Compliance for Exporting Laser Products to the EU

Testing and Certification

Laser products exported to the EU must comply with the EN 60825-1 standard (equivalent to the domestic standard GB 7247.1) for safety testing and CE certification. EN 60825-1 is the safety standard for laser products. Depending on the type of laser in the product, other standards in the EN 60825 series may also apply.

Objective

The primary objective is to protect human health by defining classification and specific safety requirements for laser products, thereby preventing injuries caused by laser radiation.

Scope of Application

This standard applies to the safety of laser radiation from laser products within the wavelength range of 180 nm to 1 mm, including:

- Laser pointers

- Laser marking machines

- Laser cutting machines

- Laser rangefinders

- Laser printers

Laser Classifications

- Class 1: Safe for human eyes and skin under normal usage conditions. It is the safest classification.

- Class 1M: May pose a risk if viewed with magnifying devices such as binoculars or microscopes.

- Class 2: Low-power visible laser (400-700 nm). Exposure shorter than 0.25 seconds is not hazardous, relying on the blink reflex for protection.

- Class 2M: Similar to Class 2 but may pose a risk when optical instruments are used.

- Class 3R: Potentially hazardous to the eyes but safe under controlled conditions, with output power not exceeding 5 mW.

- Class 3B: Hazardous to eyes and skin; direct or reflected beams can cause injury, with output power between 5 mW and 500 mW.

- Class 4: Extremely hazardous to eyes and skin. Even scattered radiation can be dangerous, with output power exceeding 500 mW.

Hazard Assessment

- Ultraviolet hazards to skin and eyes: Assess potential damage from UV radiation, particularly with prolonged exposure.

- Near-ultraviolet eye hazards (315 nm - 400 nm): Evaluate potential risks to the eyes from near-UV radiation.

- Retinal blue-light hazard: Assess potential retinal damage caused by exposure to blue light, particularly from high-intensity laser sources.

- Retinal thermal hazard (780 nm - 1400 nm): Evaluate thermal effects on the retina caused by infrared laser exposure.

- Infrared radiation hazard to eyes (780 nm - 3000 nm): Test for infrared radiation’s impact on the eyes, including potential thermal injuries to eye tissues.

- Thermal hazards to the skin (380 nm - 3000 nm): Assess thermal radiation risks to the skin, such as burns caused by laser exposure.

This summary ensures laser products meet safety and compliance standards for EU markets, safeguarding users from laser-related hazards.