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Editor:ESTL Category:Certification information Release time:2025-12-08 Click volume:3
When planning to export batteries or power banks to South Korea, KC Certification is an unavoidable threshold. As a mandatory safety certification implemented by South Korea’s Korea Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS), it serves as the "passport" for legal sales in the Korean market. One of the top concerns for enterprises is: "How much does KC Certification cost?" This article comprehensively analyzes the cost structure, latest standard requirements, and effective cost optimization strategies for battery and power bank KC Certification.
The total cost of KC Certification is not a fixed figure but a combination of fees from testing, inspection, certification, and other stages. For batteries and power banks, costs are mainly influenced by product risk level, complexity (e.g., with/without wireless functions), battery capacity, and the chosen certification pathway.
The table below outlines the main cost components and their ranges:
| Cost Item | Reference Price Range (RMB) | Description & Influencing Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Testing Fee | 3,000 – 20,000 | Core cost: Tests include overcharge, short circuit, thermal abuse, etc., in accordance with standards such as KC 62133. Higher capacity or more complex designs result in higher fees. From 2025, batteries with capacity ≥20Wh require enhanced testing, potentially increasing costs by approximately RMB 5,000. |
| EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Testing Fee | 2,000 – 8,000 | Tests electromagnetic radiation and anti-interference capabilities. For power banks with wireless charging or Bluetooth, additional RF testing is required, increasing fees significantly to RMB 10,000 – 52,000. |
| Initial Factory Audit Fee | 2,000 – 10,000 | Mandatory for products under the "Mandatory Safety Certification" category. Usually includes travel expenses for auditors; fees may increase for overseas factories. |
| Certificate & Administrative Fees | Approximately 1,300 – 2,700 | Includes application fee (≈RMB 600-700) and official certification fees charged by South Korean authorities. |
| South Korean Local Agent Service Fee | 5,000 – 15,000 | Rigid expense: Non-Korean enterprises must appoint a South Korean authorized representative to submit applications and handle follow-up matters. |
| Annual Maintenance Fees | Approximately 4,500 – 8,500/year | To maintain certificate validity: Annual factory audit fee (≈RMB 4,000-6,500) + certificate annual fee (RMB 500-2,000). Additionally, at least 2 market sampling inspections are required during the certificate validity period (usually 1-5 years), with each inspection costing ≈RMB 2,000-5,000. |
Based on the above components, the initial KC Certification total cost for standard power banks or portable lithium batteries (without wireless communication functions) is approximately RMB 20,000 – 40,000.
For products with wireless charging or Bluetooth modules, the total cost may rise to RMB 30,000 – 60,000 or higher due to additional RF testing expenses.
Important Note: The above are estimated ranges. Final costs depend on specific product parameters (e.g., battery capacity, cell type, circuit design), selected certification body, and whether tests pass on the first attempt.
Facing the complex cost structure, enterprises can significantly control costs and accelerate the process through the following strategies:
If your product already holds an IECEE CB Test Report based on IEC standards, this pathway is highly recommended. Leveraging CB conversion can exempt 60%-80% of duplicate testing, reducing total costs by nearly half and shortening the certification cycle from the standard 3-6 months to over 1 month.
The largest hidden cost in certification is rectification and retesting due to test failures. Before formal sample submission, collaborate with a professional testing institution for pre-evaluation to identify and resolve potential design non-conformities—this is the core of controlling overall costs.
Complete and accurate Korean technical documents (e.g., specifications, user manuals, labels) must be prepared as required. Avoid delays in the review process and additional expedited or communication costs caused by incomplete documents.
As a professional institution with deep expertise in battery testing and certification, Guangdong Energy Storage Testing Technology Co., Ltd. is well-versed in the South Korean KC Certification system and latest dynamics. We not only provide accurate cost estimates but also offer one-stop cost optimization solutions:
Before project initiation, our experts will detail cost breakdowns based on your product technical documents, recommend the most cost-effective certification pathway (e.g., CB to KC conversion), and provide transparent budget planning.
We offer pre-testing services based on standards such as KC 62133, intervening in the product design phase to help you avoid common safety and EMC design flaws. This ensures "first-time pass" in formal testing, eliminating unnecessary retesting expenses.
With close ties to South Korean authorities and partner laboratories, we assist you in efficiently completing the entire process—from document preparation, sample submission, and local agent coordination to factory audit facilitation—significantly saving your labor and time costs.
Contact Guangdong Energy Storage Testing Technology Co., Ltd. today to obtain a customized KC Certification plan and cost estimate for your batteries or power banks. Let our professional services be your solid backing for exploring the South Korean market.
Label: South Korea battery market access Korea KC Mark for batteries EMC testing for power banks power bank KC certification KC certification cost CB to KC conversion KC 62133
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