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KGS Opens Liquid Hydrogen Testing Center – Giving New Momentum to Safety and Innovation in Hydrogen Technologies
South Korea is entering a new phase of hydrogen safety management with the opening of the Liquefied Hydrogen Test Support Center, operated by the Korea Gas Safety Corporation (KGS). From December onward, statutory inspections and performance testing for liquefied hydrogen storage tanks and other cryogenic systems will be carried out domestically for the first time — marking a major step toward safer and more efficient hydrogen infrastructure.
The center will utilize its newly established facilities to perform inspections on seven categories of containers and specific equipment regulated under the High Pressure Gas Safety Management Act. These include liquefied hydrogen storage tanks, tank lorries, cryogenic containers, container accessories, safety valves and emergency shut-off devices, which all require KGS approval. This capability will allow KGS to ensure compliance and reliability across the full range of equipment used in the hydrogen supply chain.
The new facility covers 8,099 m² of land with a total floor space of 1,981 m². Built with an investment of 33.2 billion KRW, the center houses 27 types of advanced inspection and certification equipment across 23 categories, including high-precision vacuum insulation testing systems.
The storage tank testing facility is being outfitted with state-of-the-art systems to measure cryogenic insulation performance (Normal Evaporation Rate) and airtightness of storage tanks, tank lorries, and cryogenic vessels. Designed to accommodate testing of 4-ton storage tanks, the facility will be supported by 50-ton and 20-ton gantry cranes to handle and evaluate various tank configurations under real operating conditions.
Meanwhile, the product testing center will enable comprehensive performance evaluations — including blow-out and sealing tests for safety valves and blocking and sealing performance checks for emergency shut-off devices. In addition, the facility will support functional and thermal performance testing of liquefied hydrogen pumps, vaporizers, and vacuum-insulated pipelines, expanding beyond the scope of mandatory inspections to cover broader product R&D applications.
By maintaining an 8-ton supply of liquefied hydrogen and incorporating a re-liquefaction system to recover 200–250 kg of boil-off gas daily, the center ensures both safety and environmental sustainability during testing operations.
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Korea Introduces New Standards for Different Fuel Cell Types
The Gas Technology Standards Committee has announced the introduction and revision of seven KGS Codes, including new standards specifically for hydrogen and mobility fuel cell manufacturing. These aim to strengthen safety oversight and support the expansion of hydrogen-based mobility applications such as trams, drones, ships, and industrial equipment. This follows Korea’s ongoing effort to align technical safety regulations with the country’s fast-evolving hydrogen economy. Fuel cells and electrolyzers usually require a KGS approval in order to be allowed to be imported and installed in Korea.
The newly drafted KGS Codes — KGS AH375 (Tram Fuel Cell Manufacturing Standards), KGS AH376 (Aviation Fuel Cell Manufacturing Standards), and KGS AH377 (Marine Fuel Cell Manufacturing Standards) — establish facility, technical, and inspection requirements for hydrogen-powered polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) with a rated output voltage of up to DC 1000V.
These new standards are intended to ensure product reliability and operational safety for fuel cells installed in public transportation, aircraft, and maritime systems.
In addition to the three new standards, revisions have been proposed for KGS AH271 for Electrolyzers and KGS AH372, AH373 & AH374, which govern requirements for fuel cells used in forklifts, drones, and construction machinery.
A key update involves expanding structural safety measures. Previously, safety requirements specified that “an insulating case must cover the cell or stack.” The revised text broadens this to “installing an insulating cover or enclosure, or taking equivalent protective measures,” to better prevent damage from falling conductive materials and external impact.
The introduction of these seven KGS Codes marks another step in Korea’s commitment to enhancing hydrogen safety management while fostering industrial innovation in emerging mobility technologies. Once finalized, the standards are expected to play a central role in ensuring the safe and sustainable deployment of hydrogen-powered transportation systems.
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Revised Korean Standards Enhance Oversight of Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Systems
South Korea has implemented extensive updates to multiple KGS (Korea Gas Safety) standards governing hydrogen production, gas storage, and fuel cell technologies. Notable changes include a narrower scope for code AC111, which previously covered all pressure vessels but now excludes small LPG storage tanks—these are addressed separately under the newly applied AC114. Clearer requirements for strength recalculations due to design modifications have also been introduced. Meanwhile, the revised AH171 code now includes safety and performance requirements for hydrogen generators that operate via ammonia thermal decomposition, reflecting Korea’s regulatory response to recent pilot projects in this area. Hydrogen and gas technologies usually require KGS certification in order to be approved for import and sale in Korea.
