Introduction
The global LED lighting industry has experienced significant growth in recent years. China, as a major player in this industry, has witnessed a gradual recovery and expansion of its export market. In 2021, the total export value of the Chinese lighting industry reached $65.47 billion, with LED lighting products accounting for $47.45 billion, setting a new historical record. This success can be attributed not only to the competitive pricing of LED lighting but also to the stringent quality standards and certifications required for international markets.
Export Regulations and Certifications
Let’s explore the specific regulations and certifications necessary for exporting lighting products to three major markets: the United States, the European Union (EU), and Japan.
United States:
Exporting lighting products to the United States generally requires compliance with UL (Underwriters Laboratories) safety standards. Different types of fixtures correspond to different UL standards:
- Seasonal/decorative lighting fixtures require compliance with UL588.
- Portable luminaires need to meet UL153 standards.
- Fixed lighting fixtures should adhere to UL1598 standards.
- Flashlights, battery-operated handheld lamps, and work lights must pass UL1576 standards.
- Nightlights should meet UL1786 standards.
- Light sources/light bulbs require compliance with UL1993 standards.
- Low-voltage garden lights need to adhere to UL1838 standards.
- Track lighting fixtures should conform to UL1574 standards.
- Emergency lights must comply with UL924 standards.
- LED drivers, controllers, and modules need to meet UL8750 standards, among others.
Additionally, if lighting fixtures have wireless radio frequency (RF) remote control, switching, or dimming capabilities, they require relevant RF device certification and FCC (Federal Communications Commission) authorization. Different types of fixtures correspond to different FCC authorization standards:
- LED light source products such as bulbs, light strings, and light strips require compliance with FCC Part 15B.
- High-intensity discharge lamps with gas discharge require FCC Part 18 compliance.
- Lighting fixtures with wireless RF functionality should adhere to FCC Part 15C standards.
European Union:
Exporting lighting fixtures to the European Union necessitates mandatory CE certification, signifying compliance with relevant EU directives. With the progression of Brexit, starting January 1, 2023, the British Isles (including England, Scotland, and Wales) will require UKCA marking, while Northern Ireland can continue to use CE marking. Products requiring third-party certification must display the UKNI mark.
Some specific products require authorization based on relevant directives for promotion, import, or use within the European Union:
- Non-wireless lighting products like bulbs, light strings, light strips, desk lamps, and discharge lamps need EMC Directive 2014/30/EU authorization.
- Lighting products with wireless RF functionality require RED Directive 2014/53/EU authorization.
For plug-in light strings exported to the European market, they must comply with:
- Documents issued by certification bodies indicating that your products have been tested according to the following regulations:
- EN60598-2-20:2010 or EN60598-2-20:2015 for luminaires and string lights.
- BS 1363 (UK only).
- An EC Declaration of Conformity, demonstrating that your product complies with applicable regulations, including but not limited to:
- Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU, referencing EN60598-2-20:2010 or EN60598-2-20:2015.
- Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU.
- Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU (for Bluetooth technology).
- BS 1363 (UK only).
Japan:
Exporting electronic and electrical products like LED lighting fixtures to Japan requires PSE certification, a mandatory safety certification. It is divided into two categories: Class A certification (diamond mark) for internal components and Class B certification (circle mark) for whole lamps. Additionally, RF wireless products require TELEC certification.
- Non-wireless lighting fixtures such as bulbs, light strings, light strips, desk lamps, and discharge lamps require Class B certification.
- Internal components like ballasts and transformers need Class A certification.
- Lighting fixtures with RF wireless functionality require TELEC certification.
LED Luminaire Inspection and Testing
Now, let’s delve into the essential aspects of inspecting and testing LED luminaires to ensure their quality and compliance with standards:
LED Luminaire Appearance Inspection:
- Appearance Requirements: Visually inspect the luminaire from approximately 0.5 meters away to ensure there are no deformations, scratches, wear, paint peeling, or dirt on the housing, lampshade, etc. Confirm that the plug pins are not deformed, and there are no loose parts or unusual sounds when shaking the lamp.
- Dimensional Requirements: Verify that the luminaire’s external dimensions align with the provided drawings.
- Material Requirements: Ensure that the materials used in different parts of the luminaire and their structural designs adhere to the provided drawings.
- Assembly Requirements: Check that all fastening screws on the luminaire’s surface are tightened without any missing components. The edges should be free of burrs and sharp edges, and all connections should be secure without any looseness.
