Republic of Korea: Adopted Secondhand Phone Secure Transaction Certification System Procedures

On 23 July 2024, the Ministry of Science and ICT adopted the procedures for the Secondhand Phone Secure Transaction Certification System through amendments to both the Device Distribution Act Enforcement Decree and the Telecommunications Business Act Enforcement Decree. The amended Device Distribution Act Enforcement Decree sets out certification criteria for businesses handling secondhand phone transactions, including user protection measures, quality and pricing information management, and procedures for issuing performance certificates and handling returns and refunds. Detailed standards will be defined by the Minister of Science and ICT, with certification managed by the Korea Association for ICT Promotion (KAIT). The Telecommunications Business Act Enforcement Decree outlines the method for issuing transaction verification certificates. This new certification system addresses issues such as ensuring proper deletion of personal data by sellers and fair pricing for buyers, aiming to build trust and stimulate the secondhand phone market.