ROK Conformity Assessment System: Conformity Marks Used in Korea
In order to demonstrate compliance with certain standards or other requirements, manufacturers often place marks of conformity on their products,
which are usually granted by certification or accreditation bodies. In Korea, there are a couple different marks that are used in the market.
KS Mark
As already mentioned, the KS mark indicates
conformity with applicable Korean Industrial Standards (KS), and is granted by
the certification body, the Korean
Standards Association (KSA). In most
cases, obtaining the KS mark is a voluntary measure designed to enable manufacturers
to enhance their competitiveness and empower consumers by providing information
about the quality of products.
KC Mark
Beginning July 1, 2009, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) implemented a new certification mark, the Korea Certification (KC) Mark. The new KC mark is designed to integrate thirteen certification marks previously required by mandatory certification systems from the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy (MKE) and the Ministry of Labor (MOL). By November 1, 2011, mandatory certifications required by all Korean ministries will use the KC mark.
To find out if your product requires the KC Mark, contact KATS
The nine certification systems that introduced the KC mark in July 2009 are shown below:
| Ministry |
Related Act and Subordinate Statute |
Revision Date |
Implementation Date |
| MKE |
Enforcement Rule of the high Pressure Gas Safety Control Act (Decree No.49) |
Dec. 31, '08 |
July 1, '09 |
| Energy Use Rationalization Act (Notice) |
| Labeling Regulations on Energy Consuption Enfficiencies and Ratings for Automobiles (No.08-162) |
Nov. 11, '08 |
July 1, '09 |
| Operating Regulations on Officient Management on Equipment and Materials (No.09-26) |
Feb. 10, '09 |
July 1, '09 |
| Enforcement Rule of the Electric Appliances Safety Control Act (Decree No.44) |
Dec. 31, '08 |
July 1, '09 |
| Quality Management and Safety Control of Industrial Products Act (Decree No.36) |
Oct. 21, '08 |
July 1, '09 |
| Enforcement Rule of the Measures Act (Decree No.47) |
Dec. 31, '08 |
July 1, '09 |
| Manufacture and Management of Elevators Act (Act No.9384) |
Jan. 30, '09 |
July 1, '09 |
| MOL |
Enforcement Rule of the Industrial Safety and Health Act (Decree No.308) |
Sep. 18, '08 |
Jan 1, '09 |
By introducing the KC mark, KATS hopes to reduce the economic burden caused by duplicate certifications and reduce consumer confusion caused by the various certification markets previously used on products.
