The National Radio Research Agency (RRA) of South Korea has issued an amendment to its SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) measurement standards, updating the methodology used to assess electromagnetic exposure from wireless devices.

The revision introduces the KS C 3350 standard, replacing previous measurement procedures and aligning the framework with current international practices. Additional clarifications improve the interpretation of compliance requirements related to human exposure limits.

The regulation will enter into force on April 1, 2026, and includes transitional provisions ensuring that devices previously certified under older standards remain valid. The update reinforces the technical robustness of SAR testing while maintaining regulatory continuity.

This represents a high-impact regulatory development, as it updates the core SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) measurement methodology, which is a critical and mandatory requirement for certification of almost all wireless devices used near the human body.

The impact is high because it directly affects how compliance is measured, requiring testing laboratories and manufacturers to adapt to a new standardized method (KS C 3350). Even though exposure limits remain unchanged, modifying the measurement procedure itself can alter test results, certification strategies, and product design considerations.

Key reasons for high impact:

• Introduces a new mandatory SAR measurement standard (KS C 3350)
• Replaces previously used methodologies (KS C 3370-1 / 3370-2)
• Affects all body-worn or handheld wireless devices
• Impacts testing laboratories, certification workflows, and compliance strategies
• May require retesting, recalibration, and procedural updates
• SAR is a critical safety requirement globally, not a niche parameter

Who?

• National Radio Research Agency
• Testing laboratories (SAR labs)
• Smartphone and wearable manufacturers
• IoT device manufacturers
• Certification bodies
• Global exporters to South Korea

Conclusion

The amendment significantly impacts the foundation of compliance testing for RF exposure, making it more than a simple update. By changing the measurement methodology itself, it introduces operational, technical, and potentially design-level implications across the wireless device ecosystem. Even with transitional provisions, this qualifies as a high-impact regulatory change, particularly for companies with active certification pipelines or reliance on existing SAR testing frameworks.