15 Years of the EU–Korea Free Trade Agreement: Certifications Remain a Challenge for Exporters
22. July 2026The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the European Union and South Korea marks its 15th anniversary in 2026. With trade volume most recently reaching around EUR 130 billion, it is considered one of the major success stories of European foreign trade. However, while tariffs have largely become a thing of the past, the situation surrounding technical barriers to trade remains considerably more complex. In an expert interview with the IHK Düsseldorf (in German), Erik Hirsch, Country Manager for Korea at MPR International, explained what companies need to consider when obtaining market approval.
Certification as a Barrier to Market Entry
Although the FTA has brought relief in many areas, Hirsch emphasized that the picture is more nuanced when it comes to certifications. There are hardly any blanket simplifications; instead, a sector-specific assessment is essential. For German companies, this means carefully determining which Korean certification system applies to their particular product. South Korea’s regulatory landscape is dynamic, and addressing local requirements at an early stage is key to avoiding costly delays when entering the market.
Strategic Planning for the Korean Market
Successful exports to South Korea depend to a large extent on taking regulatory requirements into account at an early stage. Hirsch stressed that companies which plan their certification strategy proactively gain a decisive competitive advantage. Even though the agreement has boosted trade, thorough preparation for technical requirements remains an essential building block for sustainable success in this demanding market. Further information on specific certification requirements is available through MPR International’s tailored consulting services.
Feel free to contact us any time if you need assistance or have any questions regarding Korean certifications like KC, KC EMC, KCs, KCs for explosion safety products, KGS factory registration and MFDS for medical devices.
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For more information you can download our free brochure “Korea Certification Made Easy – The Booklet“.
