How do you understand if the LED strip light you purchase is reliable and of good quality? Simple, check out the certification!
Certificates ensure that the light fixtures are tested and maintain safety standards. To get access to the world market, you need multiple certificates issued by private and government organizations.
As an LED strip manufacturer, I keep in-depth knowledge of the certification you need to reach the targeted market. So, I have listed 30 internationally and nationally recognized certifications that guarantee the quality and safety of LED strip lights.
What Is LED Strip Light Certification?
LED strip certifications are quality, performance, and safety-ensuring certificates recognized by third-party organizations. These certificates assure the reliability of the LED strips. They assert that the LED strip you purchase follows specific standards and is of good quality.
There are some mandatory certifications that all LED strips require to ensure safety and better performance. Besides this, there are some regional-specific certificates that vary for countries. As a buyer, you must look for these certifications to make sure the fixtures are tested and will be durable in the long run.
Classification of LED Strip Certifications
a. Certification For Market Accessibility
Market access means whether the certification is mandatory or optional according to the laws and regulations of a country or region. Market access is divided into mandatory and optional/voluntary.
- Mandatory Certifications
Mandatory certifications are legal and must-have certifications required to sell LED strips in any country or particular region. The most common mandatory certifications for LED strips are – FCC, CE, RoHS, and Ecodesign Directive. However, all regional certifications also fall under mandatory certificates. You must have them to legalize the product in those specific regions.
- Optional Certifications
Optional certifications are not mandatory, but the manufacturer has them to justify product quality. ELT and CE are popular examples of optional certifications that most LED strip light suppliers or manufacturers prioritize.
b. Certification Requirements For LED Strip Operation
To determine the quality, safety, proper operation, and longevity of the LED strip lights, one must have some certifications. These are as follows:
- Safety
- Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
- Energy Efficiency
- Environmental Considerations
- Durability and Performance
- Product Documentation and Traceability
c. Region Specific Certification
While selling your LED strips to any country or region, you must fulfill the standard requirements for that area. These are mandatory certifications for those specific regions. If you can’t meet the standard or don’t have these certifications, you won’t be able to do business with those countries. Here, I have listed some regional certifications for LED strip lights:
| Certification | Region Of Application |
| FCC Certification | US |
| CE certification | European Union (EU) |
| CCC Certification | China |
| SAA Certification | Australia |
| BIS | India |
| SABER | Saudi Arabia |
| PSE | Japan |
30 Certifications Of LED Strips You Need To Know
| Sl. | Certificate Name | Applicable Area | Mandatory or Voluntary | Requirement |
| 1 | UL Certification | United States | Voluntary | Safety |
| 2 | CE Certification | European Union | Mandatory | LVD and EMC tests |
| 3 | UKCA | United Kingdom | Mandatory | LVD and EMC tests |
| 4 | VDE | Germany | Voluntary | Safety |
| 5 | ETL Certification | United States | Voluntary | Safety |
| 6 | FCC Certification | United States | Mandatory | EMC |
| 7 | cULus Certification | Canada | Voluntary | Safety |
| 8 | RoHS Certification | European Union | Mandatory | Directive (EU) 2015/863 |
| 9 | Ecodesign Directive | European Union | Mandatory | Directive 2009/125/EC |
| 10 | CCC Certification | China | Mandatory | Safety |
| 11 | SAA Certification | Australia | Mandatory | Safety |
| 12 | PSE Certification | Japan | Mandatory | Safety; EMC |
| 13 | BIS Certification | India | Mandatory | Safety |
| 14 | EAC Certification | Russia | Mandatory | Safety |
| 15 | SABER Certification | Saudi Arabia | Mandatory | Safety |
| 16 | CB Certification | Worldwide | Voluntary | Safety; EMC |
| 17 | Energy Star | United States | Voluntary | Energy efficiency |
| 18 | NOM | Mexico | Mandatory | Safety |
| 19 | INMETRO | Brazil | Mandatory | Safety |
| 20 | JIS Certification | Japan | Mandatory | EMC |
| 21 | REACH Certification | European Union | Mandatory | Safety |
| 22 | ErP Certification | European Union | Voluntary | Energy efficiency |
| 23 | LM80 Certification | Worldwide | Voluntary | Lumen Maintenance and Lifespan |
| 24 | EN62471 Certification | Worldwide | Mandatory | Photobiological safety |
| 25 | IECEE Certification | Worldwide | Voluntary | Safety |
| 26 | ISO9001:2015 Certification | Worldwide | Voluntary | Quality management |
| 27 | Waterproof Certifications | Worldwide | Voluntary | Safety |
| 28 | NRTL Certification | United States | Mandatory | Safety |
| 29 | CQC Certification | China | Mandatory | Safety |
| 30 | TÜV SÜD Certification | Worldwide | Voluntary | Safety |
1. UL Certification
UL is a world-renowned safety certification company. It was founded in 1894 as the Underwriters’ Laboratories of America. UL is best known for its safety certification of electrical products. Today, UL certifies products in more than 100 countries.
