On February 10, 2026, South Korea, through the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), issued Circular No. 2026-10. With this circular, new technical standards for radio equipment have come into effect.
These changes to the technical regulations for radio equipment relate to an increase in the Power Spectral Density (PSD) limit in the 6 GHz band and an increase in specific limits for indoor use. Additionally, these regulations establish a linear PSD attenuation profile.
These changes will certainly affect South Korea type approval process. Therefore, manufacturers and importers are required to understand these changes to the technical regulations for radio equipment.
Major Changes to Technical Regulations for Radio Equipment
Circular No. 2026-10 introduces major changes to the technical regulations for radio equipment. These changes primarily involve the introduction of simplified licensing procedures for certain types of equipment.
The equipment in question includes low-power wireless stations that can be operated without an official license, as well as military/government equipment categories (National Wireless Stations and National Facilities).
This means that for some of these devices, a notification must now be submitted before operation. This, of course, represents a new obligation.
Some examples of provisions that have been retained or tightened include limits on EIRP (effective isotropic radiated power) and bandwidth, digital modulation, spurious emission limits, etc. For instance, the old rules set EIRP ≤100 mW for certain wireless station devices.
Radio equipment for radio access systems, including wireless LANs in the 5925–6425 MHz frequency band, is now regulated as follows.
| Applicable Equipment | Frequency Band (MHz) | EMC | Wireless | Wired | RF Exposure | RF Power | Certification | Designated Test Lab | Self Testing | Equipment Code | Remarks |
| Low-power Radio Equipment (5) | 5150 – 5350 5470 – 5850 | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | LARN5 | ||||
| 5925 – 6425 | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | LARN5A | |||||
| 5925 – 6425 (including wireless access system equipment) | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | LARN5D | Indoor use only | ||||
| 5925 – 7125 | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | LARN5B | Indoor & outdoor use | ||||
| 1770 – 1774 1920 – 1930 | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | LARN5C |
Effective Date & Compliance Schedule
The regulations regarding changes to the technical requirements for radio equipment take effect upon the issuance of this circular, February 10, 2026. However, devices that were certified before the effective date remain subject to the old standards.
These regulations will remain in effect until new regulations replace or revise them. To ensure compliance, manufacturers can begin adjusting their designs for future certification.
Impact on South Korea Type Approval
These changes to the technical requirements for radio equipment will certainly affect South Korea type approval. New devices submitted after February 10, 2026, must comply with the new requirements.
Manufacturers and importers need to review wireless products using the 6 GHz band. This applies to wireless station categories, such as WLAN, IoT, and military/government devices. Power output and signal characteristics must be adjusted to meet the standards so as not to exceed the new PSD limits.
At a minimum, manufacturers must meet compliance deadlines and conduct retesting as soon as possible to avoid certification delays. This also involves testing laboratories and certification bodies, which must update their testing procedures in accordance with the new regulations.
Failure to meet the PSD limits or comply with these new regulatory requirements will result in the product failing to obtain KC certification. Consequently, your product’s market launch will be delayed.