How can I ensure that my company’s perspectives are heard and considered in the development of requirements and policies for my products?

Mandatory Requirements

Korean government policy is to welcome and consider comments from all affected stakeholders – including governments, industry, and non-governmental organizations. This also includes comments from foreign stakeholders.

Companies may submit comments on the development of new or proposed Korean mandatory requirements (including mandatory standards and other technical regulations) through their country’s World Trade Organization (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Enquiry Point. Working through the Enquiry Point network will ensure that comments are directed to the appropriate organization in the most efficient manner possible. Comments should focus on technical concerns with the technical regulation.

• Visit the U.S. National WTO/TBT Enquiry Point at the
  National Center for Standards and Certification Information (NCSCI)
• Visit the Korean TBT Central Office (TBTCO) (Korean interests only)
• Find the contact information for each WTO member country’s TBT Enquiry Point.

Companies may also wish to contact their country’s trade or commerce agencies to discuss concerns and gain input on additional mechanisms available to address them.

Submit an trade concern online to the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration (ITA) (Free service for U.S. companies)

Many companies also chose to share their perspectives, suggestions and concerns directly with the relevant Korean government agency (or agencies). Many trade associations are active in Korea and can assist in communication with Korean government agencies.

• Find a trade association for your industry sector
• Access a list of Korean government agencies

Voluntary Requirements

Companies may contact KATS directly with comments or suggestions on draft Korean Industrial Standards (KS) under development.

• Submit comments on draft Korean Industrial Standards (Korean language only)

Non-Korean companies that have representatives who are Korean nationals are also generally able to participate as either voting members or observing members on Korean technical committees.

Many international companies have indicated that they are able to have the greatest impact the development of Korean standards when they get engaged and develop relationships with relevant technical committees early (rather than waiting until there is a problem) and when they show a commitment to contributing toward the goals of the technical committee (rather than just trying to advocate for individual interests).

Companies that have concerns or suggestions related to a Korean standard, or to a related Korean policy are also encouraged to contact the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), which has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with KATS, and can provide support to companies’ advocacy efforts in Korea.

Korean Standards System

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