Korea KATS Guide for Safety Approval
Basic information
The current Korean electrical supplies safety verification (KC verification) is divided into two parts: KC safety verification and MSIP electromagnetic compatibility verification. For products involving electromagnetic compatibility, the test content is unchanged according to the new regulations, but two certificates must be applied for at the same time. In addition, the KC mark of the product label must be marked with the KC verification number and the MSIP identification code at the same time.
KC (Korea Certification) verification is formerly known as EK verification. It is a Korean electrical and electronic supplies safety verification system, that is, the KC mark verification. It is a compulsory verification and requires the first factory inspection.
The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) is a National Standards Body of the Republic of Korea. It is responsible for the harmonization of Korean Industrial Standards (KS) with international standards, management of the national legal metrology system, and accreditation of certification bodies and testing laboratories.
In 2009, Korean authorities initiated a new certification system “KC” (Korea Certification) for electronic and electrical products which has become a mandatory accreditation system. To obtain the “KC” Mark—a mandatory mark issued by an accredited body—products that are in the scope of the KC system must fulfill:
Safety requirements (KC Safety)
Radiofrequency requirements (KC RF)
Electromagnetic compatibility testing (KC EMC)
Electrical Appliance Safety Certification
- Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Korean Agency for Technology and Standards
Related authorities
- Outline for certification
- The product testing to check the conformity according to safety standards for the electrical appliances subject to safety certification, and the system to verify the safety of electrical appliances prior to the market distribution through factory audit to ensure that the manufacturer could maintain the quality of electrical appliances subject to certification continuously
- Related directive
- Electrical Appliances & Household Items Safety Control Act
- Target items
- Wire and power cord, switch for electrical equipment, power supply capacitor and power filter, accessories for electrical equipment and fastener, electrical appliance protective parts, isolated transformer, electrical equipment, power tool, audio & video application, information and communication office equipment, and lighting equipment
Procedure
factory audit and product testing ---> issuance of certificate
- Period for acquisition
- about 3-4 weeks (depending on the product family and operation mode)
- Materials required
- application for test & evaluation, user’s manual, circuit diagram, safety parts list, product documentation, specification for the quality of insulation material (such as temperature characteristics and fire retardant characteristics), and questionnaire for factory audit (for initial audit only)
Safety Check for Electrical Appliance
- Related authorities
- Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Korean Agency for Technology and Standards
- Outline for certification
- A system allowing the manufacturer or importer to sell the products after reporting to the safety certification authorities if the applicable products are found to comply with the safety standards through the product testing from a safety certification authority.*The procedures of factory audit and regular inspection (composed of factory audit and product testing) applied in the existing safety certification system are omitted.
- Related directive
- Electrical Appliances & Household Items Safety Control Act
- Target items
- switch for electrical equipment, isolated transformer, electrical equipment, power tool, audio & video application, information and communication office equipment, and lighting equipment
Procedure
product testing ---> issuance of report certificate
- Period for acquisition
- about 3-4 weeks (depending on the product family and operation mode)
- Materials required
- application for test & evaluation, certificate holder, manufacturer’s business license, user’s manual, circuit diagram, parts list, parts layout, and label design
Supplier Compliance Check
- Related authorities
- Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Korean Agency for Technology and Standards
- Outline for certification
- A system to sell the electrical appliances after checking the compliance with safety standards for the applicable electrical appliance and reporting the related matters through the company's volunteered performance of product testing or the commission of testing to a third party to increase the efficiency of operation of electrical appliance safety management system with a variety of risks, and for the relaxation of regulation on the low-risk electrical appliances
- Related directive
- Electrical Appliances & Household Items Safety Control Act
- Target items
- electrical equipment, power tool, audio & video application, information and communication office equipment, and lighting equipment
Procedure
product testing ---> issuance of confirmation certificate
- Period for acquisition
- about 3-4 weeks (depending on the product family and operation mode)
- Materials required
- application for test & evaluation, certificate holder, manufacturer’s business license, user’s manual, circuit diagram, parts list, parts layout, and label design
Electromagnetic Compatibility Certification
- Related authorities
- Ministry of Science and ICT, National Radio Research Agency
- Outline for certification
- A system to obtain the certification after conformity assessment by testing the electromagnetic interference and susceptibility of material and equipment which could harm to the radio environment and broadcasting & communication network, and which could cause significant electromagnetic interference or be affected from the electromagnetic waves to the extent interfering with normal operation
- Related directive
- Radio Waves Act
- Target items
- cordless phone auto-alarm receiver, radar for ship station, telephone, and modem
Procedure
product testing and assessment ---> application for conformity certification ---> issuance of conformity certificate
- Period for acquisition
- about 3-4 weeks (depending on the product family and operation mode)
- Materials required
- test & evaluation application form, certificate holder, manufacturer’s business license, user’s manual, jig and program, circuit diagram, parts layout, and antenna specification
Electromagnetic Compatibility Registration
- Related authorities
- Ministry of Science and ICT, National Radio Research Agency
- Outline for certification
- A system to obtain the certification by the proof and check of the conformity assessment standard after a test by the designated testing institute or self-test of the material and equipment for broadcasting & communication not subject to the conformity certification
- Related directive
- Radio Waves Act
- Target items
- Conformity registration by designated testing institute _ computer equipment and peripherals, broadcast receiving device, and electrical appliance, etc.
- Conformity registration by self-test _ measuring instrument, industrial machinery and tool, and connector, etc.
