Import of goods in South Korea is a complicated process. South Korea is one of the most advanced and diverse countries in the world. Beautiful landscapes and Buddhist temples mark the capital city of Seoul. The city is also enjoying advanced technology development, with almost 20% population of the entire country.
The country is also considered economically developed, it is the 10th largest country in the world concerning its GDP. The country is also known for its high-speed railway tracks and fast internet connections. South Korea is the world’s 5th largest exporter of goods and 8th largest importer of goods around the globe.
Compliance Requirements For IOR Service In South Korea
South Korea is an advanced country. Several import products, before they enter the market, must be tested and acquire specific certifications. The process of obtaining permits and certificates can be very complicated. However, if the required information is handled correctly, it can avoid unnecessary costs and shipment delays. In this regard, our Importer of Record Service South Korea can play a vital role by guiding you properly through the complicated import process.
Korea Certification
KC or Korea certification is an obligatory permit required for several products to enter the Korean market. The certification aims to ensure compliance with the safety standards of the country. Several countries around the globe have the certifications in place to ensure the health and safety of their consumers, and another objective is to reduce the negative impact on the environment.
The certification has quite similar rules as the European CE mark and is valid for as many as 730 products that, includes automobiles and other electronic products. The manufacturer of the products is held responsible for getting their products tested and certified by the Korean certification. The Korean agency provides accreditation for trade and standards. It is also part of the Korean Ministry of commerce, industry, and energy. The ministry is responsible for developing the rules and regulations that control the launch of consumer products, and also ensures consumer safety rules are followed.
Procedure to acquire KC certificate
- Applying to achieve the KC certification with their authority
- Registration with the Korean certification agency
- Inspection of products at the factory outlets
- Testing the products in the authorized Labs
- Making sure all the documents are acquired for the KC mark certificate
Documents required for KC certificate
Korean certification requires several documents like contact details of the importer and the manufacturing plant, application form, license of the business, description of the products and the user manuals, a test of the reports and certificate if available, a list of the critical components and the circuit diagrams specifically for the electronic products.
Once all these documents are developed, they are submitted to the authorized body. After critically reviewing the documents, the products are tested that they are following the safety standards of Korea. In addition, specific International standards are also considered.
If the test reports and CB certificate for the importer products are already available, the whole certification process and the import procedure can be further simplified. It is an essential requirement that the certificate of the products already available should consider the Korean Conditions of 220 volt/ 60 Hz.
Considering the safety of the users the sellers will have a factory inspection along with certain factory audits that will take place at regular period of time.
Typically the KC certificate requires a time of 3 to 6 months. However, if the factory inspection is also a due requirement, the process may take more time.
More time is required as more application documents are needed to be prepared for the factory inspection, and more information gathering is required. In this regard, our company, as an Importer Service South Korea, can gather all the data necessary for you to facilitate the whole procedure.
KC license needs to be acquired before the goods are shifted to the country. If the consignment enters before the certificate is received, it will get rejected. A total value-added tax of 10% is applied to the imported products.
How AGOL Worldwide Inc can assist you as a Importer of Record in South Korea
AGOL worldwide can offer you IOR services that will minimize the ambiguity in the information-gathering process and the risk of delayed shipments. Our IOR service Korea has the core objective to facilitate our importers in the whole procedure. For further inquiries regarding Importer Service in South Korea, you can contact us at timecritical@agolworldwide.com
