Export Support

2026 Overseas Exhibition Support for Middle East-Affected SMEs: Apply by August 31

작성자:
Overseas exhibition support for Middle East-affected SMEs

Korea’s 2026 Overseas Exhibition Individual Participation Support Program for Middle East-Affected Companies is accepting applications. Managed by the Korea Federation of SMEs (KBIZ), the program is intended to help eligible SMEs pursue overseas buyers through individually selected trade exhibitions.

Key dates and program facts

  • Program: 2026 Overseas Exhibition Individual Participation Support for Middle East-Affected Companies
  • Managing organization: Korea Federation of SMEs (KBIZ)
  • Opening date: July 27, 2026
  • Deadline: August 31, 2026, on the program-specific SME Overseas Exhibition Portal listing
  • Support format: Individual participation in overseas exhibitions
  • Status: Recruiting as of August 2, 2026

There is a deadline discrepancy. The SME24 policy page displays an application period through December 31, 2026, while the program-specific listing on the SME Overseas Exhibition Portal displays August 31. Applicants should work to the earlier August 31 date and check the live application page and attached notice immediately before submission.

Who should review the program

The program may be relevant to Korean SMEs facing export, transaction or logistics disruption connected with Middle Eastern markets and seeking replacement or expanded overseas sales channels. The exact damage test, SME qualification, eligible exhibition scope and restrictions on overlapping subsidies must be checked in the attached official notice. The program title alone does not establish eligibility.

Documents to prepare

  1. Valid SME certification and business registration documents
  2. Evidence of Middle East-related disruption, such as export records, contracts, cancellation notices or shipping-delay records
  3. Official information and cost quotations for the intended overseas exhibition
  4. A participation plan covering target buyers, meeting goals and post-show sales activity
  5. Information on any other public support covering the same costs

How to apply

Search for the program name in the business application section of the SME Overseas Exhibition Portal, sign in, and open the program-specific application. Review the current deadline and attachments, enter the company, damage, exhibition and participation-plan information, and upload the required evidence. Save the submission confirmation and application number.

How to make the application stronger

Describe the disruption with verifiable dates, transactions and amounts rather than relying on a general statement that sales declined. Explain why the selected exhibition matches the product and target market, identify prospective buyers where possible, and set out a concrete follow-up plan after the event.

Confirm the funding cap and eligible costs in the notice

The public list view does not expose a reliable funding ceiling or detailed eligible-cost table. Applicants must confirm whether booth rental, construction, freight, interpretation or other expenses qualify, as well as any company contribution and reimbursement rules, in this program’s own notice and application screen. Funding figures from similar regional programs should not be assumed to apply.

Contact and official sources

The portal lists the KBIZ International Trade Office at +82-2-2124-3296 and intlteam@kbiz.or.kr.

This article was prepared from official pages available on August 2, 2026. Eligibility, covered expenses, documents and dates may change; verify the latest notice before applying.

2026 Overseas Field Testing Support for Certified Products: Up to KRW 50 Million

작성자:
2026 overseas field testing support for certified products

Korean SMEs that already hold overseas product certification but need local performance evidence can apply for a new round of field-testing support. The Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Korea Conformity Laboratories (KCL) are accepting additional applicants for the 2026 Overseas Field Testing Support Program for Certified Products. As of August 1, 2026, the official SME portal lists the program as open until recruitment is complete.

Who is eligible?

Applicants must be SMEs under Korean law, hold a valid overseas certification for the proposed product, and plan to conduct field testing abroad. Eligible fields include eco-friendly and energy products, mobility, industrial machinery, and consumer goods. Companies should confirm that the certificate is valid and covers the exact product submitted.

What does the program support?

  • Overseas field testing and links to local testing partners
  • Performance verification and laboratory or on-site testing
  • Test reports and other evidence needed for overseas buyers or market entry
  • Government funding of up to KRW 50 million per company

Government funding may cover up to 70% of the total project cost. The participating company must contribute at least 30% of the total cost in cash. KRW 50 million is a ceiling, not a guaranteed award; the final amount depends on evaluation and the approved agreement.

What to prepare before applying

  1. Certification evidence: issuing body, certificate number, validity period, and covered product.
  2. Testing plan: target country, local institution, measurable performance indicators, schedule, and budget.
  3. Commercialization plan: explain how the results will support buyer discussions, distribution, regulatory steps, or exports.
  4. Cash contribution: confirm the company can fund at least 30% of the total project cost in cash.

How proposals are assessed

Evaluation focuses on overseas-market capability, suitability of the proposed test, the value and usability of the results, and the applicant’s ability and commitment to complete the project. A strong proposal connects the test items to specific regulatory or buyer requirements and provides a realistic post-test sales or export timeline.

Important cautions

Restrictions may apply to duplicate government support, tax arrears, subsidy sanctions, suspended or closed businesses, publicly listed wage arrears, recent unfair-trade findings, or an inability to obtain performance-guarantee insurance. Because the round may close as soon as enough companies are recruited, applicants should recheck the portal status and the latest attachment immediately before submission.

