Which batteries require KC certification in South Korea?

Summary: KC (Korea Certification) is the mandatory national safety mark in South Korea. Battery products — especially rechargeable lithium cells and battery packs for portable devices, power banks, batteries for light means of transport (LMT, e-bikes/e-scooters), and certain specialized/medical device batteries — are included in the KC mandatory list and require KC safety certification or safety confirmation prior to sale. The regulatory basis includes the Electrical Appliances and Consumer Products Safety Control Act and related enforcement rules. 

Which battery types typically require KC? (Key points)

1. Portable rechargeable lithium-ion cells & battery packs (phones, laptops, tablets, wearable batteries) — generally mandatory. 

2. Power banks / portable chargers — explicitly covered and require KC safety certification. 

3. LMT (e-bike, e-scooter) batteries — many such batteries are now under KC mandatory scope.

4. Rechargeable coin/button cells — certain rechargeable types and specific geometries fall under KC rules.

5. Specialized device batteries (medical, barcode scanners, POS, etc.) — included when used in critical equipment. 

6. EV / traction batteries — EV batteries are subject to vehicle/battery-specific regulatory regimes; Korea has been accelerating EV battery certification and traceability requirements after safety incidents. Compliance often involves additional vehicle/industry rules beyond KC. 

7. Primary disposable batteries (alkaline, carbon-zinc) — typically not in the core KC mandatory list, but still must comply with other safety, labeling, and transport rules. 

Standards & tests: KC battery requirements typically reference IEC 62133 family (e.g. IEC 62133:2017 / KC 62133-2). Korea may accept CB / IEC 62133:2017 certificates under conditions, but many products still need testing at a Korean-accredited lab (and UN38.3 is required for transport). Typical test items: short-circuit, overcharge, thermal stability/thermal runaway checks, impact/penetration/abuse tests (as applicable), and electrical protection checks. 

Certification types & steps (practical):

• Safety Certification (안전인증): stricter, may require product testing and factory audit.

• Safety Confirmation / Supplier Declaration (안전확인신고): simplified route for some categories. Typical flow: classify product → prepare technical dossier and Korean manual → test in accredited lab (or submit acceptable CB) → factory audit if required → submit application → receive certificate → apply KC mark and Korean labeling. 

Practical tips: classify product early; prepare IEC 62133:2017 reports if possible; use Korea-accredited labs (KTL, KCL, KTR); prepare Korean manual & labeling; monitor EV battery regulatory updates (Korea has tightened EV battery rules recently).

Latest trends & warning: Korea has accelerated EV battery certification and stricter enforcement after several battery/EV fire incidents; regulatory scrutiny and penalties are increasing — companies should prioritize safety compliance.