Korea Introduces New Standards for Different Fuel Cell Types
6. November 2025The 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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