2. CE Certification
CE stands for “Conformité Européenne” and is a certificate that assures the compliance of a product with European Union health, safety, and environmental protection standards. The CE mark is affixed to products by their manufacturers and must be present on products sold in the EU. The CE mark indicates to consumers that a product has been assessed and found to meet all relevant EU health, safety, and environmental protection requirements. CE certification includes EMC and LVD.
a. CE-EMC Certification
European Community regulations govern CE EMC certification. It deals with the electromagnetic compatibility of electronic products, including LED strip lights. The rules for examining the products to provide CE-EMC certification are set as per Directive 2014/30/EU. However, this certification is not mandatory for products that don’t emit electromagnetic waves. To design the LED strip according to CE-EMC certification, you must mention the accurate electromagnetic radiation level in the documentation. It is also required to maintain the declaration for at least ten years and also warn about the possible hazards of the product.
b. CE-LVD Certification
CE-LVD Certification is a critical quality assurance certification required to access the European Union’s market. Here, LVD stands for Low Voltage Directive. This certification is designed for electrical equipment whose voltage falls under the range of 75 – 1,500 volts for DC and 50 – 1,000 volts for AC. Besides lighting products, CE-LVD certification is applicable to phones, laptops, chargers, kitchen appliances, etc.
3. UKCA Certification
UKCA (U.K. Conformity Assessed) certification is the standard for accessing the market of Great Britain or the U.K. You can say it’s a replacement for the C.E. certification of the European Union. To sell your LED strips in the U.K., you must have a UKCA marking or label on your product/documentation/ packaging. It ensures that the fixture is safe and is avoided by the rules and laws of the U.K.
4. VDE Certification
The VDE (Verband der Elektrotechnik, Elektronik und Informationstechnik) is a regional certification for Germany and other European countries. This certification guarantees electromagnetic compatibility, electrical safety, protection against hazards and shock, mechanical stability etc. However, it’s not a mandatory certificate, yet you can have it to stay ahead of your competitors.
5. ETL Certification
ETL or Electrical Testing Laboratories certification is a trademark for North American safety standards. Intertek Testing Laboratories govern this certification. It provides assurance, testing, inspection, and certification services for a huge range of industries. This ETL mark is accepted in both the U.S. and Canada, so you must have this certification to target this market.
6. FCC Certification
An FCC certificate is an official document that is issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States. This document confirms that a product or piece of equipment meets all of the applicable FCC requirements and has been tested and certified by an accredited laboratory. In order to obtain an FCC certificate, a manufacturer or distributor must submit a completed application to the FCC and pay the applicable fees.
7. cULus Certification
The cULus certificate is a safety certification that the United States and Canadian governments recognize. The cULus certificate indicates that a product has been tested and meets the safety requirements of both countries. Many products, including appliances and electrical equipment, require the cULus certificate in order to be sold in the United States and Canada.
8. RoHS Certification
The Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, or RoHS certificate, is a directive passed by the European Union in 2006. This restricts the use of certain hazardous materials in electrical and electronic equipment. The directive requires that all products sold in the EU meet certain environmental criteria, and one way to demonstrate compliance is to obtain a RoHS certificate.
9. Ecodesign Directive
The Ecodesign Directive is a certificate that is issued by the EU. It is designed to help reduce the environmental impact of products. The directive sets out specific requirements for the design of products in order to make them more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
10. CCC Certification
Certificate of Conformity of China (CCC) is a mandatory certification system for products sold in the Chinese market. The CCC mark is a sign of quality and safety, and products with the mark are guaranteed to meet Chinese standards.
The CCC certification process is rigorous, and only products that pass all tests are awarded the mark. Manufacturers must submit detailed product information, including test results and safety data sheets, to a government-approved testing lab. Products are then tested against Chinese safety standards.
