Proposal for improving the Korean standard industrial classification and KOLAS product certification system for the sustainable growth of the radiation device industry

Abstract

Radiation devices are widely used in various industrial applications, with the demand for radiation devices growing worldwide. As legal and institutional support is essential for the sustainable growth of the radiation device industry, the Republic of Korea uses the Korean Standard Industrial Classification (KSIC) to collect, tabulate, and analyze statistical data related to industrial activities, thereby providing the classification and scope of industrial activities. This study analyzes issues with the KSIC by comparing the standard industrial classification of radiation devices in other countries. In the KSIC, radiation devices are categorized under the subcategory of medical devices, which seems problematic considering their diverse applications beyond medical purposes across various industries. Therefore, this study proposes adding radiation devices at the group level and separately classifying them into classes and subclasses based on their types and industrial purposes. Furthermore, the Korea Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (KOLAS) has been designated as an internationally accredited institution. This study analyzed the issues concerning KOLAS-accredited product certification institutions for radiation devices. As there is no separate classification of the radiation device manufacturing industry under the KOLAS accreditation system, this study proposes the addition of radiation devices as a separate category within the subcategory of KOLAS-accredited product certification institutions.