Further modifications were made to code AH271 for water electrolysis systems, aligning it more closely with ISO 22734 by distinguishing acidic from alkaline electrolyzers. New mandates include emergency shutdown functions for abnormal electrolyte levels and the use of dual-unit output labeling on nameplates. Large-scale installations may also include output capacity in megawatts. Fuel cell regulations have also evolved: while stationary systems under AH371 remain unchanged, new performance testing protocols have been added to AH372 and AH373 for forklift and drone fuel cells, respectively. These tests evaluate real-world functionality, including wind resistance and tilt behavior.
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Korea Introduces Acoustic Emission Testing for Reinspection of Hydrogen Vessel Tanks
The Gas Technical Standards Committee (GTSC) is currently collecting public comments until the 30th on a proposed revision of KGS AC116, the national inspection standard for high-pressure gas storage tanks and pressure vessels. The draft revision introduces non-destructive testing (NDT) methods—specifically acoustic emission testing—for the reinspection of Type-1 pressure vessels used in hydrogen refueling stations. The amendment also clarifies that compressed gas equipment refers to pressure vessels used in hydrogen charging facilities to store gas compressed by processing systems. Pressure vessels used in hydrogen refueling stations usually require KGS factory registration in order to be approved for import and sale in Korea.
The updated requirements include new inspection items based on KS B 6755 (In-service Inspection of Pressure Vessels), and add NDT as a reinspection criterion exclusively for Type-1 compressed gas equipment. Under the new provisions, acoustic emission testing must be performed three times to determine vessel integrity. If any signals indicating potential defects are detected, further NDT must be conducted to assess the depth of the flaw. To support implementation, a 24-month grace period has been proposed, allowing time for workforce training and development of detailed inspection guidelines. Individuals or organizations wishing to comment on the draft must submit their feedback to the GTSC by the 30th.
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Korea prepares new NDT Re-Inspection Standards for Hydrogen Pressure Vessels
South Korea is set to introduce a revised re-inspection standard for pressure vessels used in hydrogen refueling stations, incorporating non-destructive testing (NDT) methods. The amendment to KGS AC116—covering storage tanks and pressure vessels for high-pressure gas—establishes acoustic emission testing and other NDT techniques as mandatory for identifying internal defects in Type-1 pressure vessels used in compressed gas facilities. In alignment with the Enforcement Regulations of the High Pressure Gas Safety Management Act, the revised definition now includes pressure vessels employed at hydrogen fueling sites and for storing compressed gases from treatment systems. Additionally, re-inspection items will now explicitly reference inspection criteria outlined in KS B 6755 and the application of non-destructive testing limited to Type-1 vessels. Pressure vessels usually require KGS factory registration in order to be approved for import and sale in Korea.
The proposed acoustic emission test must be conducted three times to assess suitability. If any signals indicate a potential defect, further NDT methods are required to measure defect depth. A transition period of 24 months will apply after the amendment takes effect, allowing time for the development of detailed standards, including training requirements and procedural guidelines for re-inspection personnel.
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58 Imported Products fail Korean Safety Standards, including Water Toys and LED Fixtures
The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS), under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, has announced that 58 out of 396 imported products purchased via international online platforms failed to meet national safety requirements. The investigation focused primarily on summer-related goods such as water toys and seasonal textiles like swimsuits and summer clothing.
Many products require KC Safety Certification as proof of compliance with Korean safety standards, and in order to be approved for import and sale on the Korean market.
Among the 396 tested items, a total of 91 were electrical products, with 18 failing safety tests—particularly LED lighting fixtures (8), plugs and outlets (4), and DC power supplies (3). Of 109 household items examined, 17 were non-compliant, including inflatable water toys (14), electric scooters (2), and one swimsuit. In the children’s category, 23 out of 196 items were found non-compliant, including children’s textile products (9), water play items (8), and infant textiles (3). Notably, 22 out of 27 water toys, 8 out of 9 LED fixtures, and 4 out of 5 plugs and outlets failed to meet safety criteria, highlighting these items as particularly risky when purchased from foreign sellers.
