For manufacturers exporting to South Korea, the biggest confusion is confirming the correct certification route and corresponding standard numbers.This article clarifies the dual certification system, applicable standards and product coverage. We also update the major policy changes released in April 2026.
Similar to China and the EU, South Korea implements segmented supervision by different government departments:
·KATS KC System: Managed by the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards, based on the Electrical Appliances Safety Control Act, including independent safety certification and EMC certification for all electrical and electronic products.
·KCC/RRA Radio System: Supervised by the Korea Communications Commission, implemented by the National Radio Research Agency, covering all products with wireless transmission functions.
The KCC logo was unified into the KC mark in 2018. Although all certificates are printed with KC, they are independently reviewed, tested and charged by two institutions.
2. Standards of KATS KC Certification
KC Safety Certification
Based on the Electrical Appliances Safety Control Act, adopting Korean national KS standards.Divided into 3 risk levels: mandatory certification, self-regulatory confirmation and SDoC.
·Mandatory certification (57 categories): Home appliances, power tools, adapters, lighting products, etc. Factory audit is required.
·Self-regulatory confirmation (95 categories): Medium-risk products, valid for 5 years with no annual audit.
·SDoC: For low-risk products, local importer declaration on the official platform is mandatory.
KC safety adopts KS C IEC series standards with Korean national differences (DK items).CB certificates with DK differences can be partially recognized to reduce redundant testing.
KC EMC Certification
Based on the Electromagnetic Compatibility Act, standard series: KS C IEC 61000.Covers conducted disturbance, radiated disturbance, ESD, surge and other tests.Partial products enjoy EMC exemption, which needs to be checked against the official exemption list.FCC and CE EMC test reports cannot be offset; full testing by KOLAS laboratories is mandatory.
3. Standards of KCC/RRA Radio Certification
Products with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 4G, 5G, NFC and RF functions must apply for KC RRA.Legal basis: Radio Wave Act and Broadcasting Communication Act.The KCC ID number format is still in use after 2018.
Core Technical Standards
·Bluetooth & Wi-Fi: Compliant with RRA 2.4GHz / 5GHz band specifications;
·4G LTE: Mobile communication terminal RF performance standards;
·5G NR: Independent updated frequency band standards released by RRA.
No factory audit for RRA certification, valid for 5 years.Minor modification can be declared directly; substantial RF parameter changes require recertification.
4. How to Judge Required Certification Combinations
·With wireless function → KC RRA is mandatory;
·Listed in KATS electrical catalogue → KC Safety is required;
·Mains-powered products → Check KC EMC exemption list.
Case Reference
·Bluetooth refrigerator: KC Safety + KC EMC + KC RRA
·Ordinary LED lamp: KC Safety + KC EMC
·Industrial power supply: Confirm catalogue classification + EMC regulation
5. Major Policy Update in April 2026
According to Announcement No. 2026-95 issued by KATS on April 1, 2026:5 product categories are upgraded from mandatory safety certification to self-regulatory safety confirmation:Cleaning equipment, washing machines, microwave ovens, electric dryers and electric toilet appliances.
These products no longer require factory audits with unlimited certificate validity.Existing mandatory certificates are automatically recognized without replacement.
6. Key Notes for KC Application
·Mandatory KC Safety requires annual surveillance audit to avoid certificate suspension;
·KC RRA has no annual audit, but active declaration is needed for product modification;
·Combined testing of Safety/EMC/RRA in one laboratory can save cost and time.
For Korea KC Certification, please consult Blueasia Testing & Certification: +86 13534225140
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