LED Luminaire Performance Requirements:
- Heat Dissipation: LED luminaires should have an effective heat dissipation system to ensure that the aluminum-based circuit board’s temperature does not exceed 65°C during normal operation.
- Over-Temperature Protection: LED luminaires must incorporate over-temperature protection mechanisms to prevent damage from overheating.
- Circuit Anomaly Protection: Install fuses certified by 3C, UL, or VDE in LED luminaires to provide overcurrent protection in the event of circuit anomalies.
- Resistance to LED Abnormal Operation: Each LED series group within the luminaire should be driven by an independent constant current power supply. This constant current circuit should ensure safe operation and stable current even in cases of LED breakdown or short-circuit anomalies.
- Moisture Protection and Breathing Function: Internal circuit boards of LED luminaires should be moisture-proof, and the luminaires should have waterproof and breathable devices to ensure stable operation in case of moisture ingress while allowing moisture to be expelled due to the luminaire’s self-generated heat.
- Total Luminous Flux vs. Energy Consumption: LED luminaires should have a total downward flux-to-energy consumption ratio of ≥56LM/W, indicating their lighting efficiency.
LED Luminaire On-Site Testing:
- Switching Cycles Test: Under rated voltage and frequency, LED luminaires should endure 5000 cycles of switching between on and off states, and they must still function correctly.
- Durability Test: LED luminaires must work continuously for 360 hours in an environment with a temperature of 60°C ± 3°C and a maximum relative humidity of 60%, without forced convection. The luminous flux should not drop below 85% of the initial luminous flux.
- Overvoltage Protection: Test the input overvoltage protection, where the protection device should activate when the input voltage reaches 1.2 times the rated value. Once the voltage returns to normal, the LED luminaire should resume normal operation.
- High and Low-Temperature Operation Test: Conduct tests at temperatures of -25°C and +40°C for 96 ± 2 hours each, ensuring the luminaires remain functional under extreme conditions.
- High-Temperature Test: Place the luminaires at room temperature in a test chamber without packaging and power them on while maintaining a temperature of (40 ± 3)°C. The luminaires should remain powered at rated voltage and frequency for 96 hours, and the timing should begin when the temperature stabilizes. Afterward, disconnect the test chamber’s power, remove the luminaires, and let them recover for 2 hours at room temperature.
- Low-Temperature Operation Test: Place the luminaires at room temperature in a test chamber without packaging and power them on while maintaining a temperature of (-25 ± 3)°C. The luminaires should remain powered at rated voltage and frequency for 96 hours, and the timing should begin when the temperature stabilizes. Afterward, disconnect the test chamber’s power, remove the luminaires, and let them recover for 2 hours at room temperature.
Test Results Assessment:
Inspect the luminaires visually to ensure there are no significant changes in their appearance and structure before and after the tests. The final average illuminance should not be less than 95% of the initial measurement, and the rectangular area deviation in the illuminance distribution diagram should not exceed 10%. Additionally, the length or width of any side of the rectangular area in the illuminance distribution diagram should not deviate by more than 5%, and the angle between the long and short sides of the rectangle should not deviate by more than 5 degrees.
LED Luminaire Packaging Inspection:
- Packaging Material: Ensure that the packaging materials are of high quality and can pass drop tests.
- External Packaging Printing: Check that the external packaging printing is accurate and includes labels, order numbers, net weight, gross weight, model numbers, materials, box numbers, diagrams, origin, company name, address, fragile labels, directional labels, and moisture-proof labels. The font color should be correct, the text and patterns should be clear, and there should be no double imaging. The color of the entire batch should be consistent.
- Dimensional Accuracy: Verify that the packaging dimensions have an error margin of ±1/4 inch, and the folds should align correctly, ensuring accurate material.
- Computer Barcode: Ensure that the barcode complies with requirements and can be scanned correctly.
Conclusion
In the highly competitive LED lighting industry, ensuring the quality and compliance of products with international standards and regulations is paramount. Proper inspection and testing, along with adherence to specific certifications, not only enhance the reliability and safety of LED luminaires but also open doors to global markets, as seen in the flourishing Chinese LED lighting export industry. By meeting these stringent requirements, manufacturers can continue to illuminate the path towards energy-efficient and sustainable lighting solutions worldwide.