The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 27th that it will operate the 'Certified Transaction Operator Program for Used Phones' and the 'Used Phone Transaction Verification Service' starting May 28 to enhance the credibility of used mobile phone transactions and activate the market.
The 'Certified Transaction Operator Program for Used Phones' is designed to address issues causing consumers to hesitate in purchasing used phones, such as concerns over personal information leakage and confusion over reasonable pricing. Used phone distribution operators that meet certain criteria will be certified as 'trusted transaction operators,' with the Korea Information & Communication (KICC) as the certifying body.
Acquisition operators must establish factory reset or personal information deletion procedures and issue confirmation certificates for personal information deletion. In addition, they must post detailed descriptions by device grade and information on acquisition prices. Selling operators are required to explain whether accessories like chargers are included and provide a performance certificate or warranty that includes information on whether the device has been reset and any reports of loss or theft. Procedures for returns and refunds and guidance on manufacturer after-service are also mandatory. All sales records must be kept for at least one year.
Information about certified operators can be verified on the used device safe transaction website.
The 'Used Phone Transaction Verification Service' was introduced to prevent disputes over ownership between sellers and buyers. Following a used phone transaction, if a seller reports loss or theft for the purpose of receiving insurance payment, the buyer would face the inconvenience of having to respond through civil litigation. If they obtain a 'transaction verification certificate' in advance, they can request the unblocking of use through KICC.
This certificate can be obtained by checking the loss or theft status of the device on the relevant website and entering the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity), model name, transaction date, transaction amount, and other details.
Lee Do-kyu, director of communication policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT, noted, 'If the used phone market is activated, consumers will have a wider choice of devices,' adding, 'Combining used phones with budget mobile plans will be a great help to practical consumers looking to reduce their telecommunications costs.'