Introduction to KC Certification in Korea
In July 2009, the Ministry of Knowledge Economy (MKE) of Korea began to implement and adopt the national unified KC certification mark, named "KC Mark", which represents Korea Certification. The 13 mandatory signs currently in force in Korea will eventually be unified under this new one. One result of this initiative is to reduce suppliers'expenditure on certification fees, making KC Mark in Korea a world brand certification step by step.
KC Authentication Identification
KC Certified Product Catalogue
According to the Korean Electrical Supplies Safety Management Law, since January 1, 2009, the safety certification of electrical appliances can be divided into mandatory certification and self-discipline (voluntary) certification.
Mandatory certification means that all electronic products belonging to mandatory products must obtain KC Mark certification before they can be sold in the Korean market, and they need to undergo Factory review and product sampling test every year.
Self-disciplined (voluntary) certification means that all electronic products belonging to voluntary products need to be tested and certified without factory review. The certificate is valid for five years.
Product Certification Scope: Electrical products with input voltage between 50 and 1000, according to IECEE classification method, include wire and cable, electrical switch, capacitor and power filter, household insulated transformer, power tools, household appliances, electronic entertainment and information technology equipment (IT), etc.
KC Certification Data Preparation
When applying for KC certification for new products, the following documents should be submitted:
1. Application form;
2. Factory questionnaire;
3. Instructions;
4. Parts list;
5. List of derived models;
6. Circuit diagram;
7. Specification of spare parts;
8. Label;
9. Product photos;
10. Distribution drawings or photographs of spare parts;
11. Power of attorney appointment;
12. Application for change of content;
13. The information that the applicant needs to keep;
14. Others: Documents recording electrical characteristics.
The following explanations are given:
A. Application for Safety Certification of Electrical Appliances (Compulsory Products), Application for Self-Discipline Safety Confirmation of Electrical Appliances and Self-Discipline Safety Confirmation Statement of Electrical Appliances (Self-Discipline Products);
B. List of parts and components directly affecting safety;
C. Electrical circuit diagram;
D. Detailed specifications of transformers (for related products);
E. Catalogue of Insulating Materials (Temperature, Voltage Resistance or Flame Resistance, etc.);
F. Product certificate (including Korean product certificate);
G, label;
H. Authorization Certificate of Agent (necessary for mandatory products; necessary for self-disciplined products when applied by agents)
KC certification process
KC Certification Factory Inspection
South Korea's safety law requires the first factory review after accepting an application. After the certificate is authorized, the certification authority also conducts an annual follow-up review of the factory, the main purpose of which is to check the consistency of the quality control system of the factory and whether it can consistently meet the safety law standards.
KC certification cycle
Routine 4-6 weeks, can be urgent, urgent need to pay additional fees.