International Alignment of KC Standards and Policy Improvements for Metal Jewelry Safety

In 2018, metal jewelry in Korea was reclassified from KC certification to ‘compliance with safety standards’ under the Electrical Appliances and Consumer Products Safety Control Act, raising concerns over gaps in pre-market control of hazardous substances. Prolonged skin contact with such products increases the risk of allergic reactions from nickel release. This study analyzed 120 items for composition (ED-XRF) and 110 items for nickel release, using KOLAS-accredited laboratory data collected between October 2020 and June 2024. Nickel was detected in 58.33% of samples; 23.64% showed release, and 15.45% exceeded the KC limit of 0.5μg/cm²/week. Lead and cadmium were not detected. Unlike the EU REACH and China GB 28480 standards, which impose a stricter 0.2μg/cm²/week limit for piercing products, Korean standards apply a single limit for all product types, indicating lower international alignment. The study recommends policy measures including testing subsidies, product-specific limits, consumer information, and incentives for voluntary compliance to enhance safety, export competitiveness, and preparedness for technical barriers to trade (TBT).