In 2025, South Korea officially launched a new round of reforms for its KC (Korea Certification) system — the country’s core framework for ensuring the safety and compliance of electrical and electronic products.
These updates aim to modernize the regulatory system, align product standards with global trends, and strengthen
market enforcement — making it critical for global manufacturers to stay informed and adapt early.
| New Regulation Dimension | Core Content & Changes | Key Timeline / Status |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory System Optimization | Revision of the Enforcement Rules of the Electrical Appliances and Life Safety Management Act. Updates include: • Clarified product classification • Updated safety standards • Streamlined testing procedures • Reform of product certification numbering system | Public consultation launched July 2025, formal release expected late 2025 |
| Specific Standard Updates | Revision of safety standards for 23 product categories, including home appliances, lighting, and power tools. Also promotes unified naming for standards and test reports. | Draft revisions began January 2025 |
| Market Supervision Strengthening | Launch of the 2025 Product Safety Investigation Plan, increasing the number of safety inspections on overseas direct-purchase products and enhancing inter-agency enforcement. | Implementation began Q1 2025 |
The new framework goes beyond regulatory reform — it directly affects how manufacturers prepare for certification and maintain compliance. Below are the three most impactful updates:
The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) plans a complete overhaul of the KC certification numbering format.
This update aims to:
Enhance traceability and transparency of certified products
Simplify international manufacturers’ access to the Korean market
Improve public visibility of certification data via a unified online system
Action Point: Follow KATS announcements closely, as the new numbering format will affect both new and existing certificate holders.
With the rapid rise of IoT and AIoT smart devices, 2025 introduces stricter documentation and labeling rules:
| Requirement Type | New Rule (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cybersecurity Declaration | Smart connected devices (e.g., IoT appliances, smart lamps) must include a network security compliance declaration. | Applicable for devices with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or remote control functions. |
| Environmental Compliance (RoHS) | Products containing lithium batteries must comply with RoHS heavy metal restrictions. | Must submit RoHS test reports during application. |
| Korean Labeling | All labels must include Korean-language descriptions with a minimum font height of 5 mm. | Applies to all certified products, including exports. |
The KC system distinguishes between mandatory and voluntary certification types:
| Certification Type | Validity & Audit Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory Safety Certification | No fixed validity; maintained through annual factory audits and sampling inspections. | Applies to high-risk products like home appliances, power tools, and control systems. |
| Voluntary Safety Confirmation | Certificate validity: 5 years; no factory audit required. | For lower-risk electronics such as printers and small office devices. |
The 2025 Product Safety Investigation Plan expands enforcement efforts dramatically:
Number of inspected overseas direct-purchase items increased from 450 (2024) to 1,000+ (2025).
Targeted crackdowns on unlicensed products sold via international e-commerce platforms.
Collaboration among KATS, Customs, Police, and local governments for multi-agency enforcement.
Goal: Eliminate uncertified or counterfeit products entering Korea through online or cross-border channels.
| Violation Type | Penalty / Fine (USD) | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Missing KC mark or incorrect labeling | Up to $75,000 (₩100 million KRW) | Product sales ban and recall order |
| Missing Korean local agent or false information | Up to $75,000 | Suspension of import license |
| Selling uncertified products | Product seizure and removal from online platforms | Applies to both importers and distributors |
Tip: Always confirm your KC mark format (
KC:XXXX-XXXXX) and ensure your authorized local agent information appears correctly on documentation.
For exporters to South Korea — especially those in home appliances, smart devices, and lighting — these updates mean:
More documentation and labeling work
Possible additional cybersecurity or environmental compliance testing
Higher scrutiny during post-certification surveillance
Increased importance of choosing KOLAS-accredited laboratories and reliable certification partners
✅ Expanded Scope: Smart and IoT devices now explicitly require cybersecurity declarations.
✅ Tightened Supervision: Doubling of market inspections for overseas products.
✅ Higher Penalties: Non-compliant labeling or missing agents may trigger fines up to $75,000.
✅ Process Modernization: Certification numbering reform will streamline traceability.
At Blue Asia Technology (Shenzhen), we help international manufacturers navigate the complex KC certification landscape through:
Full-scope testing (Safety, EMC, Energy, Environmental, Cybersecurity)
Document preparation and Korean-language compliance support
Annual audit management and renewal tracking
CB → KC certificate conversion for faster approval
king.guo@cblueasia.com
+86 135 3422 5140
Stay ahead of Korea’s tightening safety requirements with Blue Asia’s compliance experts.
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