South Korea has moved to a common charging standard for a wide range of mobile and smart devices. Under MSIT Public Notice No. 2025-56, issued on 5 November 2025, covered wireless and electronic products that charge by cable (or charge and transfer data by cable) must be equipped with a USB Type-C connector. The requirement takes effect on 6 November 2026.
The measure, aimed at reducing electronic waste and improving consumer convenience, closely mirrors the European Union’s Common Charger Directive (EU 2022/2380) and similar moves in other markets.
The 13 Affected Product Categories
The requirement applies to 13 categories of broadcasting and telecommunications equipment that support wired charging:
- Mobile phones
- Tablets
- Digital cameras
- Headphones
- Headsets
- Portable video game consoles
- Portable speakers
- E-book readers
- Keyboards
- Mice
- Portable navigation devices
- Earphones
- Notebook computers
What the Requirement Means for Certification
From the effective date, covered devices must use a USB Type-C receptacle connector to pass KC conformity assessment. The connector itself is treated as a defined component:
- It is classified as terminal equipment, specifically a USB Type-C Receptacle Connector, and assigned the official RRA device code USBCR for certification tracking.
- Its interface specification (physical dimensions and contact-point definitions) must comply with the requirements set out in the notice’s annex, consistent with the international standard IEC/EN 62680-1-3.
In practice, when applying for KC certification for an affected end product, the USB Type-C connector used must either already hold KC approval, or be tested as part of the end product’s KC certification. USB Type-C connectors fall under the KC SDoC (Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity) scheme.
Why This Matters
For manufacturers and importers, this is a firm, near-term hardware requirement with a clear deadline. Any covered product that charges by cable but does not use a compliant USB Type-C receptacle will not pass KC conformity assessment from 6 November 2026.
The scope is narrow but definite, and because it touches device hardware design, products still using legacy connectors may need to be redesigned or have their KC filings completed ahead of the deadline. Confirming that connectors meet the annex specification, and that the USBCR component is properly covered, is the key preparatory step.
What Manufacturers Should Do Now
Businesses placing covered devices on the South Korean market should:
- Identify every product in their Korean portfolio that falls within the 13 categories.
- Confirm that charging ports use a compliant USB Type-C receptacle meeting the annex (IEC/EN 62680-1-3) specification.
- Ensure the USB Type-C connector either already holds KC approval or is included in the end product’s KC testing, and address the USBCR SDoC requirement.
- For any model without USB Type-C, decide whether to redesign it or complete its KC filing before 6 November 2026.
To read the official documentation (Korean only), refer to MSIT Public Notice No. 2025-56, available through the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Radio Research Agency (RRA).
How C-PRAV Can Support You
C-PRAV helps manufacturers and importers achieve global market access for radio, wireless, and electronic products, including KC certification for the South Korean market. Our team can confirm whether your products fall within the USB Type-C requirement, verify your connectors against the applicable specifications, coordinate the required testing and SDoC steps, and manage your KC certification documentation to keep your products compliant from the 6 November 2026 effective date.
Have questions? We’re here to help.