rules”, it is better to closely monitor official announcements from KATS and RRA, or entrust professional agents to track developments.

BLUEASIA Technology: +86 13534225140 provides professional certification consulting services.