Certification > Korea Certification > Voluntary Certification
- What is a TR mark?
- The TR mark system is intended to certify products that meet an evaluation criteria while keeping up with trends in consumption pattern and product diversity, to protect consumers from safety hazards and improve product quality (labeling, application scope, and product properties), and is granted by a KTR review team comprising researchers, academic professionals and related agencies.
- Qualified commodities and manufacturers
- - There is no eligibility limitation on commodities and manufacturers.
- The TR mark system applies to products subject to conformity checkups, follow-ups, and system inspection.
- Labeling certificates are granted to manufacturers or sales agencies responsible for certified product quality or
- Parties seeking a marketing effect via a new mark or certificate
- A marketing effect for overseas business
- Certification procedure
- Certification system
- - Three certification types on a labeling basis
· Type 1: product type certification
· Type 2: product type certification + system inspection
· Type 3: lot certification - Document screening
- - Screening of documents that describe labeling entries (performance, usage, and properties of products)
- Drafting and application of evaluation criteria and methods
- - Presenting applicable evaluation methods for labeling (performance, usage, and properties of products)
- Identifying factory-specific conformity, etc.
- - On-site inspection for product performance, usage & labeling (scope of application, product properties)
- Follow-up
- - On an annual basis
- Identifying factory conditions
- What is asbestos free certification?
- Asbestos free certification comprises the conformity checkup and parts manufacturing process inspection , raw materials, or finished products in the medicine, cosmetic, construction material and electronic appliance sectors, according to KTR regulations and internationally certified testing standards. An Asbestos-free certificate of conformity is issued to the relevant entity subject to inventory & supplier chain management.
- Certification criteria are meant to determine whether a certain product contains 0.1 % or more of any of 6 different kinds of asbestos through testing & supplier chain management.
- Qualified articles
- Certification procedure
- Certificate of conformity
- S mark
- The S mark is a certification mark accredited by the KAS (Korea Accreditation System) to protect consumers from safety hazards and improve product quality.
- Qualifying sectors and articles
| · Sanitation products | · Bacteria free products | · Low toxic products | · Non-irritating products | · Preservative free products |
| · Odor free products | · Sludge- stabilizing products | · Air cleaning products | · Hazard controlling Products | · Other products |
- Work Flow
- Regulations and forms
- ▶
S Mark Design
- Certified entity benefits
- 1. Support for QC system establishment
2. Provision of technical information
3. Discounts on fees for requested testing (20% off discount)
4. Subscription fee exemptions for PL coverage (up to 50% exemption)
5. Administrative support for procurement contracts and product delivery
6. Joint technology development in linkage with government subsidy
- Q mark
- The Q mark is intended to apply to industrial products that comply with the quality control system and pass through strict inspection procedures, for consumer interest protection and product quality improvement.
- Qualifying sectors and articles
| · Chemical products | · Civil engineering & construction materials | · Pottery materials | · Metals & non-destructive materials | · Other applicable products |
- Work Flow
- Certified entity benefits Certified entity benefits
- 1. Support for QC system establishment
2. Provision of technical information
3. Discounts on fees for requested testing (20% off discount)
4. Subscription fee exemptions for PL coverage (up to 50% exemption)
5. Administrative support for procurement contracts and product delivery
6. Joint technology development in linkage with government subsidy
- Overview
- Efficiency Labeling & Standards Program is consist of Energy efficiency level labeling, minimum efficiency standards, and targeted energy efficiency standards. The Energy Efficiency Labeling & Standards Program is designed so that consumers can select an energy saving product rated from 1 ~ 5 classes depending on energy efficiency or consumption, and for manufacturers (or importers) to produce (or import) energy efficient products. Class 1 products consume 30 to 40 % less energy than class 5 products.
- Energy efficiency rating label
- Minimum Energy Performance Standards(MEPS)
- These Standards are to promote and expand the high energy efficiency appliances in the case that the low efficiency appliances can be limited to produce and sell.
- Class reporting procedure
- Report of Energy efficiency level
- If any products (imports) apply for ‘energy efficiency level test’ ) from independent testing laboratories or Self-certify testing laboratories the relevant test laboratories informs KEMCO of the test results within 30 days of test completion, and KEMCO uploads a list of classified products to the internet (http://www.kemco.or.kr/efficiency). The test reports are given to manufacturers (or importers) by the testing laboratories. If any product is altered or repaired in part, such as color or handle position, within a scope not damaging its function, the altered details shall be also reported to KEMCO. KEMP shall be notified of annual sales & production records up until the end of the following January.