The CCC mark is recognized throughout China, and products with the mark can be sold anywhere in the country. The certification is also accepted in some other Asian countries, such as Taiwan and South Korea.
11. SAA Certification
SAA is the abbreviation of the Standards Association of Australia, which is the institution that sets Australian standards. As a standard-setting body, SAA was renamed Standards Australia in 1988 and changed to a limited company in 1999 called Standards Australia International Limited. SAI is an independent joint stock company. There is no so-called SAA certification. However, because Australia does not have a unified certification mark and is the only certification body, many friends refer to the Australian product certification as SAA certification.
12. PSE Certification
Public Service Enterprise (PSE) certificates are an essential part of doing business in Japan. Introduced in 2002, PSE certificates are mandatory for companies that want to provide goods or services to the Japanese government.
To get a PSE certificate, a company must prove that it is trustworthy and has good business practices. This is done by submitting financial reports and other documentation to the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
Once a company has been approved, it will be issued a PSE certificate. The certificate is valid for three years, after which the company must reapply.
A PSE certificate is important because it shows that a company is reliable and can be trusted to do business with the Japanese government. It also helps companies build credibility with potential customers in Japan.
13. BIS Certification
The BIS certificate is an important document that was issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in 1947. It is a certificate of conformity that confirms that the product or material mentioned in the certificate conforms to the Indian standard. The BIS certificate is mandatory for all products or materials that are sold in India.
The BIS certificate is also recognized internationally, and it is accepted in many countries. Manufacturers who want to export their products to other countries must obtain a BIS certificate. The BIS certificate helps to ensure that the products meet the quality standards of other countries.
14. EAC Certification
The Customs Union Certificate of Conformity (EAC certificate) is an official document confirming the conformity of the quality of production with the approved standards within the Customs Union region. The EAC Certificate can be used to export goods to any one of Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, or Kazakhstan. The certificate is also valid in each country’s territory.
Typically, the certificate of the Customs Union is issued for partial or serial production. In case the certificate is issued with a validity period of more than one year, audits must be conducted not less than once a year. The EAC Certificate is issued with a maximum validity period of 5 years. The Customs Union Certificate of Conformity is the easiest way to enter the markets of Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan at the same time.
15. SABER Certification
SABER is an electronic platform that helps local suppliers and factories gain access to the Saudi market. It registers the required conformity certificates electronically for consumer products, whether imported or locally manufactured, to fit Saudi standards. The platform also aims to raise the level of safe products in the Saudi market.
A SASO( Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization) CoC is a Certificate of Conformity that is specific to Saudi Arabia. This document certifies that the item has been successfully tested and inspected to meet the country’s quality and safety standards. The SASO certificate acts as a passport for the goods to clear customs.
16. CB Certification
The IEC CB Scheme is a multilateral agreement to allow international certification of electrical and electronic products. Thus, with a single certification, you can gain access to the worldwide market. This brings the concept of ‘one product, one test, one mark, where applicable.’
17. Energy Star
Energy Star certification ensures the energy efficiency of the LED strip. This certification is provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This blue energy star labeling is used on 75 different energy-efficient product categories, including light fixtures. Purchasing LED strips with Energy Star certification ensures your fixture consumes the least energy and is highly efficient.
18. NOM
NOM stands for “Norma Oficial Mexicana,” which means Official Mexican Standard. It is a standard set by the Mexican government to ensure product performance, safety, and quality. For LED lighting, the NOM certification standard is NOM-001-SCFI-2018. You need to send the LED strip to an accredited laboratory in Mexico; they will test the fixture, and if it qualifies, they will provide you with the NOM-001-SCFI-2018 certification. This certification is mandatory if you want to sell your LED lights in Mexico. It ensures safe thermal performance, insulation, shockproofing, mechanical strength, etc.
