Republic of Korea
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Economy Detail
1. Laws of Metrology
1.1 Legal requirements for traceability
The National Standards Act requires that the measurement of physical quantity for legal purpose be made by means of, reference to, comparison with, or derived from, specified standards of measurement including certified reference materials.
The National Standards Act requires that the measurement of physical quantity for legal purpose be made by means of, reference to, comparison with, or derived from, specified standards of measurement including certified reference materials.
2. Legal Units of Measurement
The legal units of measurement within Republic of Korea are defined in the Presidential Decree of the Act and are those of the International System of Units(SI). The unification of all measuring units into the metric system was begun in 1964 excluding the fields of land and building, and the SI units have constituted the legal units since 1st of January 1983 including the fields of land building with limited exceptions for some particular cases as below.
- Measurements in relation with exports or with imports for exportation
- Measurements on ship
- Measurements on airplane
- Measurements in relation with weaponry
- Measurements in relation with scientific research, etc.
- Measurements in relation with exports or with imports for exportation
- Measurements on ship
- Measurements on airplane
- Measurements in relation with weaponry
- Measurements in relation with scientific research, etc.
3. Structure of Metrological Control Authorities
3.1 National organization for legal metrology
Korean Agency for Technology and Standards(KATS)
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy(MOCIE)
2, Joongang-dong, Gwacheon, Gyeonggi-do, 427-716, Republic of Korea
MOCIE is responsible for completing the metric system in Korea, the establishment and coordination of metrological policy on all aspects of the National Measurement System, the maintenance and dissemination of the physical standards of measurement for all the Korean legal units of measurement through KRISS and the supervision (or guidance) over its subordinate organizations on matters relating to legal metrology and the use of legal units of measurement.
This body is directly responsible for OIML activities in Korea.
3.2 Custodian of National Standards
The Custodian of national standards of measurement is the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS):
KRISS
P.O.Box 102, Yuseong
Daejeon, 305-600, Republic of Korea
Tel: +82-42-868-5400
Fax: +82-42-868-5555
The major functions and roles of KRISS are as follows:
- To establish, maintain and disseminate the national measurement standards through systematic calibration
- To conduct research and development in the field of measurement science and precision technology
- To provide education and training in measurement standards ,etc.
3.3 National organizations responsible for maintaining primary standards
KRISS is the national organization responsible for maintaining primary standards.
3.4 Regional and local verification organizations
Regional and local verification organizations are Head office and 5 regional branch offices of Korea Machinery-Meter and Petrochemical Testing & Research Institute (MPI). However, the organizations responsible for reverification are each regional governmental office.
3.5 Instrument calibration and evaluation systems
Calibration on measuring instruments has been performed by accredited calibration laboratories. The Korea Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (KOLAS) is a national accreditation body established under Korean Agency for Technology & Standards (KATS) to accredit the calibration laboratories in accordance with the KOLAS regulations, ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO/IEC 17020 and evaluate the technical and operational competence of laboratories to perform calibration.
Korean Agency for Technology and Standards(KATS)
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy(MOCIE)
2, Joongang-dong, Gwacheon, Gyeonggi-do, 427-716, Republic of Korea
MOCIE is responsible for completing the metric system in Korea, the establishment and coordination of metrological policy on all aspects of the National Measurement System, the maintenance and dissemination of the physical standards of measurement for all the Korean legal units of measurement through KRISS and the supervision (or guidance) over its subordinate organizations on matters relating to legal metrology and the use of legal units of measurement.
This body is directly responsible for OIML activities in Korea.
3.2 Custodian of National Standards
The Custodian of national standards of measurement is the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS):
KRISS
P.O.Box 102, Yuseong
Daejeon, 305-600, Republic of Korea
Tel: +82-42-868-5400
Fax: +82-42-868-5555
The major functions and roles of KRISS are as follows:
- To establish, maintain and disseminate the national measurement standards through systematic calibration
- To conduct research and development in the field of measurement science and precision technology
- To provide education and training in measurement standards ,etc.
3.3 National organizations responsible for maintaining primary standards
KRISS is the national organization responsible for maintaining primary standards.
