South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) has issued Notice No. 2025-56, the Technical Standard for Charging and Data Transmission Methods of Broadcasting and Communication Equipment such as Mobile and Smart Devices. Enacted on November 5, 2025, the standard takes effect on November 6, 2026. It requires 13 categories of wireless devices that charge through a wired connection to be equipped with a USB Type-C receptacle connector, with the goal of reducing resource waste and improving consumer convenience.
Legal Basis for South Korea's Common Charger Requirement
The notice was issued under Article 28(9) of the Framework Act on Broadcasting Communications Development and is managed by MSIT’s Digital Infrastructure Safety Division. It establishes a single, mandatory charging and data interface for covered broadcasting and communication equipment.
Devices in Scope of the USB Type-C Mandate
The standard applies to wireless broadcasting and communication equipment that charges through a wired connection, or that charges and transfers data at the same time over a wired connection, in the following categories:
- Mobile phones
- Tablets
- Digital cameras
- Headphones
- Headsets
- Handheld video game consoles
- Portable speakers
- E-readers
- Keyboards
- Mice
- Portable navigation devices
- Earphones
- Laptops
Under Article 3 of the notice, all covered devices must include the USB Type-C receptacle connector specified in Annex 1 of the standard.
Changes to Korea's Conformity Assessment Framework
The notice also amends Annex 1 of the Notice on Conformity Assessment of Broadcasting and Communication Equipment issued by the National Radio Research Agency (RRA). Item 7(c)25 on connection connectors now includes a new entry for USB Type-C receptacle connectors with the following conditions:
- Assessment field: Wired
- Conformity assessment type: Self-conformity confirmation
- Equipment code: USBCR
- Scope: Limited to the device categories listed in Article 2 of the new standard
This places USB Type-C connector compliance within Korea’s existing conformity assessment system, so manufacturers will need to account for the USBCR requirement alongside the other KC certification requirements that apply to their products.
Implementation Date and Regulatory Review Cycle
The standard enters into force on November 6, 2026, one year after its enactment. MSIT is required to review the validity of the notice every three years, counted from January 1, 2025, and make improvements as needed under the Framework Act on Administrative Regulations. The published notice does not set out separate transitional arrangements for models already on the market, so manufacturers should confirm how existing approvals will be treated before the effective date.
Global USB Type-C Alignment and Impact on Market Access
South Korea’s device list closely mirrors the scope of the European Union’s common charger rules under Directive (EU) 2022/2380 and follows similar moves in markets such as Chile. This growing alignment around USB Type-C simplifies hardware design for global product launches, but each country still applies its own technical references, certification procedures, and deadlines.
Manufacturers selling covered devices in South Korea should confirm their charging ports meet the Annex 1 requirements, update certification plans to include the USBCR self-conformity confirmation, and review product roadmaps for any models still using legacy connectors ahead of November 6, 2026.
For this article’s source information and any product certification guidance, please contact Global Validity.
Quick Country Facts
South Korea
Certification Body: Korea Communication Commission (KCC)
Certification Type: Mandatory
License Validity: Indefinite
Application Language: Korean
Legal License Holder: Manufacturer
In-Country Testing Requirement: In-Country Testing
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