Geumcheon-gu (district mayor Choi Gi-chan) will operate a product certification consulting center from this month through December to help small and medium-sized enterprises enter domestic and overseas markets.
Product certification is an essential requirement for breaking into new markets, but relevant support information has been scattered, making it difficult for smaller SMEs to find adequate help. In response, Geumcheon-gu approached testing and certification agencies in February with a proposal for a cooperative program, launching a formal partnership framework.
The district has partnered with four of South Korea's leading testing and certification agencies — Korea Testing Laboratory (KTL), Korea Conformity Laboratories (KCL), Korea Testing & Research Institute (KTR) and Korea Testing Certification (KTC) — to establish a consulting system covering the entire process, from preparing for certification to connecting businesses with support programs.
At the center, experts from the participating certification agencies will conduct one-on-one consultations, analyzing each company's products and target markets to identify the certifications they need and providing tailored guidance on certification strategy, estimated costs and procedures.
The center will operate at the Geumcheon-gu Complex 2 Business Support Center every Thursday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. through December.
Any SME based in Geumcheon-gu can apply for a consultation at any time through an online link on the Geumcheon-gu Office website. However, applicants must submit a product manual by email.
Geumcheon-gu plans to continue strengthening its cooperative framework with partner agencies, building on the launch of the consulting center.
The district added that companies which establish a certification foundation through the consultations will also be connected to existing market-development programs — such as overseas buyer invitation trade consultations and subsidies for participating in advanced industry exhibitions — to help translate certification into tangible export results.
"We expect this consulting center to ease the burden of obtaining certification for SMEs and meaningfully expand their opportunities to enter new markets," district mayor Choi said. "We will continue to actively support the growth of local businesses through ongoing cooperation with testing and certification agencies."
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