Indeed, to sell your product in the Korean market, you must acquire the KC certification.
Why is KC certification essential?
The KC certificate ensures that an electric or electronic product is safe for the consumer. Moreover, without KC certification, a product can not enter the Korean market. Thus, South Korea KC certification ensures market access.
Who has the authority to provide KC certification?
KATS has the authority to provide South Korea KC certification, which is a part of the “Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy” (MOTIE) . Moreover, it also issues a regulatory framework for various products to ensure that a product is safe for the consumer.
Types of KC Certification
Under the KC Safety Certification Scheme various types of equipment need safety approval. Thus, the electric or electronic equipment are classified in Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3.
1. Mandatory Safety Certification (Type 1)
It includes 53 products such as heavy machinery, fire fighting equipment, etc., which impose a high potential to harm the consumers, comparatively. Thus, the products covered under this must be certified by the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) laboratory, along with acquiring the certification and registration from the same.
2. Self Declaration Certification (Type 2)
It comprises 93 categories of products that are regarded as less dangerous for end-users such as A/V and ITE equipment. Moreover, you are not required to do in-country testing. However, it must obtain the certification and registration by KATS. Though, you can only obtain the certification after meeting the prescribed safety requirements, excluding factory inspection or ongoing market surveillance.
3. Declaration of Conformity- DOC (Type 3)
It covers 33 product categories that are not harmful to the final consumers. Moreover, products that fall under this category must withstand the safety standards, either in-house or third-party testing. Also, obtaining KATS certification or registration is not required.
Products Under KC Certification
Cables and cords
Lighting
Switch
Lithium battery
Filters or capacitors
Power tool
Audio or video and alike equipment
IT and office equipment
Safety transformer and alike equipment
Installation protective equipment
Household and alike electric appliance
and more
How to Affix KC Certification Mark?
1. KC Logo The KC mark must be affixed according to the size of the product. Along with this, marks must be effortless to identify, print, or engraved, and must not eradicate easily.
2. KC Logo Detail The KC logo provides the below-mentioned details,
Security Certification Mark, including Korea Electronics Technology Institute (KETI) certification code.
Product and model name.
Manufacturer name.
Rated input.
Double insulation mark.
Rated production time and more.
3. KC Certification Number It is composed of different security codes provided by the Security Certification Body, product classification number, manufacturer name, etc.