- Reporting procedures
- Applicable regulations
- Enforcement Ordinance for the Rational Energy Utilization Act, Regulations on Operation of Energy Efficiency management
Products Use (PPS Directive No. 1106, May 12, 2000) for Class 1 products to be preferably procured. - Reporting procedures
- Article 17, Artic1e 18, and Paragraph 2 of Article 95 of the Energy Rational Energy Utilization Act, Article 17 of the Rational Energy Utilization Regulations (Designated efficiency management appliances)
- ① The Minister may notice the following in relation to appliances designated by the Ministry Directive which are widely used and have a high energy consumption level (hereinafter referred to as ‘efficiency management appliance) if deemed necessary for efficient energy use:
1. Targeted energy efficiency level or targeted energy consumption
2. Criteria of maximum energy efficiency level or maximum energy consumption
3. Labeling of energy efficiency level or consumption
4. Energy efficiency level criteria or rating labeling
5. Measurement of energy efficiency level or consumption
6. Other matters specified by the MOCIE ordinances for efficiency check devices & materials
② The Minister shall consult with the heads of the relevant administrative agencies in advance if matters described in Paragraph ① are to be specified and notified.
③ The manufacturers or importers shall appropriately label the test results(including energy efficiency, consumption, Energy efficiency level) to the efficiency management appliance after tested by a Minister designated Testing Laboratories (hereinafter referred to as ‘testing laboratories’), in accordance with the Notice of Paragraph ① regulation
④ The designated testing agency shall inform the Minister of the results of the measurements specified in Paragraph ③
⑤ The manufacturers, importers or distributors mentioned above shall publish the details in their advertising, including energy efficiency, consumption and level if they advertise the efficiency management appliances using mass media as specified by the MOCIE Ordinances.
⑥ The designation criteria for test laboratory specified in Paragraph ③ shall be subject to MOCIE Ordinances. - Article 18 (device & material efficiency check follow-up)
① The Minister may order manufacturers, importers or distributors to correct non-conformity within a specified period if the devices & materials above do not comply with notices published according to Subparagraph 1, 3 or 4 of Paragraph 1 of Article 17.
② The Minister may order manufacturers, importers or distributors not to manufacture or distribute appliances above if they do not meet the minimum efficiency level or exceed the maximum consumption according to Subparagraph 1 of Paragraph 1 of Article 17.
③ The Minister may publish a list of appliances that do not conform to notices published in Subparagraphs 1 to 4 of Paragraph 1 of Article 17. - Paragraph 2 of Article 95 (Punishment)(following up inspection of efficiency appliances)
Anyone who breaches the orders to stop manufacture or distribution under Paragraph 2 of Article 18 shall be subject to a fine of KRW 20 million or less. - Article 97 (punishment)
One of the following parties shall be subject to a fine of KRW 5 million or less.
1. Any manufacturer or importer who does not undergo energy efficiency, consumption and levels in relation to efficiency management appliances in breach of Article 17 Paragraph 3
2. Any party who does not attach a level or indicates false entries including those regardingenergy efficiency, consumption and rating in relation to efficiency management appliances in breach of Article 17 Paragraph 3
3. Any entity which advertises efficiency management appliances without specifying the entries regulated by Article 17 Paragraph - Article 18 Paragraph 10 of the Energy Use Rationalization Enforcement Ordinance Act
- Article 18 Paragraph 10 (Following-up inspection of efficiency management appliances)
① The Minister may demand that the head of relevant administrative agency submit materials necessary for following up inspection of appliances efficiency management regulated by Article18 of the Act.
② The Minister may authorize public officials or KEMCO to identify whether relevant parties have observed the administrative orders forbidding manufacture or distribution regulated by Article 18 Paragraph 1 and 2 of the Act. - Sub-article 2 of and Articles 8 and 9 of the Energy Use Rationalization Enforcement Rules Act
- Article 8 (Efficiency management appliances)
① The efficiency management appliances include:
1. Refrigerators
2. Electric Air conditioners 2 of 2 electric washers
3. Automotives
4. Luminaries
5. Energy supply units including power units
6. Any other devices, appliances and units that are deemed by the Minister to be necessary for efficiency improvement
② The devices & materials energy efficiency specified by Paragraph 1 shall be determined and made notice of by the Minister. - Article 8 Paragraph 2 (Designation of test laboratory)
According to Article 17 Paragraph 3 of the Act, the test laboratory shall be designated by the Minister from among the following organizations accredited as test laboratories according to Article 23 of the National Standards Act.