Online platforms have been urged to block the sale of these items. KATS plans to conduct additional safety inspections on imported goods in the second half of the year and continue monitoring online platforms to block the entry of unsafe products into the domestic market.
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South Korea enhances Safety Standards for Hydrogen Refueling Facilities
The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (MOTIE) has approved substantial updates to the safety standards for hydrogen fueling facilities. The implementation has now been announced after the Korea Gas Safety Corporation (KGS) made adjustments to the KGS codes FP216 and FP217. These revisions are part of a broader initiative aimed at increasing their practical application in the industry. The updated codes feature an expansion of the scope previously limited to “Hydrogen Vehicle Charging Facilities,” now adopting the broader term “Hydrogen Fuel Charging Facilities.” This change opens the way for diverse hydrogen-powered transport modes to utilize these facilities more widely. Hydrogen systems, equipment and components generally require a KGS factory approval in order to be approved for import and sale in Korea.
Additionally, regulations regarding distances between fueling equipment and road boundaries have been relaxed under specific conditions. Facilities employing protective barriers are now allowed more flexibility in terms of required distances, enabling optimal space utilization without sacrificing safety.
Further flexibility in facility layout has also been introduced. Safety distances between hydrogen fueling installations and adjacent protective facilities or property boundaries can now be reduced, provided enhanced safety measures, such as reinforced protective barriers and dual automatic shut-off valves, are implemented.
Moreover, new safety standards specifically designed for hydrogen-powered ships have been introduced, aligning with recent regulatory developments and expanding safety provisions across different hydrogen fueling scenarios.
In line with international safety standards, the ministry has introduced a new safety performance evaluation system. This system, incorporating widely recognized standards such as SAE J2601 and CSA/ANSI HGV 4.3, provides detailed methodologies for assessing the safety performance of hydrogen fueling operations.
The updates also clarify operational procedures regarding interlock pressure settings. Compressors’ interlock pressures must now be set below the threshold pressures of safety devices positioned downstream, ensuring enhanced safety during operations.
Lastly, FP217 has been revised to ensure complete alignment with existing high-pressure gas safety management rules, particularly regarding requirements for protective shielding of equipment located within 30 meters of sensitive facilities.
Collectively, these changes significantly enhance safety management and offer greater operational flexibility, fostering a more extensive and efficient deployment of hydrogen fuel technology across various transportation sectors.
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South Korea to launch Liquefied Hydrogen Inspection Center, Trial Operations slated for first Half 2025
South Korea is preparing to open its first dedicated inspection and certification center for liquefied hydrogen, with trial operations scheduled to begin in the first half of this year. Located in Eumseong, North Chungcheong Province, the facility aims to play a central role in ensuring the safe adoption and commercialization of liquefied hydrogen technology nationwide. Pressure vessels, safety valves and similar products used in conjunction with hydrogen systems generally require KGS factory approval in order to be approved for import and distribution in Korea.
The Liquefied Hydrogen Inspection Support Center, overseen by the Korea Gas Safety Corporation (KGS), was structurally completed in February 2025. Final preparations are now underway to install advanced testing infrastructure designed to evaluate the safety and performance of liquefied hydrogen containers and related components under extreme cryogenic conditions.
According to KGS Hydrogen Safety Policy Director Kim Hong-chul, once equipment installation is finalized, a series of trial runs will begin to verify system stability. The center is expected to transition into full operation later this year, with a formal opening ceremony planned around November.
Spanning over 8,000 square meters of land and offering nearly 2,000 square meters of indoor space, the center is backed by a KRW 33.2 billion (roughly USD 24 million) investment. It will house 23 categories of testing and certification equipment, totaling 27 individual devices. Among them are systems for vacuum insulation testing of hydrogen storage tanks and cryogenic functional testing of critical valve types such as safety valves and emergency shut-off valves.
The facility represents a significant milestone for Korea’s hydrogen infrastructure. As liquefied hydrogen must be stored at –253°C in a highly flammable liquid state, maintaining robust insulation and ensuring material resilience are essential. The center will support these needs by conducting key safety evaluations such as normal evaporation rate (NER) analysis and helium leak detection.
Beyond compliance testing, the center is also expected to function as a research and development hub for cryogenic technology. Mechanical testing equipment for impact and tensile strength assessments at cryogenic temperatures will support domestic manufacturers in advancing their hydrogen-related products.
