KC Certification for Electronic Products

Overview of kc certification

KC (Korea Certification), formerly known as EK Certification, is South Korea’s mandatory safety certification system for electrical and electronic products. It was officially implemented on January 1, 2009, by the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) under the Electric Appliances Safety Control Act. The KC mark indicates compliance with the safety requirements set forth by the Korean government.

To avoid redundant testing, since July 1, 2012, EMC and Safety regulations have been managed separately. All electrical and electronic products applying for certification in Korea must obtain separate certificates:

1. kc certificatefor Safety

2. KCC Certificate (now MSIP)for EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility)

Authorized Certification Bodies for KC

There are two primary organizations authorized to issue KC certificates:

1. Korea Testing Certification (KTC)

2. Korea Electrical Testing Institute (KTL)

These institutions are both certification authorities and designated testing laboratories.

JJR Testing Laboratory in Chinais an officially authorized lab by Korea and can conduct kc testing accordingly.

For safety standards, all products entering the Korean market must comply with Korea's national K standards, which are similar to IEC standards. However, specific Korean requirements must also be met. Differences between national standards can be found through the iecee cb scheme notices.

Regarding EMC:

1. EMI standardsare similar to CISPR standards.

2. EMS standardsare similar to EN standards.

KC Certification Classification

According to the latest Electric Appliances Safety Control Act, products are classified into three risk-based certification categories:

1. Compulsory Safety Certification(high-risk products)

2. Self-Regulated Safety Confirmation

3. Supplier Self-Declaration(low-risk products)

Scope of KC Certification

KC certification generally applies to electrical products operating between AC 50V to 1000V, including:

1. Cords, Cables, and Cord Sets

2. Switches for Electrical Appliances

3. Capacitors or Filters (as power supply components)

4. Installation Accessories and Connection Devices

5. Installation Protective Equipment

6. Safety Transformers and Similar Equipment

7. Household and Similar Equipment Appliances

8. Motor Tools

9. Audio, Video, and Similar Electronic Appliances

10. IT and Office Appliances

11. Lighting Equipment

12. Appliances Using Power Adapters or Chargers

KC Certification Process

Under the old KC regulation, only Korean manufacturers or local agents could apply. Therefore, foreign manufacturers needed to authorize a Korean agent to apply for KC certification (especially for battery products). Under the new regulation, foreign manufacturers have two options:

1. Application under the foreign manufacturer’s name:

a. The KC certificate is issued per factory.

b. Each factory must be listed separately; if multiple factories are involved, each requires separate testing and certification.

c. Factory name changes are treated as new applications.

d. One KC certificate can be used by multiple local agents—no need for one certificate per agent.

2. Application under the Korean agent’s name:

a. The KC certificate is issued per local agent.

b. Only one agent can be listed per certificate.

c. Adding additional agents is treated as a change case (no testing required, but one product sample must be submitted for review).

d. If a factory is added or changed, it is treated as a new case, even if the certificate holder remains the same.

> Note:For battery certification, KC accepts CB reports and certificates. It is highly recommended to obtain a CB report first to facilitate easier KC certification and other international certifications.

Technical Documentation Required for KC Certification

1. Application Form(s)

2. Product Label(s)

3. Product User Manual

4. Bill of Materials (BOM)

5. List of Derivative Models

6. Circuit Diagram and PCB Layout

7. Component Certificates

8. Specifications for Transformers, Inductors, etc.

9. cb certificate and Report (if available)

10. Product Samples

Required Information on the KC Nameplate

1. KC Mark (including Certificate Number, e.g., SUxxxxxxxx)

2. Product Name (must be in Korean)

3. Model Number

4. Voltage and Frequency

5. Manufacturer Name

6. Country of Manufacture

7. Double Insulation Symbol “回” (if applicable)

8. Manufacturing Date

9. After-Sales Service Phone Number (must be within Korea)