1. National testing & research institute
2. Special research institute established by Article 2 of the Act on Special Research Institute Establishment.
3. Organizations deemed by the Minister to have testing & research capacity or greater as institutes described in Paragraph 1 and 2 or the equivalent. - • Article 9 (Advertising agency for efficiency check devices & materials)
According to Article 17 Paragraph 5 of the Act, the following ad agency shall specify energy efficiency, consumption, and level in the relevant advertisements:
1. Those designated by the Minister taking into account the standards of advertisements from among periodical publications specified by Article 7 of the Periodical publications Registration Act 2. Product guidebook relating to Efficiency management appliances.
- Overview
- What are high efficiency energy appliances?
- The High efficiency energy appliances refer to those are complied with all quality test items as well as Energy efficiency levels tested by the designated test laboratories.
- What is the certification system?
- The certification system has been in force since December 1996 to actively promote eligible products that conform to Article 13 of the Rational Energy Utilization Act, including high efficiency induction motors.
- Applicable regulations
- - Article 13 of the Rational Energy Utilization Act (Promoted specific energy consumption appliances)
- MKE Notice NO. 2009-202(September 2, 2009) Regulations on High Efficiency Energy Devices & Materials Promoted Distribution - Extended certified articles
| Notices | Effective date | Articles | Target items (extended) |
| MKE Notice NO. 1996-462 Regulations on recommended use of high efficiency energy appliances | 1996. 12. 28 | 6 | High efficiency induction motor, 26mm32W florescent lamp, ballast, Self ballasted Lamp, High illumination reflector, and Automatic illumination control luminaries. |
| MKE Notice NO. 1998-63 Regulations on recommended use of high efficiency energy appliances | 1998. 7. 7 | 2 | Waste heat recovery & ventilation unit, airtight insulation windows & doors |
| MKE Notice NO. 1999-84 Regulations on recommended use of high efficiency energy appliances | 1999. 8. 7 | 6 | Power savers (for monitors), centrifugal freezers, high efficiency pumps, Uninterruptable power suppliers, industrial & building gas boilers for industrial & building use, gas boilers for household use |
| MKE Notice NO. 2000-103 Regulations on recommended use of high efficiency energy appliances | 2000. 9. 28 | 5 | Power transformers, vending machines, T-5 fluorescent lamps, Electronic ballasts for metal halide lamps, Electronic ballasts for sodium lamp. |
| MKE Notice NO. 2001-153 Regulations on recommended use of high efficiency energy appliances | 2001. 12. 31 | 3 | High efficiency inverters, automatic heating control valves, LED traffic lights. |
| MKE Notice NO. 2002-86 Regulations on recommended use of high efficiency energy appliances | 2002. 9. 16 | 1 | Complex functional switchgear system. |
| MKE Notice NO. 2003-28 Regulations on recommended use of high efficiency energy appliances | 2003. 3. 12 | 5 | Direct absorption cooling and heating of water machine, single phase induction motors, ventilators, centrifugal fans, 16mm fluorescent lamp ballasts |
| MKE Notice NO. 2004-6 Regulations on recommended use of high efficiency energy appliances | 2004. 1. 20 | 3 | Water pumps for aeration metal halide lamps, High luminous reflectance factors |
| Total | 30 | - | |
※ Power savers (for monitor use) are excluded as they are categorized into power saving appliances according to MKE Notice No. 2004-6
- Certified specimen determination criteria
| Division | 26㎜32W | 26㎜32W | ballasts | Fluorescent lamp | Illumination automation |
| Fluorescent lamp | Fluorescent lamp | Built-in lamp | High illumination reflector | Automatic adjustable lighting fixture | |
| ballasts | |||||
| Specimens | 10 | 10 | 15 | 5 | 5 |
| Division | Anti-blackout power units Uninterruptable Power supplies |
Vending machines | 16mm fluorescent lamps | Sodium lamp stabilizers | electronic ballasts for metal halide lamp |
| Specimens | 1 | 2 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Division | LED traffic lights | Ventilators | 16mm fluorescent lamps | Metal halide lamps | High luminous reflectance factors for HID lamps |
| Specimens | 3 | 3 | 15 | 5 | 3 |
| Testing item | All items of Technical regulation each appliance | ||||
※ Notes
1. Number of conforming specimens: There shall be absolutely no specimens found to be in non-conformities among tested ones.
2. Tolerance: Items indicated in numerical figures shall be within a tolerance determined by Technical regulations per appliance.
1. Number of conforming specimens: There shall be absolutely no specimens found to be in non-conformities among tested ones.
2. Tolerance: Items indicated in numerical figures shall be within a tolerance determined by Technical regulations per appliance.
- Support policy and criteria
- MKE Notice No. 2004-6 Regulations on Promotion High Efficiency Energy appliance Supply (January 20, 2004)
- - The Minister may recommend governmental agencies use high efficiency devices & materials.
