Chamber of Commerce and Industry Düsseldorf publishes expert interview with MPR International on certifications in South Korea
23. July 2026The IHK Düsseldorf has published an expert interview with Erik Hirsch, Country Manager Korea at MPR International, marking the 15th anniversary of the EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement in July 2026. In the interview, Hirsch explains why technical requirements and product certifications remain a decisive factor for successful market entry for exporters, despite the largely eliminated tariffs.
Regulatory planning is a competitive advantage in Asia
The EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement has significantly facilitated trade between both markets. Nevertheless, before exporting, manufacturers must verify which local certification and approval requirements apply to their specific product. There are hardly any blanket simplifications: the required procedures differ depending on the product group and area of application. Erik Hirsch emphasizes in the interview that companies should incorporate their certification strategy into product development and export planning as early as possible. A timely assessment of requirements helps to avoid delays, additional costs, and risks during market entry.
Relevance also for exports to India
This insight applies not only to South Korea. For the Indian market, too, an early regulatory assessment is an essential component of a reliable market entry strategy. Depending on the product and area of application, relevant requirements may include BIS certification, PESO approval for explosion-proof products, radio approvals such as WPC or TEC, or other sector-specific regulations.
MPR International regularly contributes its regulatory expertise to the foreign trade dialogue, for example through webinars in cooperation with Chambers of Commerce and Industry as well as through technical publications. For instance, MPR International co-authored the guide “Successful BIS Certification in India – 3rd Edition” together with the AHK India. The article by IHK Düsseldorf is thus part of an ongoing professional exchange on product certification and market access in key Asian target markets.
MPR International supports manufacturers in identifying requirements for India and other Asian markets at an early stage and in implementing certification projects in a planned manner.
You can find the full article by the IHK Düsseldorf here (in German):
15 Jahre EU-Korea-Freihandelsabkommen: Zertifizierungen bleiben eine Herausforderung für Exporteure
For a customer-specific assessment of certification requirements for the Chinese market, MPR International is happy to assist you.
