KC

1. Certification Overview

In 2009, Korea's Ministry of Knowledge Economy (MKE) began implementing the unified national KC Mark to make certification marks easier for consumers to understand and reduce manufacturers' certification costs. KC stands for Korea Certification and consolidated 13 previous compulsory marks. This reduced suppliers' certification expenses and helped establish the KC Mark as an internationally recognized certification brand.

KC Mark Certification Products List: Under Korea's Electrical Appliances Safety Control Act, electrical product safety approval has been divided into safety certification and self-regulatory safety confirmation since January 1, 2009.

2. Certification Mark

1. The label size may be adjusted to the product size.
2. The label must resist wear and appear prominently on the product. For very small products, it may be printed on the outer packaging.
3. The safety certification number must appear below the certification mark, and safety standard precautions must be marked on the product in Korean or English.

III. Product Categories

1. Compulsory certification: All electronic products within the mandatory scope must obtain KC Mark certification before sale in Korea.

2. Self-regulatory (voluntary) certification: Electronic products within the voluntary scope only need testing to obtain a certificate.

4. Product Scope

1. Electrical products requiring certification generally have an AC input voltage above 50 V and below 1000 V.
(1) Wires and cables
(2) Electrical switches
(3) Capacitors and power filters
(4) Electrical equipment components and connecting parts
(5) Electrical protective components
(6) Transformers
(7) Household appliances
(8) Power tools
(9) Audio and video equipment
(10) Lighting equipment

2. Products outside the mandatory safety certification scope must apply for self-regulatory safety confirmation.
(1) Electrical switches
(2) Transformers
(3) Household appliances
(4) Electrical equipment components and connecting parts
(5) Audio and video equipment
(6) Information technology and office equipment
(7) Lighting equipment

5. Certification Standards

6. Test Items

1. Temperature rise testing
2. Earth resistance testing
3. Touch current testing
4. Dielectric withstand testing
5. Glow-wire testing
6. Needle-flame testing
7. Humidity testing and related tests

7. Required Documents

1. Relevant application forms
2. Product label
3. Product instructions in Korean
4. Component list
5. List of derivative models and description of differences
6. Circuit diagrams and layouts
7. Component certificates
8. Specifications for transformers, inductors and similar components
9. CB certificate and report, if available
10. Plug-pin material composition list for direct plug-in DC power supplies

8. Certification Process

1. Confirm requirements and sign a contract with the testing and certification body.
2. Provide company and product information.
3. Submit samples for testing.
4. The testing body reviews the documentation.
5. The testing body conducts preliminary testing.
6. Send samples to the testing organization for testing.
7. Conduct factory inspection, required for compulsory certification.
8. Receive the report and certificate after approval.

9. Certification Timeline & Validity

KC certification takes 4–6 weeks.
Compulsory KC certificates remain valid through annual inspections. Self-regulatory certificates remain valid while the applicable standard remains valid.

10. Factory Inspection

Compulsory KC certification requires annual factory inspections and product sampling tests. Korean safety law requires an initial factory inspection after application acceptance. After certificate authorization, the certification body also conducts a follow-up factory review every 2 years, primarily to verify the consistency of the factory's quality control system and its continued compliance with safety law standards.

Self-regulatory KC certification does not require factory inspection.

11. Important Notes

1. When applying with a CB certificate and report, ensure consistency of the applicant, product name and model, and the test standard edition corresponding to KC requirements. The documents must be valid and issued within the past 3 years.
2. Korean voltage and frequency: Single-phase 110 V or 220 V AC; three-phase 220 V or 380 V; 60 Hz or 50/60 Hz. Ratings of 230 V 50 Hz or 220 V 50 Hz are not applicable.
3. The product's plug and power cord must meet Korean regulatory requirements.