certification

KC certification

National Integrated Certification

1. What is KC certification?

KC certification (Korea Certification) is to protect the lives and property of the people.
This is a national integrated certification mark that integrates the 13 statutory mandatory certification marks that were scattered across each ministry.
Any business that manufactures products in Korea or imports and sells them from overseas
In accordance with relevant laws, the KC mark must be affixed to the product.

2. Practical overview and requirements

1. Legal basis

Electrical Appliances and Consumer Goods Safety Management Act: Management of general consumer goods such as home appliances, clothing, and miscellaneous goods.
Radio Act: Conformity assessment of broadcasting and communications equipment such as smartphones and Bluetooth devices
Children's Product Safety Special Act: Management of all products used by children under 13 years of age

2. Key Requirements

Identify the target: You need to clearly classify which laws apply to the product you are selling.
Compliance with safety standards: The product must meet domestic safety standards (K standards) from the design stage.
Post-certification: Even after certification is obtained, regular inspections and self-quality management must continue.

3. Types of KC certification

It is broadly divided into three stages depending on the level of risk.
Safety Certification (High Risk Group)
- Target: Products with complex structures or methods of use that pose a high risk of fire or electric shock (e.g., electric water heaters, pressure cookers)
- Requirements: Product testing + factory inspection (annual or biennial inspection required)
Safety Check (Medium Risk Group)
- Target: Products whose safety can be confirmed through product testing alone (e.g., laptops, humidifiers, toys)
- Requirement: Product testing at a designated testing agency and reporting procedures are carried out.
Supplier Suitability Verification (Low Risk Group)
- Target: Products with a relatively low risk of accidents (e.g., clothing, leather products, some lighting fixtures)
- Requirement: Manufacturers or importers must verify and store that safety standards are met, either directly or through third-party testing.

4. Issuance period and required documents

Duration

Supplier suitability and safety confirmation: approximately 2 to 4 weeks
Safety certification (including factory inspection): Approximately 6 to 10 weeks or more
Radio certification (broadcasting and communications equipment): Approximately 2 to 3 weeks (may vary depending on the complexity of the product and the testing agency's schedule)

Required Documents

KC Certification Application Form
Copy of business registration certificate
Product manual (including Korean user manual)
Schematic and Bill of Materials (BOM)
Certificates for major components (if required)
Power of Attorney (when proceeding through an administrative agent or agent)

3. Authentication Procedure

1

Product classification and consultation
Check if certification is required and determine test items
2

Sample submission and test registration
Submit samples (products) and technical documents to an authorized testing agency.
3

Perform product testing
Testing for electrical safety, hazardous substance detection, electromagnetic interference, etc.
4

Factory inspection
(Only applicable to safety certification targets) Check manufacturing facilities and quality management system
5

Certificate issuance
KC certificate issuance and mark assignment upon conformity determination
6

Aftercare
Market distribution and regular quality maintenance

Why you need an experienced administrative lawyer

1. Legal expertise

We provide accurate interpretations of related laws, including the Telecommunications Act and the Radio Act, which are frequently revised.
2. Accuracy of document preparation

Reduce time by minimizing rejections and corrections due to inconsistencies between technical and administrative documents.
3. Risk Management

Imposition of fines, recall orders, etc. due to failure to obtain certification
Protects businesses from administrative action.

KC certification proves the legal safety of the product.
It is a key process to secure consumer trust.
But the preparation of complex technical documents,
The ever-changing radio law and safety management law regulations,
And unfamiliar administrative procedures are for business owners who need to focus on business management.
It can be a huge burden.

Our administrative law firm Seum has numerous certification consulting experiences.
Based on a deep understanding of relevant laws and regulations,
From product classification to final certificate issuance
We will guide you through every process in the most efficient and accurate way.

January 2, 2026
Seum Administrative Attorney Firm
Written by: Sangyoon Kim, Administrative Scrivener

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I resell products purchased directly from overseas?

A: Products purchased for personal use may be exempted.,
If you resell this for commercial purposes, KC certification is required and you may be subject to punishment for violation.