Government to provide SMEs up to 100 million won for overseas standards certifications

[Financial News] The government will cover some of the costs SMEs incur for certification, testing and consulting to obtain standards certifications required by their export destination countries as they expand overseas.
According to industry sources on the 13th, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups will begin recruiting SMEs on the 14th for the 2026 Third Overseas Standards Certification Acquisition Support Program.
The 583 eligible certifications include the European Union’s CE certification, the United States’ Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) certification, and approval from China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA).
The ministry plans to select 240 companies and cover 50% to 70% of total costs, up to 100 million won per company depending on the previous year’s sales (up to 150 million won for medical devices).
Each company may submit up to four applications per year. If a company’s total annual application amount is less than 35 million won, it may receive support without a limit on the number of applications.
Companies wishing to participate can apply through the SME Export Regulation Response Support Center website by November 13.
“We will secure additional budget so companies can respond swiftly to various global export regulations, including certification requirements,” said Sim Jae-yun, director general for global growth policy at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.

[email protected] Kim Hyeon-cheol Reporter