I want to directly import fitness equipment from abroad for my gym because there is no local supplier. I found that safety certification is required; what exactly does that entail? Released

When importing and exporting, it is not simply a matter of goods moving back and forth; there are items that must meet various permits, approvals, markings, or other conditions set by relevant laws and regulations.

These items can only clear customs once you prove to the customs office that the corresponding conditions have been met.

Just as you must obtain a building permit when constructing a building, there are cases where imported goods require something like a "permit" or a "stamp of approval" as stipulated by law.

 

Regarding the fitness equipment you inquired about, if it is an item subject to safety certification under the "Electrical Appliances and Consumer Products Safety Control Act," you must obtain confirmation of safety certification from a safety certification body every time you import it and submit it to customs to clear customs.

In other words, receiving certification once does not mean you can continue importing it without further certification; its safety must be re-confirmed every time you import.

You can consider this an essential procedure for the safety of the public.

 

However, there may be cases where the fitness equipment you intend to import is not subject to safety certification as defined by the "Electrical Appliances and Consumer Products Safety Control Act."

In such cases, if you submit documents proving that the item is not subject to safety certification to customs and receive recognition from them, customs clearance is possible without safety certification.

For example, you can submit a response to a civil petition from the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS), the government agency in charge of the law, or documents explaining the use of the fitness equipment in detail to claim to customs that "this product is not an electrical appliance and thus not subject to safety certification." If customs determines that the claim is valid, you can clear customs without certification.

 

In conclusion, it is important to first accurately determine whether the fitness equipment you intend to import is subject to safety certification or not.

For detailed information, such as whether the fitness equipment you are importing is subject to safety certification under the "Electrical Appliances and Consumer Products Safety Control Act," the most accurate and reliable way to obtain information is to contact the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS), the government agency in charge of the relevant law, directly.