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ROK Conformity Assessment System: Conformity Assessment Used in Korea

In Korea, KATS coordinates the conformity assessment system as mandated by the National Standards Act of 1999, with the goal of harmonizing processes internationally.

Examples of accreditation programs overseen by KATS and its subordinates include:

Korea Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (KOLAS)

Korea Accreditation System (KAS)

Examples of certification programs in Korea include:

KS Certification Scheme

Management System Certification (QMS and EMS)

Korea Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (KOLAS)

The Korea Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (KOLAS) is a governmental accreditation body established in 1992 and administered by KATS. KOLAS represents Korea in the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (APLAC).

Foreign entities can apply for KOLAS accreditation according to ILAC’s Principles for Avoiding Duplication if their country is also a signatory to the ILAC MLA.

Learn more about U.S. participation in the ILAC MLA.

Find out if your country is a signatory to the ILAC MLA.

KOLAS offers accreditation in the fields of testing, calibration, inspection, and reference material production. In most cases, the accreditation process includes an application form with related documents, review of the application by the KOLAS secretariat, an on-site assessment, and further deliberation by KOLAS officials.

Proficiency testing is also a requirement for KOLAS accreditation. This process provides an opportunity to continuously improve the testing competence of laboratories.

Testing and Calibration

KOLAS evaluates testing and calibration laboratories according to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025.

• Learn more about KOLAS’ accreditation service for testing and calibration laboratories
• Search for KOLAS-accredited testing labs
• Search for KOLAS-accredited calibration labs

Inspection

KOLAS evaluates inspection bodies according to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17020.

Learn more about KOLAS’ accreditation service for inspection bodies and find a directory of accredited bodies

Reference Material Producers

The accreditation of reference material producers was recently added to KOLAS’ capabilities. The program was initiated to provide users of reference materials with increased confidence that the material is produced by a competent body. KOLAS evaluates applicants according to the requirements of ISO Guide 34, in combination with ISO/IEC 17025 where appropriate.

• Learn more about KOLAS’ accreditation service for reference material producers
• Search for KOLAS-accredited reference material producers

Korea Accreditation System (KAS)

The Korea Accreditation Scheme (KAS) is the accreditation body administered by KATS and responsible for assessment of product certification bodies. KAS is a signatory to the International Accreditation Forum Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (IAF MLA) for accreditors of product certifiers.

More information

• Overview presentation about KAS [available in English]
• About KAS [Korean only]
• Criterion and procedure of accrediting bodies [Korean only]
• Search for KAS-accredited bodies [Korean only]i

KS Certification Scheme

The Korean Industrial Standard (KS) Certification Scheme is carried out by the Korean Standards Association (KSA) according to the Industrial Standardization Act. KS certification indicates that a particular product meets relevant KS requirements.

The procedure for obtaining KS Certification usually involves an application process and an on-site audit or factory inspection.

Learn more about the KS Certification Scheme

Once a manufacturer has been approved for KS Certification, they are granted use of the “KS mark” to indicate their conformity to applicable requirements.

Learn more about the KS mark

Management System Certification (QMS and EMS)

The Korea Accreditation Board (KAB) accredits certifiers of quality management systems and environment management systems according to the requirements of ISO 9001 and ISO 140001, respectively. Similar to other accreditation processes, KAB accreditation normally involves an application and on-site assessment, and can take approximately 5 months.

More information:

• Learn more about the KAB accreditation process
• View criteria for accreditation of QMS and EMS
• View a list of KAB-accredited bodies

Conformity Marks Used in Korea