Once fully operational, the Liquefied Hydrogen Inspection Support Center is set to enhance Korea’s regulatory framework, support innovation in cryogenic engineering, and accelerate the safe expansion of the nation’s hydrogen economy.
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 or KGS factory registration.
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Korea to Strengthen Product Safety Oversight and Recall Measures in 2025
The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS), operating under the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, has announced comprehensive enhancements to its product safety inspection strategy for 2025. The revised plan includes a significant expansion in monitoring both overseas direct purchases and domestic markets. Inspections of imported online purchases will more than double from 450 to 1,000 items, with a focus on blocking hazardous goods from entering Korea. E-commerce platforms will be mandated to delist unsafe items. Domestically, 4,700 products—particularly those with high safety risks like children’s items and electrical appliances—will undergo scrutiny. Collaboration efforts will also intensify, with coordinated crackdowns involving the police and local authorities increasing in frequency and regional reach. Products covered under this initiative usually require KC certification under Korea’s safety and quality standards in order to be approved for import and sale in Korea.
The inspection campaign is structured into multiple phases, spanning April to November, with seasonal and high-risk products receiving prioritized attention. Over 70% of inspections will target e-commerce platforms. Additionally, enforcement against uncertified or illegal goods such as non-KC-marked electric scooters and bicycles will be ramped up through joint efforts with 24 local governments and police operations. Public participation is also emphasized, with over 150 consumer watchdogs and 20 online platforms involved in surveillance. Recall management will be reinforced through direct consumer notifications by eight major platforms and enhanced tracking in retail stores supported by 870 million KRW in funding. Educational initiatives will further amplify consumer awareness via digital media and in-store kiosks.
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 or KGS factory registration.
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New KGS Standard for Hydrogen Vehicle Composite Cylinders finalized
At the end of March, the Gas Technology Standards Committee held its 162nd meeting and approved some amendments for the finalization of the new KGS AC421 standard for compressed hydrogen composite cylinders used in vehicles. This new standard is part of Korea’s ongoing efforts to enhance the safety and performance of high-pressure hydrogen storage solutions. Pressure Vessels usually require KGS factory registration to be approved for import and sales on the Korean market.
The newly drafted KGS AC421 establishes comprehensive requirements for the manufacturing, design, materials, structure, heat treatment, performance testing, and labeling of composite hydrogen cylinders intended for use in transportation.
One of the major changes concerns the cylinder design life. The wording was revised from “15 years or less” to a “minimum of 15 years” to align design specifications with the legal operational limits. This ensures a consistent approach between cylinder design and usage throughout their service life.
Furthermore, foreign certification recognition criteria were clarified under KGS AC421. Specific accepted foreign standards and inspection bodies, such as ANSI (USA) and ECE (Europe), are now clearly listed. This provides better transparency and allows for the recognition of foreign-manufactured cylinders without requiring additional inspections.
The manufacturing facility requirements have also been updated. The requirements for heat treatment furnaces were revised to match the criteria already defined in KGS AC411 for aluminum liner composite cylinders. Furnaces must now be designed to limit internal temperature variations to within 25°C and must be equipped with automatic temperature recording devices to ensure precise heat treatment control.
Testing procedures have been strengthened. The material used in environmental and pressure tests must now be strictly a “liquid” rather than a general “fluid,” eliminating ambiguity regarding the test medium in low-temperature environments. Additionally, KGS AC421 introduces new hydrogen compatibility testing requirements for metallic liners. These tests, based on ASTM G142, verify the suitability of materials under high-pressure hydrogen environments. The acceptance criteria have been harmonized with those found in KGS AC111, ensuring consistent performance expectations across standards.
Inspection requirements were also expanded. In this latest version, external appearance inspections have been introduced, and the sampling methods for dimensional checks, liner tensile and impact tests, protective coating adhesion, and burst tests have been clearly defined. These enhancements strengthen the quality control process during production and improve overall product reliability.
The committee concluded the meeting by approving all remaining amendments to the detailed standards. A timeframe for the formal implementation of the new KGS code KGS AC421 has yet to be officially announced.
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 or KGS factory registration.
Tel. Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 259
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Email: info@korea-certification.com
For more information you can download our free brochure “Korea Certification Made Easy – The Booklet“.
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