Permissive Changes against Full Retest after a Firmware Update
Firmware updates altering output power, channels, or DFS logic trigger mandatory permissive change filings or retests before distribution.
Kc Mark Modification
Meaning
Regulatory processes in South Korea govern how changes to certified wireless products are submitted and approved. Applying for a kc mark modification is necessary when an approved device undergoes a component swap or a schematic change. This process determines whether the device needs retesting or if the update can be registered via a simple paper filing.
Approval Category
Changes are categorized by their potential impact on radio frequency performance and safety. A minor modification, such as replacing a passive component with an identical value, requires only a simple notification to the authority. A major modification, such as altering the antenna pattern, increasing the output power, or changing the main transceiver, requires full laboratory retesting to confirm that emissions remain within limits.
Documentation Pack
The filing requires updated schematics, block diagrams, and a bill of materials. If the change affects RF behavior, a new test report from an accredited lab must be submitted. The agency reviews this pack to ensure the device still complies with South Korean standards.
Market Continuity
Failing to submit the change can lead to the cancellation of the original certification. A cancellation halts shipments and requires the manufacturer to recall existing inventory from South Korean distributors. This risk makes modification tracking a critical part of product lifecycle management.