- Prime Minister’s Order No. 2004-1(February 2, 2004) Energy Saving Measures by Government Agency Directive
- - The high efficiency appliances are preferred to the government agencies.
- Public Procurement Service Order No. 1148(May 31, 2001) Energy Consumption Products Purchase & Operation Criteria
- ⇒ High efficiency products are preferred for public procurement.
- - When appropriate purchases are requested, the Service may recommend demanding the agency purchase those accredited as high efficiency devices & materials, highest efficiency rating products, or energy saving appliances reported for official or household use.
- MLTM Notice NO. 2003-314(Jan. 7, 2003) Building Energy Saving Design Criteria
- ⇒ High efficiency products are preferred for public procurement
- - When appropriate purchases are requested, the Ministry may recommend demanding the agency purchase those accredited as high efficiency devices & materials, highest efficiency rating product, or energy saving appliances reported for official or household use.
| Mandatory energy saving plan submission for construction permit |
| 1. Apartment housing incorporating 50 units (except dormitories) 2. Construction of 3,000 m2 or more floor area for a research center or office work, or for a similar purpose in terms of energy consumption properties and use 3. Construction of 2,000 m2 or more floor area that is used for dormitory, hospital, or accommodation such as youth hostel, or for a similar purpose in terms of energy consumption properties and use 4. Construction of 500m2 or more floor area for public bath, indoor swimming pool or spa or for a similar purpose in terms of energy consumption properties and use 5. Construction of 3,000 m2 or more floor area for wholesale mart, retail market or store or for a similar purpose in terms of energy consumption properties and use, with centralized heating & cooling units equipped 6. Construction of 10,000 m2 or more floor area for cultural activites, performances or rallys, exhibitions, or schools, with centralized air conditioning or heating units equipped |
- Financial support for high efficiency devices & materials
- Subsidy for production facilities: granted to manufactures building facilities that produce high efficiency devices & materials.
- - 10 billion KRW or less (3 year deferment, 5year payment by installment, less than 100 % of funds required)
- Application procedures
① Application for recommendation
② Notification of funding support
③ Application for loan
④ Application for lease
⑤ Lease
⑥ Granted loan effective from September 13, 2010 - Subsidies for establishments: granted to parties planing to build facilities intended for high efficiency devices & materials.
- - 10 billion KRW or less (3 year deferment, 5year payment by installment, less than 100 % of funds required)
- Application procedures: the same as for production facilities - Operating fund: for small & medium sized entities producing high efficiency devices & materials
- - 500 million KRW or less (1 year deferment, 2year payment by installment, less than 70 % of funds required)
- Tax credit for investment in energy saving facilities
- Applicable regulations: Article 25 Paragraph 2 of the Special Taxation Act
- 10 % tax credits for investments in energy saving facilities using high efficiency energy devices & materials until December 31, 2004
- - High efficiency energy devices & materials exempted from taxation (Article 13 Paragraph 2 of the Special Taxation Act)
1) High efficiency induction motor
2) Fluorescent lamp
3) Ballast for fluorescent lamp
4) Self ballasted Lamp
5) High luminous reflectance factors for fluorescent lamps
6) Automatic illumination adjustable luminaries
7) Waste heat recovery & ventilation unit
8) Airtight insulated windows & doors
9) High efficiency pumps
10) Power transformers (Only for three phase transformers)
- Test fee Support for certification application of small & medium sized enterprises
- KEMCO supports testing fees paid by small & medium sized enterprises for certification of additional models, up to two times annually.
- Activated supply through promoted supply system
- Voluntary Agreement (VA ) project
- - Government support for huge energy consumption entities agreeing to save energy for GHG reduction
- Green Energy Family(GEF) campaign
- - Promotion of a campaign for extensive supply of high efficiency devices & materials
- Promotional activities for Energy Service Company (ESCO)
- - Help ESCO reduce technical & economic burdens and supply high efficiency devices & materials to replace and replenish existing energy use facilities.
- Test articles for high efficiency device & material certification
| Item name | Samples |
| Ballast(Magnetic) for Metal halide lamp | 5 |
| Ballast(Electronic) for Metal halide lamp | 5 |
| Ballast(Magnetic) for Sodium lamp | 5 |
| Ballast(Electronic) for Sodium lamp | 5 |
| FPL32W fluorescent lamp | 10 |
| FPL32W fluorescent lamp | 10 |
| LED exit sign | 3 |
| LED lamp using external converter | 5 |
| LED lamp using internal converter | 5 |
| Recessed and fixed LED luminaries | 5 |
| LED sensor luminaries | 5 |
| LED Luminaries for Road and Street Lighting | 5 |
| DC or AC supplied electronic control gear for LED modules | 5 |
| PLS luminaries | 5 |
- Under Construction
