KC Certification Process for South Korea

This document introduces the process and precautions for electronic products to apply for kc certification when exported to South Korea. If you are looking for a compliant laboratory to obtain KC certification, please contact JJR Laboratory. We can help you save 30% of certification costs.

KC Certification Process

1. Preparation Phase

(1) Understand Relevant Standards

Confirm the KC standards applicable to the product. Examples are as follows:

①　Electrical Equipment: KC 60950-1 (Information Technology Equipment)

②　Household Appliances: KC 60335-1 (Safety of Household and Similar Electrical Appliances)

③　Toys: KC 71 (Toy Safety Standards)

(2) Select a Certification Body

Choose a certification body recognized by the Korea Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS), such as the Korea Testing Laboratory (KTL) or other qualified institutions.

2. Application Submission

(1) Prepare Application Documents

Fill out the KC certification application form and specify product details.

(2) Required Supporting Documents

①　Product specifications

②　Design drawings

③　Technical parameters

④　Material lists

⑤　Production process descriptions

3. Sample Testing

(1) Sample Preparation

Provide 3–5 samples in accordance with certification requirements.

(2) Testing Items

a. Electrical Safety Testing

①　Insulation Strength Test: Evaluate the insulation performance of the product.

②　Withstand Voltage Test: Verify the product’s safety under high voltage conditions.

③　Temperature Rise Test: Monitor temperature elevation during normal operation.

  2. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Testing

①　- radiated emission test: Ensure the product does not generate electromagnetic interference to the surrounding environment.

②　- Immunity Test: Assess the product’s stability in electromagnetic interference environments.

  3. Material Testing

①　- Heavy Metal Test: Ensure the material does not contain hazardous heavy metals (e.g., lead, cadmium).

②　- Plastic and Coating Safety Test: Verify that materials used meet safety standards.

4. Review and Evaluation

(1) Test Report Review

Examine test results to confirm compliance with KC standards.

(2) Factory Inspection (If Applicable)

Inspect the production environment and management system, which is mandatory for complex products (e.g., electrical equipment and machinery).

5. Certification Issuance

(1) Obtain kc certificate

The certification body issues the official KC certification certificate.

(2) Marking Requirements

Affix the KC mark on qualified products.

6. Post-certification Management

(1) Regular Review

Conduct periodic re-examinations and retests as required.

(2) Change Management

Re-evaluation is mandatory if the product undergoes major design or material changes.

Product Types and Corresponding Main Testing Items

Precautions

1. Testing items may vary depending on product types and applicable standards.

2. Selecting a suitable certification body and arranging the certification timeline reasonably will help accelerate the entire process.