On June 25, 2025, the National Radio Research Agency (RRA) of South Korea issued Announcement No. 2025-44. In accordance with Article 46 of the Administrative Procedures Act, this pre-announcement aims to outline the purpose and key contents of the proposed revisions to the “Electromagnetic Wave Absorption Rate Test Standards,” and to broadly solicit public comments.
- Purpose of the Revisions
(1) To adopt the international standard established by IEC TC106, IEC/IEEE 62209-1528:2020, which has been integrated into the national standard KS C 3350 as the official test method for Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). This aims to eliminate redundant testing and ensure public safety from electromagnetic waves.
(2) To support manufacturers and testing laboratories in complying with the new national standard KS C 3350, and to ensure a stable implementation of the revised system by providing a transition (grace) period.
(3) To clarify the scope of the announcement by explicitly referencing relevant clauses of administrative regulations (such as the standards for human protection against electromagnetic waves), thereby improving clarity and usability.
(4) To maintain consistency in formatting and terminology through editorial revisions, such as removing unnecessary abbreviations and clause numbers, correcting duplicated sentences, and adding Korean names for standardization bodies.
- Key Contents
(1) Adjustment of SAR test requirements applicable to national standard KS C 3350:
The existing standards KS C 3370-1 (SAR testing method for portable wireless devices used near the ear) and KS C 3370-2 (SAR testing method for portable wireless devices used near the body) will be consolidated into KS C 3350.
(2) Addition of enforcement date and transitional provisions:
The revised announcement is scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2026. During the transition period prior to this date, equipment already tested under previous standards will be considered compliant with the revised version.
(3) Clarification of applicable scope and corresponding editorial revisions:
Specific clause references in administrative regulations will be clearly identified, and related texts will be refined accordingly.
(4) Editorial improvements:
Unnecessary abbreviations and clause numbers will be removed, redundant phrases corrected, and the names of standard-setting organizations will include Korean equivalents.
Any organization, group, or individual with opinions on the proposed amendments may submit written comments or use the official online submission system of the National Radio Research Agency by August 25, 2025.