USB Type-C Compliance Now Mandatory in South Korea
On November 5, 2025, South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) announced Notification No. 2025-56, introducing new technical standards requiring the use of USB Type-C connectors for charging and data transmission in a broad range of ICT equipment. This move aligns with global trends to reduce e-waste and improve interoperability among digital devices.
The USB Type-C requirement applies to all newly certified devices under Korea’s KC conformity assessment framework. Devices approved before the enforcement date are exempt from re-certification based solely on this regulation.
Covered ICT Product Categories Under the New Rule
Thirteen product categories must now include a compliant USB Type-C receptacle to receive new KC certification:
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Mobile phones
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Tablets
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Digital cameras
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Headphones
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Headsets
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Portable video game consoles
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Portable speakers
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E-book readers
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Keyboards
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Mouse
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Portable navigation devices
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Earphones
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Laptops
These categories represent the majority of wired-charging and data-transferring consumer electronics sold globally.
USB Type-C Connector Compliance Pathways
To meet the new conformity standards, manufacturers must provide one of the following:
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KC SDoC (Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity) for the USB Type-C connector used
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If unavailable, either:
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Dimensional measurements proving compliance with Appendix 1 of MSIT Notice 2025-56
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A valid IEC/EN 62680-1-3 test report confirming adherence to international USB-C specifications
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Appendix 1 outlines detailed mechanical specs for USB Type-C receptacles, including width, height, and contact dimensions (see diagrams on page 4 of the original notice for full schematics).
Timeline and Enforcement
The regulation takes effect one year from its promulgation date, giving manufacturers until November 2026 to ensure compliance for new certifications. Existing certifications remain valid unless otherwise updated.
A review cycle every three years will assess the relevance and performance of the standard for ongoing technical and market alignment.
Support for Regulatory Navigation
To ensure smooth market entry under this regulation, our Product Certification Service supports dimensional validation, KC SDoC guidance, and USB Type-C testing reports under recognized international standards.
Impact Assessment
Technical Standards? ✅ Yes
Type Approval & Market Access? ❌ No
Imports, Customs, Trade, or Market Surveillance? ❌ No
Spectrum Management? ✅ Yes
