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
- Visit the SME Export Regulation Response Support Center.
- Create an account and sign in.
- Open the Overseas Certification Acquisition Support application menu.
- Select General Support and complete the application.
- 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
- Ministry of SMEs and Startups: Second 2026 Recruitment Notice
- SME Export Regulation Response Support Center
- Information verified: July 27, 2026
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.