ECCK Chairperson Dirk Lukat, front row center, poses with other ECCK committee heads during the White Paper 2022 Press Conference held at the Korea Press Center in Seoul, Wednesday. From the left in the front row, Passenger Vehicles Committee head Kim Hong-joong, EU Ambassador to Korea Maria Castillo-Fernandez, Lukat, ECCK President Christoph Heider and Heavy Duty Commercial Vehicles Committee head Park Gang-serk. From left in the second row, Energy & Environment Committee head Moon Go-young, Food Committee head Karsten Kuehme, Beer, Wine & Spirits Committee head James Paton and Chemical Committee head Hwang Jee-seop. Courtesy of ECCK

By Kim Hyun-bin

The European Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ECCK) is calling on the Korean government to consider revising regulations on electric vehicles (EVs) and other industrial sectors to provide more procedural clarity and flexibility in line with international standards.

The ECCK made the recommendations in its latest annual white paper, which contains a total of 96 comments on regulatory issues across 18 industries, including automotive, energy and environment, chemicals and food, released during a press conference held at the Korea Press Center, Wednesday.

The automotive committee proposed the government make transparent its supply target for EVs and other eco-friendly vehicles to Korea in advance, at least two years before the implementation, to ensure a stable supply of eco-friendly vehicles.

"To ensure a stable supply of electric vehicles and other eco-friendly vehicles to Korea, the Passenger Vehicles Committee has recommended that the government's supply target be decided at least two years in advance," ECCK Passenger Vehicles Committee Chairperson Kim Hong-joong said.

"Another issue is the clarification of certification procedures for EVs which may not address the specific needs, because current procedures have been prepared based on previous internal combustion engine cars. To reduce administrative processes and lead time, an exchange of information and sufficient discussion with industry would be more helpful."

The white paper also noted the need to ease rules on the width of commercial vehicles, from the current limit of 2.5 meters, as opposed to 2.55 meters in Europe, since it remains an obstacle to introducing eco-friendly vehicles such as electric trucks and buses into Korea.

"International standards are becoming more and more important. I hope that we will see the Korean administration take a greater leadership role in the implementation of international standards, or full adherence to them, something which is of key importance to all our member companies,"?ECCK President Christoph Heider said.

In addition, ECCK Chairperson Dirk Lukat said it is "critical" for the Korean government to secure a fair and transparent business environment for European companies to operate in Korea.

"It would be critical for the government to commit to making necessary adjustments to create and ensure a fair and transparent business environment for both Korean and European businesses. Therefore, we hope that this white paper serves as a strong and constructive communication tool for both European business and Korean authorities," Lukat said.

Looking to the future, the ECCK aims to continue forging a stronger, more collaborative relationship with the Korean government to further improve the business environment for foreign investors in Korea, the ECCK said.