Korea certification

KC certification, or Korean certification, is a product certification to ensure that products meet Korean safety standards (named K standards). KC certification (KC Mark Korea certification) focuses on preventing and reducing risks in terms of safety, health or environmental impact. Before 2009, different government agencies had 13 different certification systems, some even partially overlapping. In 2009, the Korean government decided to introduce KC mark certification and replace the previous 140 different test marks. The KC mark and the corresponding KC certificate are similar to the European CE mark and are applicable to 730 different products, such as auto parts, machines and many electronic products. This test mark confirms that the product complies with relevant Korean safety standards.

At present, three major institutions are recognized as certification bodies, and are approved to conduct product testing, factory audit and issue certificates. These institutions are Korea Testing and Research Institute (KTR), Korea Testing Laboratory (KTL) and Korea Testing Certification (KTC)

KC EMC certification confirms that electronic equipment, products and radio technology meet the requirements of electromagnetic compatibility. This certification is managed by the National Radio Research Agency (RRA). Since 2011, KC EMC certification has become a part of KC certification system. On this basis, the KC mark, as a unified mark, is also used for the mark under KC EMC.

Most of the technical equipment in the information, communication and telecommunications industries that will be sold in Korea need to obtain KC EMC certification. This certification confirms that the product conforms to electromagnetic compatibility and is harmless to consumers.

Products equipped with wireless and radio technologies need KC EMC certification to enter the Korean market.

These products usually use WIFI, Bluetooth, RFID and other wireless communication technologies.

KC and KCC certification comparison

Korean Certification Scheme KC Certification EMC Certification Telecom Type Approval RF-type registration
Relevant Laws Korea Electrical Appliance Safety Management Act Radio wave method Basic Law on Telecommunications Radio wave method
Government MKE(Ministry of Knowledge Economy) KCC(Korea Communications Commission)
Certification Authority KTC Radio Research Laboratory
Certified Products Government Notes Computers and peripheral similar communication terminal equipment

Telecommunications products are connected to the PSTN beforehand LAN products connect directly to telecom service providers

Government Notes
Applicant Manufacturing Plants Importers, distributors, brand owners Actual factories, or foreign manufacturers
Specification Safety (IEC)+EMI (CISPR)+EMS (IEC) EMI (CISPR22)+EMS (IEC61000-4-2/3/4/5/6/8/11)

Telecom +EMC + Safety (IEC 950)

Korean RF test(EMC required for wireless product connected to PC. SAR required for Mobile phone only)
Turnaround time 4 weeks 2 weeks 1 weeks 2 weeks
Sample 2 1 3 2
Manual Yes Yes Yes No
Marking Matters Yes Yes Yes Yes
Factory Audits Yes No No No
Specification
Note 1:For KC mark: previous EK |marking is available within 2 years.
For KCC mark: recommend to use new mark for previous approved products