3.4 Regional and local verification organizations
Regional and local verification organizations are Head office and 5 regional branch offices of Korea Machinery-Meter and Petrochemical Testing & Research Institute (MPI). However, the organizations responsible for reverification are each regional governmental office.
3.5 Instrument calibration and evaluation systems
Calibration on measuring instruments has been performed by accredited calibration laboratories. The Korea Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (KOLAS) is a national accreditation body established under Korean Agency for Technology & Standards (KATS) to accredit the calibration laboratories in accordance with the KOLAS regulations, ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO/IEC 17020 and evaluate the technical and operational competence of laboratories to perform calibration.
4. Range of Equipment Subject to Legal Metrology
Under the Law on Metrology, measuring instruments are divided into two categories. The first are measuring instruments for use of trade or certification which are 16 items as prescribed by the Presidential Decree. And the second are measuring instruments for use of measurement except for trade or certification. Two categories are the same such that these instruments are machines, appliances or devices for measurement of the quantity of the state of physical phenomena.
5. Type Approval
5.1 Legal and technical requirements for type approval
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy(hereinafter referred to as MOCIE) has the responsibility for the type approval by the Act. And the Minister of MOCIE has delegated the authority to the Administrator of Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS).
KATS carries out this responsibility by examining the designs of measuring instruments and testing sample instruments. Once the pattern of an instrument has been approved, KATS issues a certificate of approval and subsequent production instruments made to the pattern must be marked with KATS number contained in that certificate. The marking of this number on a production instrument is the primary indication that the measuring instruments are of an approved pattern.
Pattern approval requirements are contained in the standards of verification by the Order of the Administrator.
5.2 Authority responsible for issuing type approval
KATS is the authority responsible for issuing type approval certificates for the measuring instruments for use of trade or certification as prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy (hereinafter referred to as “The Ordinance of the Ministry”).
5.3 Recognition/acceptance of OIML certificates
KATS is currently preparing to adopt the OIML Certificate System in the near future.
5.4 Authority responsible for testing for type approval
KATS is the authority responsible for testing for type approvals.
5.5 List of major test facilities available
The principal testing facilities operated by KATS are;
- Automated load cell testing facilities
- Electromagnetic Susceptibility(EMS) testing facility
- Non-automatic weighing instrument testing facility
- Liquid Petroleum Gas(LPG) testing facility
- Thermometer testing facility
- Water meter(smaller than 150 mm in diameter) testing facility
- Temperature controlled chamber for environmental tests.
5.6 Fee structure
Fees vary according to the type of component or instrument to be tested.
Typical examination fees, for example, are as follows;
- Non-automatic weighing instruments : 154,700 Won
- Weights : 23,000 Won
- Oil meter : 125,000 Won
- Heat meter : 1,530,000 Won
- Water meter : 662,000 Won
- Gas meter : 536,000 Won
- Fuel and LPG dispenser : 228,000 Won
- Watt-hour meter : 1,600,000 Won
- Load Cell : 192,000 Won
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy(hereinafter referred to as MOCIE) has the responsibility for the type approval by the Act. And the Minister of MOCIE has delegated the authority to the Administrator of Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS).
KATS carries out this responsibility by examining the designs of measuring instruments and testing sample instruments. Once the pattern of an instrument has been approved, KATS issues a certificate of approval and subsequent production instruments made to the pattern must be marked with KATS number contained in that certificate. The marking of this number on a production instrument is the primary indication that the measuring instruments are of an approved pattern.
Pattern approval requirements are contained in the standards of verification by the Order of the Administrator.
5.2 Authority responsible for issuing type approval
KATS is the authority responsible for issuing type approval certificates for the measuring instruments for use of trade or certification as prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy (hereinafter referred to as “The Ordinance of the Ministry”).
5.3 Recognition/acceptance of OIML certificates
KATS is currently preparing to adopt the OIML Certificate System in the near future.
5.4 Authority responsible for testing for type approval
KATS is the authority responsible for testing for type approvals.
5.5 List of major test facilities available
The principal testing facilities operated by KATS are;
- Automated load cell testing facilities
- Electromagnetic Susceptibility(EMS) testing facility
- Non-automatic weighing instrument testing facility
- Liquid Petroleum Gas(LPG) testing facility
- Thermometer testing facility
- Water meter(smaller than 150 mm in diameter) testing facility
- Temperature controlled chamber for environmental tests.
