KTC Becomes First Energy Efficiency Testing Laboratory for Refrigerators and Washing Machines in Oman, Facilitating Domestic Companies' Exports
KTC Becomes First Energy Efficiency Testing Laboratory for Refrigerators and Washing Machines in Oman, Facilitating Domestic Companies' Exports
On October 26th, Korea Testing Certification institute (KTC) announced its designation as Oman's inaugural energy efficiency testing laboratory for refrigerators and washing machines by the Directorate General for Standards and Metrology (DGSM). Established in 1976, DGSM is Oman's standardization body, responsible for conformity assessment, standardization, and law formulation.
Earlier this year, Oman mandated energy efficiency certification for all imported refrigerators and washing machines distributed in the country, starting from December 2023. With only six months remaining until the regulation's implementation and a lack of designated testing institutions globally, Korean companies were anticipated to encounter significant export challenges.
However, in response to Oman's request, KTC collaborated with the GSO (GCC Standardization Organization) to assist in introducing Oman's energy efficiency certification system. Serving as a local liaison, KTC closely cooperated with Omani authorities, leading to its designation as DGSM's first efficiency agency for domestic refrigerators and washing machines. Consequently, domestic companies can now swiftly and affordably obtain certification through KTC's test reports without the need to send samples overseas. This achievement marks a significant milestone in overcoming technical barriers and streamlining the role of our country's export partners during the initial stages of foreign certification implementation.
Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Oman's refrigerator and washing machine market has experienced substantial growth since 2020. In 2021, Korean companies witnessed a 63% increase in refrigerator exports compared to the previous year, a trend that persisted in 2022, driven by premium products. However, washing machine exports experienced a slight decline, potentially attributed to the rise in low-cost Chinese models. With the introduction of energy efficiency regulations for these products, local consumers are expected to exhibit greater interest in domestically manufactured products renowned for their superior efficiency.
KTC's President Sungil Ahn expressed his satisfaction, stating, "I am delighted to fulfill the fundamental purpose and direction of establishing a Middle East branch, serving as a conduit between local governments and domestic companies. KTC is prepared to support our export companies in the challenging Middle East market, irrespective of the country's size."
Additionally, KTC operates its UAE branch as a central hub supporting domestic companies' exports to the region. Leveraging its expertise in overcoming communication challenges unique to the Middle East, KTC offers comprehensive certification services for Middle Eastern countries and addresses any post-certification issues. Recently, KTC was appointed as the testing and certification agency for dishwashers in Saudi Arabia and as the efficiency testing certification agency for refrigerators and washing machines in Oman.
