Korea KC certification for exporters: KC mark, KATS safety and RRA radio

Electrical products: KATS Type 1 and Type 2

For electrical products, KATS sorts items into types. Type 1 products need certification by a designated certification body: the applicant files the application and documents, the factory is inspected, the product is tested and the body issues the certificate. Type 2 products fall under a self-regulatory safety confirmation scheme with the same steps except the factory inspection, and a confirmation letter of declaration instead of a certificate. All products subject to compulsory certification carry the KC mark.

Radio and electronic equipment: RRA

• Certification of conformity: most radio-frequency devices, applied for at the RRA.
• Registration of compatibility: most non-RF electronic equipment, registered with the RRA, either through a designated testing body under KS standards or by self-testing for some equipment.
• Interim conformity: used when no Korean assessment criteria exist; other countries' standards may be used, and the equipment is marked with the conditions and validity period.
• Test reports are accepted from designated Korean labs, the RRA's own facility or labs recognised under a mutual recognition agreement; EN or FCC reports alone are not accepted.
• Telecom equipment needs a local representative, and type verification tests for it are done by the RRA.

Labels and planning

The KC label combines the KC mark with an identification code and conformity details: trade name, device name, model, year of manufacture, manufacturer and country of manufacture. It must be printed or engraved so that it is easy to see on the product and the packaging. Because Korean standards and Korean or recognised labs are required, exporters should agree with their Korean importer early who applies for KC, which body tests the product and how the label will appear.