5.6 Fee structure
Fees vary according to the type of component or instrument to be tested.
Typical examination fees, for example, are as follows;
- Non-automatic weighing instruments : 154,700 Won
- Weights : 23,000 Won
- Oil meter : 125,000 Won
- Heat meter : 1,530,000 Won
- Water meter : 662,000 Won
- Gas meter : 536,000 Won
- Fuel and LPG dispenser : 228,000 Won
- Watt-hour meter : 1,600,000 Won
- Load Cell : 192,000 Won
6. Verification (Conformity Assessment), Inspection and Reverification
6.1 Legal and technical requirements for verification and reverification
The Administrator of KATS has the authority of verification for the measuring instruments prescribed by the Presidential Decree. The criteria for verification are prescribed by the Administrator of KATS. And the Administrator may designate specialized institute for verification.
These measuring instruments that must be verified in accordance with the provisions of the Presidential Decree are as follows;
- Non-automatic weighing instruments (3items)
- Weights (2 items)
- Clinical thermometers
- Watt-hour meters
- Gas meters
- Water meters (including hot-water meters)
- Fuel dispensers
- LPG dispensers
- Oil meters
- Graduated tank
- Graduated tank lorry
- Blood Pressure gauges
- Heat meters
The requirements for verification are as follows;
- The instruments must satisfy the type requirements, e.g. structural test, performance test, functioning test, marking, etc. (this requirement can be abbreviated by pattern approval)
- The instruments must be operated within the appropriate limits of errors that may be tolerated under the Ordinance of the Ministry.
6.2 Range of equipment verified and reverified and any statistical information available
Measuring instruments verified are indicated in clause 6.1 above. Measuring instruments that the term of validity is defined are the following as;
Watt-hour meters: 7~15 years
Gas meters: 5 years
Water meters: 6~8 years
Fuel dispensers: 2 years
LPG dispensers: 2 years
Oil meters: 5 years
Heat meters: 5 years
The above mentioned measuring instruments shall be reverified and used when the term of validity of them is expired. It is regulated that other measuring instruments that the term of validity is not defined shall be verified every two years regularly by the governor of Province. In addition, it’s regulated the measuring instruments beyond the permissible errors shall be repaired or withdrawn.
6.3 Fee structure
Fees vary in accordance with the type of component or instrument to be verified.
- Non-automatic weighing instruments : 210 ~ 38,500 Won
- Weights : 6 ~ 550 Won
- Clinical thermometer : 6 Won
- Gas meter : 60 ~ 550 Won
- Water meter(including hot-water meter) : 70 ~ 480 Won
- Fuel dispenser : 2,340 Won
- Oil meter : 620 ~ 1210 Won
- LPG dispenser : 2,750 Won
The Administrator of KATS has the authority of verification for the measuring instruments prescribed by the Presidential Decree. The criteria for verification are prescribed by the Administrator of KATS. And the Administrator may designate specialized institute for verification.
These measuring instruments that must be verified in accordance with the provisions of the Presidential Decree are as follows;
- Non-automatic weighing instruments (3items)
- Weights (2 items)
- Clinical thermometers
- Watt-hour meters
- Gas meters
- Water meters (including hot-water meters)
- Fuel dispensers
- LPG dispensers
- Oil meters
- Graduated tank
- Graduated tank lorry
- Blood Pressure gauges
- Heat meters
The requirements for verification are as follows;
- The instruments must satisfy the type requirements, e.g. structural test, performance test, functioning test, marking, etc. (this requirement can be abbreviated by pattern approval)
- The instruments must be operated within the appropriate limits of errors that may be tolerated under the Ordinance of the Ministry.
6.2 Range of equipment verified and reverified and any statistical information available
Measuring instruments verified are indicated in clause 6.1 above. Measuring instruments that the term of validity is defined are the following as;
Watt-hour meters: 7~15 years
Gas meters: 5 years
Water meters: 6~8 years
Fuel dispensers: 2 years
LPG dispensers: 2 years
Oil meters: 5 years
Heat meters: 5 years
The above mentioned measuring instruments shall be reverified and used when the term of validity of them is expired. It is regulated that other measuring instruments that the term of validity is not defined shall be verified every two years regularly by the governor of Province. In addition, it’s regulated the measuring instruments beyond the permissible errors shall be repaired or withdrawn.
