Table of Contents
- What Is Factory Registration?
- Who Must Register?
- Zoning and Location Requirements
- Required Documents
- Application and Inspection Process
- Common Rejection Reasons
- FAQ
1. What Is Factory Registration?
Factory registration (공장등록) is a legal requirement for manufacturing facilities exceeding 500 m² of floor area. It is managed by local city or county offices under the Factory Establishment Act.
2. Who Must Register?
- Any manufacturing facility with ≥500 m² total floor area
- Facilities in industrial complex zones regardless of size
- New constructions and existing facilities changing product categories
3. Zoning and Location Requirements
- Industrial zones (준공업지역, 공업지역) are automatically eligible
- Commercial and residential zones: manufacturing is restricted
- Agricultural land requires land-use change before factory construction
4. Required Documents
- Factory registration application
- Architectural drawings (floor plan, elevation)
- Building permit or completion inspection certificate
- Business registration certificate
- Environmental permit (if applicable)
- Fire safety inspection certificate
5. Application and Inspection Process
- Submit application to local city/county factory registration office
- Document review (7–14 days)
- On-site inspection by local officials
- Factory registration certificate issued
- Register with the factory information system (FAIS)
6. Common Rejection Reasons
- Facility located in a non-permitted zone
- Missing or incomplete architectural drawings
- Outstanding building code violations
- Environmental permit not yet obtained
FAQ
Q. Is factory registration the same as business registration?
A. No. Factory registration (with local government) and business registration (with the tax office) are separate processes. Both are required.
Q. Can I operate before registration is complete?
A. Operating a facility that requires factory registration without one can result in fines and mandatory closure orders.
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