Which Batteries Require KC Certification?

KC certification is a nationally unified certification mark implemented by the Korean Standards Association. Lithium batteries are included in the KC certification scope as mandatory certification products.

Scope of KC Certification for Battery Products

1. Single cells: Portable use;

2. Battery packs: Single cells connected in series or parallel to form a pack;

3. Portable lithium single cells or packs with navigation functions, regardless of volumetric energy density, are applicable (for use under harsh conditions inside vehicles);

4. Single cells and battery packs for portable medical devices, barcode readers, credit card readers, and similar products are applicable;

5. Portable devices: MP3 players, electronic dictionaries, PMPs, laptops, digital cameras, etc.;

6. Portable product subcategories: Batteries used in mobile products are also subject to certification;

7. Non-applicable items: Vehicle propulsion, industrial applications, medical use.

Precautions for obtaining KC certification for lithium batteries:

1. The same model can’t  be applied for certification at the same institution repeatedly. 

2. The KC certificate does not allow any changes related to the base model (such as changing the model name, parameters, capacity, etc.). If a change to the certificate is required:

A. Only the addition of a new series model can be considered.

B. The original certificate can only be cancelled and a new one re-applied for.

3. It is recommended that lithium battery products do not directly apply for KC certification. Instead, they can first obtain CB certification and then use the CB certificate to convert to KC certification. The advantages of this approach are as follows:

A. Relatively lower costs. Directly pursuing KC certification is expensive and requires shipping samples to South Korea for testing, increasing shipping fees and certification complexity. By first obtaining CB certification and then using it to apply for KC certification, costs are significantly reduced, and there is no need to ship battery samples to South Korea.

B. The cycle is relatively shorter. Directly applying for KC certification requires shipping battery samples to Korea for testing, with the combined sample shipping and testing period typically taking over three months. In contrast, applying for KC certification through CB certification involves a CB certification cycle of 3-4 weeks, and the conversion to KC takes only a few weeks. The entire KC certification process can be completed in just over a month, making it significantly more efficient.

Updates to Button Cell Battery Certification Requirements under Regulation KC 62133-02(2020):

On January 4, 2021, KATS (Korea Agency for Technology and Standards) clarified the requirements for applying for Korean KC safety certification for rechargeable button batteries. Rechargeable button-type batteries with a pouch-type form factor and a thickness less than their diameter (cell specifications: maximum charging voltage ≥4.4V, energy density ≥700 Wh/L, used in smartphones, laptops, or tablets) fall under the scope of KC 62133-02(2020).