[SEOUL] Some passport pouches imported from China and marketed as having Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) blocking capabilities—designed to prevent the skimming of personal data from passports and credit cards—have been confirmed as defective.
The Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) released the results of its safety and labeling assessment of 14 RFID-blocking wallet products on November 11th, amid a surge in "skimming" crimes where credit card information is stolen overseas for fraudulent use.
Defective Blocking Functionality Identified
According to the KCA, the "Compact All-in-One Passport Pouch" imported and sold by 'Yozum Sinsang' (요즘신상), a Chinese product, was found to have its card's RFID chip recognized by a reader, contrary to its advertised function. The product lacked the internal shielding material necessary to reflect electromagnetic waves and prevent personal data theft.
Action Taken: Yozum Sinsang has stopped selling the product and will offer exchanges or refunds for items already sold.
Another Chinese product, the 'Morak Dandel 2 Leather Passport Travel Anti-Skimming RFID Blocking Wallet Cover Case' (모락 단델2 가죽 여권 여행용 안티스키밍 RFID 차단 지갑 커버 케이스), showed partial failure. While the main storage areas had the blocking function, the ticket storage pocket on the back did not.
Action Taken: The relevant company has agreed to accurately specify which storage parts of the product possess the RFID blocking function.
Other Quality and Labeling Issues
The KCA also noted quality control issues in other products:
The "RFID Blocking Leather Passport Case" (RFID 차단 가죽 여권케이스) from a partner of Sanghyun Mall (상현몰) scored a low 2-3 grade in color fastness to rubbing. This indicates a risk of the color bleeding or staining when the case is subjected to friction in a damp state.
Furthermore, labeling standards were poor across the board. Of the 14 products tested, 13 were non-compliant with the Electric Appliances and Household Products Safety Control Act (전기용품 및 생활용품 안전관리법), failing to display necessary information such as material composition ratios or manufacturing dates.
Safety from Harmful Substances Confirmed
On a positive note, the safety of all products was confirmed regarding hazardous substances. All tested products met the relevant standards, applying the safety requirements for household textile and leather products.
KCA Advisory
A KCA official advised consumers to be mindful of how they use these products. "Since the performance of the RFID blocking function can vary depending on the part or direction of the product, it is necessary to use the product in accordance with its intended storage purpose, whether for passports, cards, or tickets," the official stated.
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