MEPS

1. Certification Overview

Korea's energy efficiency and labelling work began in 1992. Government measures encouraging energy-saving products include: mandatory use of high-efficiency equipment in government agencies under a Prime Ministerial order promoting energy conservation; priority procurement of high-efficiency and energy-saving products; long-term, low-interest loans for consumers purchasing certified energy-saving products; and incentives offered by Korea Electric Power Corporation to such consumers.

Energy efficiency labels provide product information on energy consumption, efficiency, energy savings and costs, helping guide purchasing decisions. They generally include endorsement, comparative and information labels.

The mandatory energy efficiency rating system labels products from Grade 1 to Grade 5 according to energy efficiency or consumption and requires compliance with Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS). It helps consumers select efficient products and encourages manufacturers and importers to produce and sell energy-saving products from the production or import stage. To expand their use, the scheme imposes three obligations on domestic manufacturers and importers:

Manufacturers:

1. Affix an energy efficiency grade label;

2. Register the product;

3. Comply with minimum energy performance standards.

Importers:

1. Label products from Grade 1 to Grade 5 according to energy efficiency or consumption.

2. Register products after testing.

3. Do not manufacture or sell products below Grade 5; products must meet minimum energy performance standards.

These government-set minimum efficiency standards prevent the spread of inefficient products and promote manufacturers' technological development. Noncompliant products may not be manufactured or sold domestically. MEPS apply to 21 product categories, and violations may result in fines of up to KRW 20 million.

2. Certification Mark

3. Product Scope

Note: This includes general power adapters with output below 150 W and mobile phone lithium battery chargers with input below 20 W.

4. Required Documents

1. Circuit diagrams

2. Product label

3. Korean distributor information

4. Korean distributor's business registration number and contact phone number.

5. Sample Requirements

Sample quantity: 3

6. Certification Process

1. The factory submits samples to the laboratory for preliminary testing.

2. After preliminary testing passes, send the samples to a designated Korean energy efficiency laboratory.

3. The laboratory issues a test report after testing.

4. The local Korean agent uses the report to register on KEMCO's website.

7. Certification Timeline & Validity

Testing: 5 days. KEMCO registration and certificate issuance: 3 days.

8. Important Notes

1. Applications for Korean energy efficiency certification require the local Korean distributor's business license. The certificate holder must be that distributor, not a Chinese factory or agent. The original report is sent only to the Korean distributor, although we first provide the factory with an electronic copy.

2. Within 60 days of report issuance, the Chinese factory must have the local Korean distributor register on KEMCO's website. If registration is not completed within 60 days, the report expires and becomes invalid.

3. The energy efficiency label must be attached to samples when applying.