Korean KC certification

KC (Korea Certification) certification, formerly known as EK certification, is a mandatory safety certification system for electronic and electrical equipment in South Korea. It is the KC mark certification and was implemented by the Korea Institute of Technical Standards (KATS) on January 1, 2009, in accordance with the Electrical Appliances Safety Control Act.

To avoid duplicate certification, starting from July 1, 2012, EMC and Safety management will be separated. For electronic and electrical products applying for Korean certification, KC certificate and KCC certificate (new MSIP) must be obtained separately for their safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements. There are two qualification certification agencies for KC certification: the Korea Institute of Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronic Testing (KTC), Korea Testing Certification)， The Korea Industrial Technology Laboratory (KTL), Korea Electrical Testing Institute)。 These two are not only KC's certification agencies, but also qualification testing laboratories.

In terms of safety standards, all products entering the Korean market must comply with the Korean safety standard K (similar to the IEC standard), and when using the IEC standard, they must meet the requirements of Korea. National differences can be found in the announcements of the CB system of IECEE. In terms of EMC, the standards for EMI in South Korea are similar to CISPR standards, while EMS standards are similar to EN standards.

According to the latest Electrical Appliance Safety Management Law, KC certification is divided into mandatory safety certification, self regulatory safety certification, and supplier self confirmation based on the different levels of product hazard. Among them, products controlled by mandatory safety certification have higher hazard levels, while products controlled by supplier self confirmation have lower hazard levels.

Product Range

The product scope of KC certification generally includes electrical products with AC voltage above 50 volts to below 1000 volts:

1. Cords, Cables and Cord set)

2. Switches for Electrical Appliances

3. Capacitors or filters as components for power supply units

4. Installation Accessories and Connection Devices

5. Installation Protective Equipment

6. Safety Transformer and Similar Equipment

7. Household and Similar Equipment Appliances

8. Motor Tools

9. Audio and video application devices (Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Appliances)

10. Information Technology and Office Appliances

11. Lighting machines (Lightings)

12. Equipment used for connecting power adapters or chargers (Appliance with Power Supply or Charger)

Other information

Technical information: Voltage frequency 110V/220V/380V, 60Hz or 50Hz/60Hz, plug KSC8305

Mandatory: Compulsory

Certificate Validity Period:

1. Mandatory safety certification - None, annual review maintains validity (as shown in the template below)

2. Self regulatory safety confirmation -5 years

3. Supplier self confirmation - no certificate, confirmation letter is permanently valid

Factory inspection requirements: Mandatory safety certification requires first factory inspection and annual review

Holder requirements: Mandatory safety certification must be held by the factory, while the other two types of certification can be held by factories/manufacturers/importers.