Radio Certification
Conformity Assessment for Broadcasting and Communications EquipmentAnyone who manufactures, sells, or imports broadcasting and communications equipment, or equipment that causes or is affected by electromagnetic interference, must obtain one of the following: Conformity Certification, Conformity Registration, Self-Declaration of Conformity, or Interim Certification. (Radio Waves Act, Art. 58-2(1))
Types of Conformity Assessment and How to Apply
Applications for Conformity Certification, Conformity Registration, and Interim Certification are all filed online (https://www.emsit.go.kr, the Ministry of Science and ICT online service center).
Conformity Certification
Equipment that may harm the radio environment or broadcasting and communications networks, or that causes serious electromagnetic interference or is affected by electromagnetic waves enough to disrupt normal operation, must be tested by a designated testing laboratory, after which you apply to the National Radio Research Agency (RRA) for Conformity Certification. Processing takes up to 5 days. (Radio Waves Act, Art. 58-2(2); Conformity Assessment Notice, Arts. 5 and 29)
Parallel importers may apply for Conformity Certification without submitting circuit diagrams. In that case, they must submit a test report from a designated testing laboratory every two years from the date of certification, unless they later submit the circuit diagrams. (Conformity Assessment Notice, Art. 5(6) and (7))
Conformity Registration
Equipment not subject to Conformity Certification is tested by a designated testing laboratory to confirm that it meets the conformity assessment standards, then registered with the RRA together with a statement certifying compliance with those standards (Form No. 6). Applications are processed immediately. (Radio Waves Act, Art. 58-2(3); Conformity Assessment Notice, Arts. 8 and 29)
Self-Declaration of Conformity
Equipment with a low risk of harming the radio environment or broadcasting and communications networks, such as measurement and test equipment or industrial and scientific equipment, may be tested in-house or by a designated testing laboratory or similar body to confirm compliance with the conformity assessment standards. You then prepare and keep a Self-Declaration of Conformity and publish it on the RRA website. Conformity Registration is also an option. (Radio Waves Act, Art. 58-2(4); Enforcement Decree of the Radio Waves Act, Art. 77-3(2); Conformity Assessment Notice, Art. 11)
Interim Certification
Equipment for which no conformity assessment standards exist yet, or that is otherwise difficult to assess, can be assessed against Korean or international standards, specifications, or technical criteria, and then manufactured, imported, or sold subject to conditions such as region and validity period. Processing takes up to 30 days. (Radio Waves Act, Art. 58-2(9); Conformity Assessment Notice, Arts. 13 and 29)
Required Documents by Type
| Type | Required Documents | Example Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Conformity Certification |
| Radiotelephone alarm auto-receivers, ship radar, telephones, modems, etc. |
| Conformity Registration |
| Computers and peripherals, broadcast receivers, electrical appliances, etc. |
| Self-Declaration of Conformity | Kept on file, not submitted (the declaration is published on the RRA website).
| Measuring instruments, industrial equipment, etc. |
| Interim Certification |
| Newly developed equipment for which no conformity assessment standards exist |
(Conformity Assessment Notice — Conformity Certification: Art. 3, subpara. 1 and Art. 5; Conformity Registration: Art. 3, subpara. 2 and Art. 8; Self-Declaration of Conformity: Art. 3, subpara. 3 and Art. 12; Interim Certification: Art. 13. Covered equipment is listed in Annex 1.)
What to Prepare
- 1 to 2 samples — complete, working units, including software and a matching cable for each port
- Circuit diagrams, parts list, component layout, and antenna specifications and pattern drawings (wireless and wired)
- Application for Conformity Certification (or Registration)
- Letter of agent appointment (authorization), for foreign businesses
Certification Process
FirstTesting at a designated laboratory
The samples are tested against the conformity assessment standards. If they fail, the product is modified or corrective measures are taken, and it is tested again.
After passing the testFiling with the RRA
Submit the test report and the prepared documents online and pay the fee.
After filingCertificate issued
Conformity Certification is processed within 5 days, Conformity Registration immediately, and Interim Certification within 30 days. (Conformity Assessment Notice, Art. 29)
After certificationLabeling and post-market checks
When the equipment is sold or displayed, it or its packaging must bear the conformity assessment mark (KC mark). The government may inspect or test certified equipment to confirm that it is manufactured, imported, and sold in compliance with the standards. (Radio Waves Act, Arts. 58-2(8) and 71-2)
Tell us the type and model of the equipment you plan to import, and we will tell you whether it needs Conformity Certification, Conformity Registration, or a Self-Declaration of Conformity, and walk you through the application.
Email a Quote Request or InquiryLaws and requirements as of October 27, 2026