South Korea KCC Mandatory Certification (2025 Update)

1️⃣ Introduction: Understanding KCC Certification in 2025

The KCC (Korea Communications Commission) certification is South Korea’s mandatory compliance system for all products that use wireless communication, radio frequency (RF), or telecommunication functions.

It ensures network security, efficient spectrum use, and reduction of electromagnetic interference — a core requirement for foreign manufacturers entering the Korean market.

KCC certification is implemented under the “Telecommunications Basic Act” and “Radio Wave Act”, and is officially issued by the National Radio Research Agency (RRA).

2️⃣ Overview: Core Information of KCC Certification (2025 Edition)

3️⃣ Which Products Require KCC Certification?

If your product transmits or receives radio signals, KCC certification is mandatory before entering the Korean market.

Here are the main product categories under the KCC framework:

 1. Information Technology Equipment

Requires EMC Registration
Examples: computers, printers, routers, modems, and network switches.

 2. Wireless Communication Equipment

Requires Type Confirmation or Registration
Examples:

• Mobile phones

• Bluetooth earphones, mice, keyboards

• Wi-Fi routers, IoT modules

• Car remote key systems

 3. Wired Communication Equipment

Requires Type Approval
Examples: telephones, modems, fax machines, and wired transmission equipment.

 4. Special Case — SAR Testing Required

Products used near the human head or body (e.g., smartphones, smartwatches) must pass SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) testing to ensure user safety from RF radiation.

4️⃣ KCC Certification Process and Key Steps

The standard KCC certification process typically takes 4–8 weeks, depending on the product’s complexity and wireless frequency bands.

Here’s a step-by-step overview:

 Step 1 — Preparation (1 Week)

• Identify applicable product category and testing standards.

• Prepare technical documentation:

  • Circuit diagrams, PCB layouts

  • Korean user manual

  • Applicant’s business registration

• Prepare 3–5 test samples for submission.

 Step 2 — Sample Testing (2–4 Weeks)

Conducted at an RRA-accredited KCC testing laboratory.

Main Testing Items:

• RF Testing: Checks frequency range, output power, bandwidth compliance.

• EMC Testing: Evaluates radiated and conducted disturbances.

• SAR Testing: For close-to-body devices, measures radiation absorption levels.

Tip: Using pre-tested or CB-certified RF modules can shorten the testing process.

Step 3 — Review and Certification (1–2 Weeks)

• After passing all tests, the lab submits the full test report to the RRA.

• Upon approval, the KCC certificate is issued, authorizing product sales in South Korea.

Total timeline: 4–8 weeks (standard) or 2–3 weeks with existing CB/FCC reports.

5️⃣ KCC Certification Practical Guide

 1. Document & Marking Requirements

• Korean-language user manual is mandatory.

• After certification, the KCC mark and certification number must be:

  • Permanent and legible

  • At least 5 mm in height

  • Displayed on both product and packaging

Example format:
KCC-RRA-XXXX-XXXXX

 2. Certificate Validity & Annual Maintenance

• KCC certificates generally require annual renewal or maintenance confirmation.

• Any hardware change (e.g., antenna, RF module, or power circuit) triggers re-testing or modification certification.

• Regular post-market inspections ensure continued compliance.

3. Cost of Non-Compliance

Under the 2025 Product Safety Investigation Plan, South Korea has intensified compliance enforcement.

Non-certified products or those missing the KCC mark can face:

• Fines up to ₩100 million (~US $72,000)

• Product seizure or sales ban

• Customs rejection and e-commerce takedown

Non-compliance affects both brand reputation and market access.

6️⃣ Comparison: KCC vs. KC Certification

Some products (e.g., Wi-Fi appliances) require both KC and KCC certifications.

 Blue Asia Technology — Your Partner for KCC Certification

At Blue Asia Technology (Shenzhen), we specialize in helping global manufacturers obtain KCC, KC, and multi-country wireless certifications efficiently.

Our end-to-end services include:

• RF, EMC, SAR testing under Korean standards

• Local Korean representative coordination

• CB / FCC report conversion to reduce costs

• Pre-testing, document translation, and certification maintenance support

king.guo@cblueasia.com
+86 135 3422 5140

 Plan Your KCC Certification Today

Whether your product is a Bluetooth speaker, 5G router, or IoT module, we’ll help you create a custom KCC roadmap — including cost estimates, testing timelines, and documentation support.

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