According to the lawmaker based on data submitted by the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning, a smartphone buyer from overseas will be subject to the test cost of 33 million won plus 165,000 won for processing fee.(image: Kobizmedia/Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Korea Bizwire) – Once the newly revised radio law is in effect from December this year, those purchasing smartphones, two-way radios, and TVs from overseas may have to pay astronomical sums of fee for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) certifications.
Congressman Jang Byung-wan (New Politics Alliance for Democracy) said on October 13, “Anyone buying a smartphone on the Internet through a foreign retail site may have to cough up more than 33 million won [US$30,900] for compatibility test cost.”
According to the lawmaker based on data submitted by the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning, a smartphone buyer from overseas will be subject to the test cost of 33 million won plus 165,000 won for processing fee. As for TVs, the cost will be 1,555,000 won including 1.5 million won in test cost and 55,000 won in fee. Beginning in 2010, the government has exempted individuals buying electronic appliances overseas from such EMC certification obligation.
But the revised radio law contains a provision (58-2-10) that forbids anyone who does not undergo the compatibility test from engaging in the business of import agency or middlemen.
National Assemblyman Jang commented, “The new law will result in benefiting domestic manufacturers of smartphones and TVs and large importers at the expense of consumers who have saved a lot of money from price differences by buying the items direct from overseas.”
By Sean Chung (schung10@koreabizwire.com)
