IEC 62471 Report: Authoritative Photobiological Safety Certification for Global Lamp Market Access

The IEC 62471 report is the authoritative photobiological safety test certificate for lighting products and a critical technical passport to access global markets, especially the EU market. In accordance with international standards, luminaires are strictly classified into four risk classes based on test data, ranging from the safe Exempt Class to the caution-required High Risk Class.

01 Core of Certification: Why Is the IEC 62471 Report Indispensable?

IEC 62471, whose full name is Photobiological Safety of Lamps and Lamp Systems, is a core safety standard formulated by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Its core objective is straightforward: to scientifically evaluate whether photoradiation emitted by artificial light sources (such as LEDs and fluorescent lamps) may cause harm to the human eyes and skin.

This standard focuses on the intrinsic safety of light itself, breaking down the potential hazards of photoradiation into precise dimensions including retinal blue light hazard, ultraviolet radiation hazard, and infrared radiation hazard.

Based on measured data, the standard categorizes product risks into four distinct classes:Exempt Class, Low Risk Class, Medium Risk Class, and High Risk Class.

For the vast majority of consumer-grade luminaires, the design target should be achieving the Exempt Class or Low Risk Class. This is not only a commitment to consumer health but also a mandatory requirement for product compliance, EU market access, and obtaining CE certification.

02 Comprehensive Testing: What Risks Does the IEC 62471 Test Evaluate?

The IEC 62471 test is a systematic optical measurement process designed to conduct a full-range assessment of the potential biological hazards of photoradiation. It covers a broad wavelength range from 200 nm to 3000 nm, including the ultraviolet, visible light, and infrared regions.

Ultimately, the test report will provide detailed measurement data and a clear risk class determination in accordance with the standard, serving as a scientific basis for the safe use of the product.

03 Samples & Process: How to Initiate and Complete Certification?

Obtaining a compliant IEC 62471 report follows a clear, professional process. Adequate preparation can make the entire process more efficient and effective.

First is sample and document preparation. Generally, laboratory testing requires at least 2 fully functional finished luminaire samples. Meanwhile, you need to prepare the product’s technical specifications, circuit diagrams, and a fully completed test application form.

The official certification process that follows can be summarized in five key steps:

1. Pre-consultation & Solution Confirmation: Communicate with a certification body (e.g., GTG Testing Group) to confirm the product’s test scope, applicable standards, and the overall solution.
2. Sample Submission & Contract Signing: Send the test samples and confirm the entrusted testing contract.
3. Comprehensive Laboratory Testing: The laboratory conducts measurements and evaluations of all photobiological safety items on the samples in accordance with the standard.
4. Report Compilation & Review: Engineers compile a detailed bilingual (Chinese-English) report based on the test data and conduct an internal review.
5. Report Issuance & Delivery: After passing the review, the official IEC 62471 test report is issued and delivered to the client.

As a one-stop solution provider, GTG Testing Group guides clients to efficiently complete each step, and excels at identifying potential issues during the pre-evaluation stage to avoid delays caused by subsequent rectifications.

04 Key Parameters: Detailed Explanation of Test Cycle and Cost

The questions enterprises care most about are the time and cost required for certification. These two parameters are not fixed and are determined by product characteristics.

The test cycle mainly depends on product complexity and laboratory scheduling. A standard IEC 62471 test can usually be completed, with the report issued, in about 5 working days.

For luminaires with particularly complex structures or those requiring evaluation of multiple working modes, the cycle may be extended. For urgent projects, some institutions also offer expedited services.

Regarding cost, there is no unified price for the IEC 62471 test of luminaires. The market price for a single-item test for Retinal Blue Light Hazard is approximately RMB 1,200.

The cost of a complete full-item assessment report is higher. The total cost is mainly affected by the following factors:

• Product type and light source: Testing costs are higher for high-power luminaires with complex spectra.
• Scope of test items: There is a significant cost difference between a full-item assessment and a single blue light hazard test.
• Certification body qualification: Authoritative laboratories with CNAS and other accreditations issue reports with higher international credibility, and their fees reflect their professional value.

05 Applicable Products: Which Luminaires Must Obtain This Report?

The IEC 62471 standard has an extremely wide scope of application, covering almost all artificial light sources and lamp systems excluding lasers.

It mainly includes the following major categories:

• General LED lighting: Such as LED bulbs, tubes, panel lights, downlights, spotlights, grille lights, etc.
• Traditional and special light sources: Including gas discharge lamps such as fluorescent lamps and metal halide lamps, as well as special luminaires for medical, skin care, and plant growth applications.
• Lamp systems and modules: Both complete luminaires and LED modules require assessment.

It is particularly important to note that for luminaires exported to the EU, IEC 62471 (whose EU version is EN 62471) is a mandatory standard for evaluating photobiological safety in CE certification. In addition, when applying for the globally recognized CB certification, LED lamps must also include the IEC 62471 test report.

For a lighting enterprise aspiring to enter the global market, an IEC 62471 report is far more than a simple piece of paper. It is the conclusive proof that the product complies with international safety rules, a protective shield to win customer trust and avoid trade risks, and a reflection of the brand’s technological content and social responsibility. In an increasingly competitive market, this certification has evolved from a value-added bonus to a market access permit, and is a key component of building a product’s core competitiveness.

06 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the difference between an IEC 62471 report and an EN 62471 report?

In essence, they are based on the same technical evaluation standards. IEC 62471 is an international standard, while EN 62471 is its version adopted by the EU. If products are mainly sold to the EU and apply for CE certification, an EN 62471 report is usually issued. The two are identical in testing methods and risk classification, and can be understood as the same technical report applied in different regions.

Q: What is the validity period of the report?

There is no mandatory validity period for the test report itself. However, any changes to the product’s optical design, light source model, brightness output, or key optical components (such as lenses and diffusers) may affect its photoradiation safety characteristics. In such cases, the original report will no longer be representative of the new product, and a re-evaluation or supplementary test must be conducted.

Q: Can the 5-working-day test cycle be expedited?

Yes. 5 working days is a standard cycle. For urgent projects, you can apply for expedited services from the certification body. Expedited testing can usually be completed in 2–3 working days, with a corresponding expedited service fee incurred. It is recommended to clarify your time requirements with the service provider at the start of the project.

Q: What if the test is not passed?

If the test results indicate a high risk class (e.g., Medium Risk Class RG2), this does not mean failure, but a signal that the product needs optimization. A professional certification body (such as GTG Testing Group) will not only provide test data but also analyze the causes of non-compliance (e.g., an excessively high blue light peak in the spectrum, overly concentrated brightness) and provide specific improvement suggestions—such as adjusting the light source color temperature or increasing the diffusion angle. We will assist you in rectifying the product and re-submitting it for testing until it passes.