Introduction of KC certification in South Korea

In order to enable consumers to have a better understanding of the certification marks on the purchased products and reduce the various certification fees borne by the product manufacturers, in July 2009, the Ministry of knowledge and economy of South Korea (mke) began to implement and adopt the national unified KC certification mark, named "KC mark" sign, the new sign represents the Korean certification, while the current 13 kinds of compulsory signs in South Korea will also be unified into Under this new sign. One result of this initiative is to reduce the cost of certification for suppliers and gradually make Korean KC mark become a world brand certification.

KC certification mark

KC certified product catalog

According to the regulations of Korean electrical appliances Safety Management Law, the electrical appliances Safety Certification is divided into two types: compulsory certification and self-discipline (voluntary) certification since January 1, 2009.

Compulsory certification means that all electronic products belonging to compulsory products can only be sold in Korean market after obtaining KC mark certification, and they need to be subject to Factory review and product sampling test every year.

Self regulatory (voluntary) certification means that all electronic products belonging to voluntary products only need to be tested to obtain certificates and do not need to be reviewed by the factory. The certificate is valid for 5 years.

Product certification scope: electrical products with input voltage between 50-1000, including wires and cables, electrical switches, capacitors and power filters, household insulated transformers, electric tools, household appliances, electronic entertainment and information technology equipment (it), etc. according to IECEE classification method.

KC certification data preparation

When applying for KC certification for new products, the following documents shall be submitted:

1. Application;

2. Factory survey;

3. Instructions;

4. Parts list;

5. List of derivative models;

6. Circuit diagram;

7. Parts specification;

8. Label;

9. Product photos;

10. Parts distribution drawing or photo;

11. Power of attorney appointed by the agent;

12. Application for change content;

13. Information to be kept by the applicant;

14. Others: some documents recording electrical characteristics.

As follows:

A. Application for safety certification of electrical appliances (compulsory products), application for self regulatory safety of electrical appliances and self regulatory safety confirmation statement of electrical appliances (self regulatory products);

B. List of parts directly affecting safety;

C. Electrical circuit diagram;

D. Detailed specification of transformer (for relevant products);

E. List of insulating materials (temperature, withstand voltage characteristics or fire resistance grade, etc.);

F. Product certificate (including Korean product certificate);

G. Label;

H. Certificate of authorization of the agent (required for compulsory products; required for self regulatory products when applied by the agent).

KC certification process

KC certified factory inspection

Korean safety law requires Factory review after accepting the application. After the certificate is authorized, the certification authority will conduct an annual follow-up review on the factory every year, the main purpose of which is to check the consistency of the quality control system of the factory and whether it can continuously meet the standards of the safety law.

KC certification cycle

The normal time is 4-6 weeks, which can be expedited. There is an extra charge for expediting.