6.3 Fee structure
Fees vary in accordance with the type of component or instrument to be verified.
- Non-automatic weighing instruments : 210 ~ 38,500 Won
- Weights : 6 ~ 550 Won
- Clinical thermometer : 6 Won
- Gas meter : 60 ~ 550 Won
- Water meter(including hot-water meter) : 70 ~ 480 Won
- Fuel dispenser : 2,340 Won
- Oil meter : 620 ~ 1210 Won
- LPG dispenser : 2,750 Won
7. Accreditation and Certification Systems
7.1 Accreditation systems for legal metrology, calibration and testing laboratories. Traceability to national, regional, international or foreign measurement standards
The Korea laboratory Accreditation Scheme (KOLAS) is a national accreditation body established under Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) to evaluate the technical and operational competence of laboratories and inspection bodies to perform tests, calibration and/or inspection in a certain field, and accredit them in accordance with the KOLAS regulations, ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO/IEC 17020.
Currently, 148 calibration laboratories and 135 testing laboratories have been accredited in accordance with the requirement of ISO/IEC 17025 by KOLAS. KOLAS represents Korea on the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and is also the signatory of ILAC-MRAs.
7.2 Legal and applied metrological activities in products certification
KS (Korean Industrial Standards) Mark Scheme is operated by KATS. When the applicant company’s quality system complies with the assessment criteria, and the quality of the product conforms to the relevant Korean Industrial Standards, the company is granted the right to use the Mark.
7.3 Legal and applied metrological activities in ISO 9000 quality management systems
Korea adopted the ISO 9000 series as Korean Industrial Standards in 1992 as the KS A 9000 series.
The Korea laboratory Accreditation Scheme (KOLAS) is a national accreditation body established under Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) to evaluate the technical and operational competence of laboratories and inspection bodies to perform tests, calibration and/or inspection in a certain field, and accredit them in accordance with the KOLAS regulations, ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO/IEC 17020.
Currently, 148 calibration laboratories and 135 testing laboratories have been accredited in accordance with the requirement of ISO/IEC 17025 by KOLAS. KOLAS represents Korea on the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and is also the signatory of ILAC-MRAs.
7.2 Legal and applied metrological activities in products certification
KS (Korean Industrial Standards) Mark Scheme is operated by KATS. When the applicant company’s quality system complies with the assessment criteria, and the quality of the product conforms to the relevant Korean Industrial Standards, the company is granted the right to use the Mark.
7.3 Legal and applied metrological activities in ISO 9000 quality management systems
Korea adopted the ISO 9000 series as Korean Industrial Standards in 1992 as the KS A 9000 series.
8. Legal Metrology Practitioners
8.1 Numbers
There are an approximate number of people involved for verification area in Korea as follow;
- 10 officers in Industrial Standards & Quality Division of MOCIE
- 11 officers involved in testing and type approval functions at KATS
- 50 engineers for verification at MPI
- Approximately 200 local technical officers for reverification and inspection at 16 local Governments
8.2 Qualification/training
The qualifications for legal metrology practioners are the following as;
- Those who hold the certificate of the relevant areas
- Those who complete the training courses concerned, by the training organizations designated by KATS
8.3 Training organizations and courses organised
Korea Association of Standards and Testing Organization (KASTO), which has been organized in 1979 to promote effective operation of the national calibration service and close cooperation conducts the following courses;
- Legal Metrology Technical officer’s course,
- Testing and Measurement Technician’s course. etc.
8.4 Range of functions
The MOCIE is responsible for establishing and revising the Law on Metrology. The Head of KATS is responsible for establishing and revising of verification criteria, operating the system of type approval and type approval on measuring instruments, and designating the verification body and educational or training body. MPI performs the testing for the verification on measuring instruments and the reverification on oil meters and watt-hour meters. Governors in province are responsible for reverification on measuring instruments and inspection on in-use measuring instruments(periodical inspection), and inspection on prepackaged goods.
