U.S. electric vehicle maker Tesla Motors has begun procedures to start selling in South Korea, beginning with its 90D version of the Model S sedan.

According to industry sources and Seoul's Environment Ministry on Thursday, the U.S. firm on Tuesday filed for emission and noise certifications for the Model S 90D with the National Institute of Environmental Research.

The institute is the state agency in charge of certification exams on auto emissions and noise levels. All new cars to be released in South Korea must meet related standards stipulated in the domestic law.

Tesla has so far filed certifications for the Model S 90D only, but it is believed to do the same, in phases, for other trim levels of the Model S or its Model X sports-utility vehicle.