Procedure
product testing and assessment ---> conformity registration application ---> issuance of conformity registration certificate
- Period for acquisition
- about 3-4 weeks (depending on the product family and operation mode)
- Materials required
- test & evaluation application form, certificate holder, manufacturer’s business license, and user’s manual
Conformity Self-registration
- Related authorities
- Ministry of Science and ICT, National Radio Research Agency
- Outline for certification
- A system to specify the region, expiration date and certification after performing the conformity assessment according to the domestic and overseas standards, specifications and technical standards if a conformity assessment standard is not available for material and equipment for broadcasting & communication, or a conformity assessment is difficult for other reasons
- Related directive
- Target items
- newly developed device without conformity assessment standard
Procedure
product testing and assessment ---> provisional certification audit ---> issuance of provisional certificate
- Period for acquisition
- about 3-4 weeks (depending on the product family and operation mode)
- Materials required
- test & evaluation application form, certificate holder, manufacturer’s business license, user’s manual, technical documentation, circuit diagram, and parts layout
Specification content
Electrical Product Safety Standards: http://www.kats.go.kr/content.do?cmsid=304&page=2
Applicable Products
1. Wire and cable
2. Electrical switch
3. Capacitor and power supply filter
4. Electrical equipment parts and connecting parts
5. Electrical protection parts
6. Transformer Transformers
7. Household appliances
(1) Electric cleaner
(2) Iron
(3) Dishwasher
(4) Kitchen electric appliances
(5) Washing machines and dehydrators
( 6) Hair dryer
(7) Insulation and incubator
(8) Kitchen electric machine
(9) Liquid heater
(10) Electric pad
(11) Steam heating machine
(12) Water heater
(13) Refrigerator
(14) Microwave oven
(15) Household sewing machines
(16) Charger
(17) Liquid pump
(18) Electric heating machine
(19) Steam sauna machine Steam sauna machine
(20) Appliances for watch and pets
(21) Bubble generation device
(22) Electric insecticide device
(23) Electric bathtub
(24) Air cleaner
(25) Vending machines
(26) Fans and range hoods
(27) Toilet equipment
(28) Humidifier
(29) Electrosprayers
(30) Electric disinfection machine
(31) Food processor
(32) Sausage towel packaging machine
8. Power tools
9. Audio and video application equipment
10. Information technology and office equipment
(1) Photocopiers
(2) Power supply Power adapter
(3) Uninterruptible power supply system
(4) Over the press
11. Lighting machine
(1) Fluorescent lamps
(2) LED lamps
(3) Halogen lamps Halogen lamps
Documents required for application
- Company authorization letter (power of attorney)
- application
- Korean manual
- Korean specification label
- CB report and certificate (ontology and power)
- Wiring diagram / Wiring diagram / Block diagram
KC certificate for important components
Safety requirements
The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) accredits the certification bodies, manage and monitor certification bodies through the National Accreditation body—the Korea Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (KOLAS)—and operates with accrediting organizations such as KAS (Korea Accreditation System) and KAB (Korea Accreditation Board).
The “KC Safety” is a mandatory Korean Certification System according to Electrical Appliances Safety Control Act consists of:
Three certification schemes depend on specified product type
The KC mark to be placed either on the product itself, its packaging or both
The Korean authority initiated a new “KC” safety system in 2009 for all electronic and electrical products and components that utilize an input AC or DC voltage equal to, or less than, 1000V. Under the system, there are three certification schemes which depend on a specific electronic and electrical product type categorized as:
Type 1 products require KC Safety Certification. There are more than 50 devices within this type, e.g., electric wire, cords, switches for electrical appliances, motor-oriented electric tools, breakers, insulated transformers, lighting appliances, etc. They are considered as posing comparatively more danger to consumers. Besides meeting safety standards, the certification procedure includes factory inspection (initial and regular) with mandatory product testing every two years.
Type 2 products require KC Safety Confirmation. There is a self-regulatory safety confirmation scheme for those considered less dangerous to consumers, e.g. electric switch, electric appliances, audio and video electronic apparatus, lighting appliances, insulated transformers, information technology equipment, etc. The certification procedure includes safety testing without factory inspection. The Confirmation has a permanent validation period.
Type 3 products require KC Safety Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDOC)ю Manufacturers or importers perform self-testing of the product and there is verification covering: electric appliances, audio and video electronic apparatus, information technology equipment, fluorescent lamps starter, DC power supplies/electric charger connected to the electric appliances, etc. The certification procedure includes safety testing from a third-party testing lab without factory inspection.
South Korea requires that manufacturers of all products subject to legally compulsory certification bear the KC Certification Mark prior to selling their products in Korea. Once a product has received KC Safety Certification, the KC Mark and product certificate number must be printed on the product.
Conformity Assessment Mark
- Safety Certification Mark
- Safety Certification Number or KCs Number
- Product Name
- Model
- Rated Voltage
- Manufacturer Name(In the case of foreign manufacturer, the Country of Origin shall be added)
- Symbol for double-insulated equipment
- Rated Time for short rated time
- Marks indicating the time of manufacture(e.g. Date of Manufacture, Lot No. or the marks demonstrating the date of -
manufacture)
- Contact details for A/S Center
- Marks and Precautions required by other individual safety standards
Verification unit
KC's safety verification is controlled by KTL, KTC and KTR. All three laboratories are affiliated with KATS (Korea Agecny for Technolgoy and Standards). KATS is the highest safety management agency.
KC's EMC / Telecom / RF verification has tests performed in about 40 laboratories in South Korea. These laboratories are controlled by RRA, which is the highest EMC / Telecom / RF management agency
Related pages
| Standards | Local Testing | Local Representative | Factory Inspection | Project Time |
| K Standars | Depends | Yes | Yes | 4~5 weeks |
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