Mandatory Safety Certification Requirements for Importing Electrical Appliances Released

Overview of Safety Certification Obligations

Regarding your inquiry concerning the obligation to submit safety certification documents when importing electrical appliances, we provide the following guidance based on current trade regulations.

Legal Framework and Mandatory Compliance

The Electrical Appliances and Consumer Products Safety Control Act is a designated legislation under the 'Public Notice on the Designation of Items and Methods for Customs Collector's Confirmation' pursuant to Article 226 of the Customs Act.

• If the electrical appliance is a regulated item, you must obtain safety certification from the relevant authority before filing the import declaration.
• This obligation applies regardless of whether the customs office specifically requests the documentation during the process.

Required Documentation for Import Declaration

In accordance with Article 245, Paragraph 1 of the Customs Act and Article 250, Paragraph 2 of its Enforcement Decree, importers must attach confirmation documents (or exemption certificates) issued by the relevant authority to their import declaration.

• Customs authorities perform document reviews and physical inspections on a selective basis to verify that the goods meet all legal requirements.
• Even if customs does not explicitly request the submission of materials, the importer is legally responsible for ensuring the product meets all safety standards.
• Distributing uncertified or illegal products in the domestic market after customs clearance can lead to severe criminal penalties under the relevant laws.

Warning Against Illegal Practices and Misclassification

It is important to note that some importers attempt to bypass certification requirements by intentionally misclassifying HS Codes. This is an explicit violation of the Customs Act and related safety regulations.

• Even if such items are not detected during the clearance stage, discovery by governing agencies during market distribution will result in more stringent legal actions and penalties.
• You must never attempt to import goods through such illegal methods.

Further Inquiries

For the most accurate information regarding specific certification requirements and technical standards for your products, we recommend contacting the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS), the competent authority for electrical safety regulations.