Barrier-Free (BF) Living Environment Certification
What is BF Certification?
The Barrier-Free (BF) Living Environment Certification is a system in which a credible institution evaluates and certifies the planning, design, construction, and management of facilities or areas so that not only the socially vulnerable — persons with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women, and children — but also everyone can access, use, and move around without inconvenience.
Relevant Legislation
- Act on Guarantee of Convenience Promotion for Persons with Disabilities, the Elderly, Pregnant Women, etc., Article 10-2
- Enforcement Decree of the same Act, Article 5-2
- Rules on Barrier-Free Living Environment Certification (Joint Ordinance of MOHW & MOLIT)
- BF Certification Review Standards and Fee Standards, etc.
Certification Targets
Mandatory Certification — Parks, newly built buildings, extended buildings (extension as a separate building on the same site), and reconstructed buildings (full reconstruction) falling under Article 10-2 (3) of the Act on Guarantee of Convenience Promotion for Persons with Disabilities, the Elderly, and Pregnant Women must obtain certification. Under Article 10-2 (3), "facilities prescribed by Presidential Decree" means the facilities specified in Tables 2-2 and 2-3 of the Enforcement Decree.
Types & Timing of Application
Preliminary Certification
- Obtained at the building permit stage
- Applied at the project planning or design stage of the facility (building)
Main Certification
- Obtained at the building use-approval stage
- Applied after completion of construction of the facility (building)