The logo of the Ministry of Science and ICT./Ministry of Science and ICT
Some imported electronic products, including hairdryers and electric drills, failed to meet the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) safety standards. The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 18th that, after examining 29 types of ICT (information and communication technology) products exempt from KC certification for personal import, seven products were found to be non-compliant with the standards.
Products imported for personal use are not required to obtain KC certification in the radio wave field. However, with a rapid increase in the usage of day-to-day items such as wireless microphones, wireless earphones, wireless chargers, and small fans, there have been increasing safety concerns. The Ministry of Science and ICT selected 29 popular products for domestic use to conduct a thorough examination of their electromagnetic compatibility.
The inspection revealed that a total of seven products, including a hairdryer and wireless microphone for broadcasting and performances purchased from Temu, a CCTV, portable fan, and stand fan bought from AliExpress, and an electric drill and necklace fan ordered from Amazon, exceeded the electromagnetic radiation limits or used unauthorized frequencies. Notably, some fans emitted electromagnetic waves at 1.5 times the standard level, and a CCTV product transmitted wireless signals at an output of 52mW, far exceeding the domestic allowed limit of 12mW, which could affect the surrounding communication environment.
The Ministry of Science and ICT requested domestic and international online platform operators to block the sales of non-compliant products. Detailed information on these products can be found on the websites of the National Radio Research Agency (www.rra.go.kr) and Consumer24 (www.consumer.go.kr).
A representative from the Ministry of Science and ICT stated, “We plan to continue safety inspections and monitoring to prevent harmful products from being distributed in the domestic market through personal imports and maintain cooperation with related agencies such as the Fair Trade Commission and the Korea Customs Service.”