South Korea has enacted a regulatory amendment to the Enforcement Rules of the Electrical Appliances and Household Goods Safety Management Act, significantly expanding the scope of safety management for electric vehicle chargers. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy is responsible for this change, which increases the threshold for chargers subject to safety verification from a rated output of 200 kVA to 500 kVA.

This amendment aims to support the distribution and safety management of ultra-fast electric vehicle chargers, reflecting the rapid growth and technological advancement in the electric vehicle sector. By broadening the range of products under mandatory safety certification, the regulation ensures that higher-capacity chargers used in public, commercial, and residential settings meet stringent safety standards.

The legislative process included inter-agency agreements and a public consultation period from May 26 to July 6, 2026, with no significant objections reported. No additional budgetary measures are required for implementation, streamlining the transition for stakeholders.

The regulation will take effect one year after its official promulgation, providing manufacturers, importers, and operators with sufficient time to adapt to the new requirements. This change is expected to enhance user safety, promote the adoption of advanced charging technologies, and align South Korea’s regulatory framework with international best practices.

This regulatory amendment is classified as High Impact.

Key reasons for high impact:

• Mandatory expansion of safety certification scope for electric vehicle chargers up to 500 kVA.
• Direct effect on manufacturers, importers, and operators of charging infrastructure.
• Broad coverage including public, commercial, and residential charging stations.
• Alignment with international safety standards and support for ultra-fast charging technology.

Who is affected?

Manufacturers, importers, certification bodies, operators of EV charging stations, and users of electric vehicles.

Conclusion:

The amendment requires immediate attention from stakeholders to ensure compliance, product adaptation, and certification for a wider range of electric vehicle chargers.