Challenge, Gyeongnam-do Recommended Products (QC)!

Application for Jurisdiction of Production Area by City/County Until March 7

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] Gyeongsangnam-do is accepting applications until March 7 for the designation of recommended products (QC) for the first half of 2023.

According to Gyeongnam Province on the 8th, the Gyeongnam-do Recommended Product (QC) system is a program where the province certifies the quality of products produced by local small and medium-sized enterprises and agricultural, fishery, and livestock producers, recommending them to consumers.

The QC quality certification mark, which stands for Quality Certificate, is registered with the Korean Intellectual Property Office.

Gyeongnam Provincial Government Office.
Photo by Lee Seryeong

The province stated that it was the first local government to introduce the QC recommended product system in 1994 and has been operating it for 28 years.

Designations are made once each in the first and second halves of the year, and the certification is valid for two years.

Before the expiration of the validity period, re-designation reviews can be conducted to extend the certification. Producers wishing to be designated or re-designated in the first half of this year should apply to the city or county office with jurisdiction over their production site by March 7.

The province plans to designate products by the end of May after document screening and on-site inspections by subcommittee members in five fields: agricultural products, marine products, livestock products, industrial products, and crafts.

Designated products may display the QC certification mark on their packaging or surface.

Selected companies will receive benefits such as ▲qualification to enter the integrated Gyeongnam online shopping mall eGyeongnam Mall ▲50% support for online transaction payment fees when entering eGyeongnam Mall ▲preferential treatment when participating in overseas marketing support projects such as overseas trade delegations and exhibitions ▲support for packaging production in the marine products sector.

The province also plans to support overseas market development by operating a Gyeongsangnam-do Recommended Product (QC) pavilion at the 2023 Gyeongnam Specialty Products Expo to be held in November.

The province explained that as of the second half of last year, a total of 217 companies and 477 items have been designated as recommended products.

▲Agricultural products: 89 companies, 187 items ▲Marine products: 66 companies, 144 items ▲Livestock products: 21 companies, 43 items ▲Industrial products: 6 companies, 22 items ▲Crafts: 35 companies, 81 items.

Ryu Myeong-hyun, Director of the Industry and Trade Bureau, said, “Gyeongsangnam-do Recommended Products (QC) are being sold nationwide through eGyeongnam Mall. We will faithfully serve as a bridge that provides producers with opportunities to develop sales channels and buyers with verified and safe products.”