Official sources and verification date

This article was checked on August 1, 2026, using the SME24 official program portal and the KCL program notice. The latest official announcement and attachments take precedence at the time of application.

2026 Overseas Certification Support: 50–70% of Costs, Up to KRW 100 Million

작성자:
Overseas certification cost support for exporting SMEs

Overseas product certification can be expensive for SMEs preparing to export. The Ministry of SMEs and Startups is recruiting companies for the second 2026 General Overseas Certification Acquisition Support call, which covers part of eligible certification, testing, and consulting expenses. Online applications close at 6:00 p.m. on August 14, 2026.

Program Overview

Program Second 2026 General Overseas Certification Acquisition Support Call
Administrators Ministry of SMEs and Startups and Korea Testing & Research Institute
Eligible applicants SMEs with prior-year direct exports below USD 50 million
Support 50–70% of eligible certification, testing, and registered consulting costs
Company limit Up to four certifications and KRW 100 million in total
Application period 9:00 a.m. on July 15 through 6:00 p.m. on August 14, 2026
Application Online through the SME Export Regulation Response Support Center

What Does the Program Cover?

The program reduces the cost of obtaining new overseas standards and certifications required to enter foreign markets. The general-support list includes 572 certifications. An unlisted certification may also be considered if the applicant demonstrates its export relevance and need and receives approval from the program committee.

The program does not reimburse certifications already obtained before the July 15, 2026 announcement date.

Who Can Apply?

The basic requirement is an SME with prior-year direct exports below USD 50 million. Companies designated under Global Strong SME 1000+ may apply even if their direct exports exceeded USD 50 million.

Approximately 180 companies are expected to be selected, subject to budget and application volume. Applicants undergo document evaluation, with regional demand and minimum selection scores considered.

Funding Rate and Limits

Support covers a share of actual certification fees, testing expenses, and consulting fees paid to a registered consulting organization.

Prior-Year Sales Support Rate
Below KRW 10 billion 70%
KRW 10 billion to below KRW 30 billion 60%
KRW 30 billion or more 50%

Each company may generally receive support for up to four certifications and KRW 100 million per year. If the total requested amount is below KRW 35 million, additional certifications beyond four may be permitted within that amount. Certain designated medical-device certifications may qualify for up to KRW 150 million.

The final payment is the lower of the applicable percentage of actual costs or the government ceiling assigned to that certification.

How to Apply

  1. Visit the SME Export Regulation Response Support Center.
  2. Create an account and sign in.
  3. Open the Overseas Certification Acquisition Support application menu.
  4. Select General Support and complete the application.
  5. Upload all documents and submit online by 6:00 p.m. on August 14.

Paper applications are not accepted. Apply at the SME Export Regulation Response Support Center.

Documents to Prepare

  • Online project application
  • Consent for the provision and use of credit information
  • Consent for use of the integrated SME support management system
  • Valid SME Confirmation Certificate
  • ESG self-assessment report
  • For high-cost certifications, an estimate, invoice, or contract from the testing or certification body
  • For an unlisted certification, the form specified in the project guide

Direct-export confirmation, standard financial statements, and business registration may be checked automatically through connected systems. Confirm on the application screen whether any additional document is required.

Who Is Excluded?

  • Companies that are suspended, closed, or not actually operating
  • Companies with unpaid national or local taxes
  • Companies registered as delinquent debtors
  • Companies with an unfinished project under the same program
  • Companies that received or are receiving other government or local support for the same product and certification
  • Companies that received at least KRW 200 million from this program between 2021 and 2025

Exceptions may apply to certain companies with approved rehabilitation plans or a recognized need for public recovery support. Review the official notice.

Payment Is Conditional on Successful Certification

Funding is not paid immediately after selection. The company must sign an agreement, obtain the certification within the support period, and submit a completion report. It can then receive 50–70% of recognized costs within the agreement ceiling. If the company uses an unregistered consultant, consulting fees may be excluded even when certification and testing costs remain eligible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a company apply for a certification it already obtained?

No. Certifications obtained before July 15, 2026 are not covered by this call.

Can an unlisted certification qualify?

Potentially. The applicant must demonstrate export relevance and need, and the committee decides whether it qualifies.

Must a company use a consultant?

No. A company may manage certification directly. To claim consulting expenses, it must use a consulting organization registered with the program.

Application Tips

  • Confirm whether the certification belongs under General Support or Strategic Support.
  • Prepare an estimate or application receipt from the testing or certification body.
  • Complete the required ESG self-assessment before the deadline.
  • Check prior support history to avoid claiming the same product and certification under another program.

Official Sources

This article provides general information. Eligibility and support amounts depend on sales, certification type, evaluation, actual costs, and budget. Check the official announcement before applying.