There are an approximate number of people involved for verification area in Korea as follow;
- 10 officers in Industrial Standards & Quality Division of MOCIE
- 11 officers involved in testing and type approval functions at KATS
- 50 engineers for verification at MPI
- Approximately 200 local technical officers for reverification and inspection at 16 local Governments
8.2 Qualification/training
The qualifications for legal metrology practioners are the following as;
- Those who hold the certificate of the relevant areas
- Those who complete the training courses concerned, by the training organizations designated by KATS
8.3 Training organizations and courses organised
Korea Association of Standards and Testing Organization (KASTO), which has been organized in 1979 to promote effective operation of the national calibration service and close cooperation conducts the following courses;
- Legal Metrology Technical officer’s course,
- Testing and Measurement Technician’s course. etc.
8.4 Range of functions
The MOCIE is responsible for establishing and revising the Law on Metrology. The Head of KATS is responsible for establishing and revising of verification criteria, operating the system of type approval and type approval on measuring instruments, and designating the verification body and educational or training body. MPI performs the testing for the verification on measuring instruments and the reverification on oil meters and watt-hour meters. Governors in province are responsible for reverification on measuring instruments and inspection on in-use measuring instruments(periodical inspection), and inspection on prepackaged goods.
9. Packaging
9.1 Legislative control for packaging
Law on Metrology and the Presidential Decree specify pre-packaged consumer goods the accuracy and the marking of which must conform to packaging control.
9.2 Organization responsible
The mayors or governors of 16 provinces take the responsibility for packaging as prescribed in the Presidential Decree.
Law on Metrology and the Presidential Decree specify pre-packaged consumer goods the accuracy and the marking of which must conform to packaging control.
9.2 Organization responsible
The mayors or governors of 16 provinces take the responsibility for packaging as prescribed in the Presidential Decree.
10. Sanctions
Under the Law on Metrology, the main penalties are as follows;
Imprisonment for up to three years, or a fine of not exceeding ten million Won.
- A person who has performed the business of manufacturing or repairing for measuring instruments, without registration
- A person who has not taken verification for the measuring instruments prescribed by the Presidential Decree.
Imprisonment for up to two years, or a fine or not exceeding seven million Won.
- A person who has made the mark of certified reference materials or other similar mark without certification
- A person who has sold or exposed for sale measuring instruments without reverification after the expiration of the duration of valid verification
- A person who has used falsely measuring instruments with a view to deception for measurement.
Imprisonment for up to one year, or a fine of not exceeding five million Won.
- A person who has performed the business of measurement certification without registration.
- A person who has sold or exposed for sale measuring instruments without verification mark or periodical inspection mark.
Fine of not exceeding three million Won.
- A person who has sold or exposed for sale measuring instruments marked with illegal units.
- A person who has rejected, disturbed or evaded the irregular inspection of officers.
Fine of not exceeding one million Won.
- A person who has used illegal units for legal measurement, advertisement, or measurement for use of trade or certification.
- A person who has not taken the periodical inspection for legal measuring instruments prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry.
Imprisonment for up to three years, or a fine of not exceeding ten million Won.
- A person who has performed the business of manufacturing or repairing for measuring instruments, without registration
- A person who has not taken verification for the measuring instruments prescribed by the Presidential Decree.
Imprisonment for up to two years, or a fine or not exceeding seven million Won.
- A person who has made the mark of certified reference materials or other similar mark without certification
- A person who has sold or exposed for sale measuring instruments without reverification after the expiration of the duration of valid verification
- A person who has used falsely measuring instruments with a view to deception for measurement.
Imprisonment for up to one year, or a fine of not exceeding five million Won.
- A person who has performed the business of measurement certification without registration.
- A person who has sold or exposed for sale measuring instruments without verification mark or periodical inspection mark.
Fine of not exceeding three million Won.
- A person who has sold or exposed for sale measuring instruments marked with illegal units.
- A person who has rejected, disturbed or evaded the irregular inspection of officers.
Fine of not exceeding one million Won.
- A person who has used illegal units for legal measurement, advertisement, or measurement for use of trade or certification.
- A person who has not taken the periodical inspection for legal measuring instruments prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry.