To install an unmanned kiosk in a store, we first need to confirm whether it falls under the obligation to install barrier-free kiosks per the "Act on the Prohibition of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities." Additionally, we need to check if there are any specific regulations from local government ordinance in the area where it will be installed. Only after examining whether the unmanned device we wish to purchase requires KC certification and electrical safety inspection under the "Enforcement Rules of the Electrical Appliances and Consumer Goods Safety Control Act," can we proceed with the purchase. This can be burdensome for small business owners to verify individually.
Choi Seung-jae, the Small and Medium Enterprises Ombudsman, held a "2025 Daegu-Gyeongbuk Region Small Business On-Site Meeting" at the Daegu Trade Center on the 4th, where he listened to local small businesses' requests regarding regulations and difficulties. During the meeting, issues regarding the complex regulations and administrative burdens faced when introducing unmanned information terminals for small businesses were raised.
In response to the Ombudsman's suggestions, the Ministry of Health and Welfare said it would provide a comprehensive guideline that organizes the necessary regulations and permitting matters for the installation and operation of unmanned devices by small businesses, after consulting with related ministries. The guideline is expected to include practical information such as permitting requirements and checklists.
During the meeting, there were also opinions expressed that flexible application is needed for the mandatory attachment of Internet of Things (IoT) measuring devices in small business sites under the "Air Quality Preservation Act."
According to the current regulations, for business sites where the total amount of air pollutant emissions is less than 10 tons (t) per year, it is necessary to attach IoT measuring devices to verify the proper operation of emission facilities and prevention facilities during operation. This is to monitor key indicators in real time, such as current, pressure, pH, and temperature, to ensure that pollutants are treated according to appropriate standards.
The representative of a glasses frame manufacturing company, A, said, "Due to the characteristics of the coating process for glasses frames, if the prevention facilities are not operating, dust and other substances adhere to the product surface, resulting in defects, so the prevention facilities must effectively always be in operation. If small business sites have to install measuring devices at their own expense, the additional long-term maintenance costs will create a significant financial burden."
In response, the Ministry of Environment remarked, "According to the IoT measuring device installation and operation guidelines, if it can be proven that the emission facilities and prevention facilities must always operate simultaneously, exemptions for the attachment of current meters can be applied for emission facilities only." They further stated, "To reduce the financial burden of IoT measuring device installation costs for small businesses and to mitigate air pollutants, we are implementing a support program for IoT measuring devices in small business sites."
Additionally, the participants proposed relaxing eligibility requirements for employment insurance for self-employed individuals, easing regulations for corporate supermarket franchises, improving regulations for reducing and expanding traditional market areas, and enhancing the criteria for issuing startup business certificates.
Choi Seung-jae, the Small and Medium Enterprises Ombudsman, stated, "It was a meaningful occasion to understand the difficulties faced by small business owners and to seek policy improvements that reflect their voices," and added, "We will continue to do our best to create an environment where small businesses can focus solely on management."