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Busan Metropolitan City Expands Support for Overseas Certification and Intellectual Property Acquisition to Address Non-Tariff Barriers

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) and the Busan Economic Promotion Agency announced that they will expand for the second consecutive year their support program for overseas certification acquisition and intellectual property rights to help local small and medium-sized enterprises respond to non-tariff barriers.

Last year (2025), the city supported 32 cases across 25 local SMEs through this program, including 15 cases of overseas certification acquisition, 14 trademark applications, and 3 patent applications.

As the scope of support was expanded from Greater China and ASEAN regions to all regions, the program recorded a competition ratio of 2.4 to 1, indicating strong demand from companies. In evaluations conducted among participating companies, satisfaction with outcomes scored a perfect 7.0 out of 7.0, while service quality received a score of 6.98, confirming a high level of satisfaction.

By support category, overseas certification accounted for the largest share with 15 cases. In particular, there was strong demand for classification certification in the shipbuilding equipment sector, reflecting the overseas certification needs of key regional industries.

Additionally, obtaining ISO-related certifications (such as quality, environmental, and anti-corruption standards) contributed to enhancing external credibility and sustainability evaluations, thereby strengthening export competitiveness.

In the field of intellectual property, 14 trademark applications (including those under the Madrid System) were filed, indicating high demand for overseas brand protection. Three patent applications were pursued using global rights strategies such as PCT international patent filings.

A participating company stated that by obtaining classification certification, it secured eligibility to bid for large overseas projects and is now preparing to expand orders by strengthening production line operations, quality response capabilities, and workforce in manufacturing and quality management.

Another company reported that it is now challenging for the CES Innovation Awards—previously avoided due to concerns about product disclosure—after filing a trademark application in the United States.

Based on these achievements, the city plans to increase the project budget and expand the scale of support in 2026 so that more local companies can pursue overseas certification and intellectual property acquisition.

Selected companies will receive package-type support covering overseas certification acquisition as well as applications for trademarks, patents, designs, and utility models.

Under the support scheme, participating companies will first pay the costs upfront. After verification of results and supporting documents, 80 percent of the expenses will be reimbursed, with support provided for up to two cases per company and a total cap of KRW 6 million.

Companies wishing to participate may apply via the Busan export platform (http://trade.bepa.kr) by March 30.

To expand market entry opportunities, additional points will be given to new participants and beginner exporters, while companies that have received support three or more times will be excluded to ensure fairness in support distribution.

Kim Bong-cheol, Assistant Mayor of Digital Economy Office, stated, “As uncertainties in the international landscape, including rising tensions in the Middle East, continue to grow, external trade risks are increasing simultaneously. This is a critical time to support SMEs that are vulnerable to such changes. We will proactively support the acquisition of certification and intellectual property rights—essential infrastructure for overseas transactions—so that local companies do not miss export opportunities amid these changing conditions.”