19. INMETRO
INMETRO stands for National Institute of Metrology, Standardization, and Industrial Quality. It is a Brazilian standard to test consumer goods and electrical products, including LED strip lights. The Certificate Body TÜV SÜD provides INMETRO certifications. To obtain this certificate, you need to go through five steps-
- Product safety test conducted by TÜV SÜD
- Factory inspection
- Technical analysis and documentation of your LED strips
- Proof of compliance
- Conducting regular certificate maintenance tasks- test & factory surveillance
20. JIS
JIS, or Japanese Industrial Standards, is a regional certification for Japan. Maintaining this standard is essential to sell your products to Japan. JIS certification covers a wide range of product categories, such as automotive engineering, railway engineering, chemical, mechanical engineering, electronic and electrical engineering, ceramics, domestic wares, and more. To get a JIS certification for LED strip lights, you will need to send your sample for a test. The authority or JISC (Japanese Industrial Standards Committee) will also have a factory visit. Here are the steps for obtaining JIS certification:
| Initial Conformity Assessment | Certification Maintenance Surveillance | Product Example | ||
| Product Testing | Factory Audit | |||
| General Certification | Sample Test | Yes | Yes | Mass-produced Products |
| Lot Certification (1) | Sample Test | Yes | No | Imported lots, Limited products |
| Lot Certification (2) | Test for all items | Possible to omit | No | Imported lots, Limited Products |
21. REACH Certification
REACH Certification stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals. The European Union regulates it to protect the environment and human health. This certification deals with the use of chemicals and their impact on the environment. For LED strips, the Certification Body will analyze the chemicals used in the production of the fixture and provide a certificate if your fixtures qualify for all the standards. Having this certificate is essential to access the EU market and safeguard human health and the environment. This will further save you from regulatory fines and litigation.
22. ErP Certification
ErP ((Energy-related Products) is another certification regulated by the EU. It deals with the energy efficiency of the LED lights, including LED strips. Erp certification promotes energy-saving and environmental sustainability. It aims to create awareness regarding low power consumption and carbon footprints. Thus, having ErP certification for your LED strips will help you create an environment-friendly product.
23. LM80 Certification
LM80 certification deals with the longevity of the LED strip lights. Here, LM stands for ‘Measuring Lumen Maintenance of LED Light Sources.’ It determines the light’s performance, like color shifts, lumen output, etc., over time. The lifespan of the LED strip is determined with the LM80 test. Your LED strip lights need to pass through tests under different temperatures for at least 6,000 hours to obtain this certification. Thus, purchasing an LM80-compatible LED strip ensures the durability, longevity, and constant performance of the LEDs.
24. EN62471 Certification
EN62471 certification concerns the photobiological safety of the LEDs. It measures the optical radiation emitted by LED lights and its effect and potential risk. Having an EN62471 certification ensures your LED strips are safe against actinic UV, UV-A, blue light, eye IR, skin thermal, retinal thermal, etc.
25. IECEE Certification
IECEE stands for ‘International Electrotechnical Commission System for Conformity Testing and Certification of Electrical Equipment.’ It is an international standard to ensure the safety and good performance of the products. With this certification, you will get access to the global market to sell your LED strip lights. National Certification Bodies (NCBs) operate tests for the provided sample. The tests in the laboratory are accomplished in three steps- type tests, routine taste, and field tests.
26. ISO9001:2015 Certification
ISO9001:2015 Certification deals with quality management. It is the most used quality management standard followed worldwide. To have this certification, you need to prove that you offer a quality product to your customers. The LED strip must meet the regulatory standards and customer requirements. By showing this certificate, you can gain customers’ trust in the quality of your LED strip. This will also solve the issues of customer complaints regarding performance and efficiency.
27. Waterproof Certifications
Waterproof certification is essential for outdoor LED strips. These certificates are given based on IP ratings like- IP65/IP66/IP68, etc. The LED strip needs to go through different levels of water resistance tests. The manufacturers themselves can conduct these tests and offer test reports to the customer for assurance.
28. NRTL Certification
NRTL certification gives you access to the U.S. market. It stands for Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory, organized by OSHA. NRLT is a national standard for the products that are to be used in the U.S. With this certificate; you can reach millions of customers to sell your product by ensuring the LED strips meet the standard requirements.
29. CQC Certification
China Quality Certification Centre (CQC) is a certification approved by the Chinese government. It is well-recognized by international authorities and foreign governments. CQA is now an industry-leading quality service in China. Under this, 360 national standards like the CB certificate are drafted and released.
30. TÜV SÜD Certification
TÜV SÜD Certification is an internationally recognized German-based trademark for LED lights. This marking clarifies that a third-party organization, TÜV SÜD, has tested the LED strip lights. This test covers the photobiological safety of LEDs and various regulations and standards, e.g., Regulation (EU) No. 1194/2012, etc.
Importance of LED Strip Certification
Safety Assurance
Certifications ensure that the LED strip has gone through rigorous tests. This includes a photobiological test, electromagnetic field test, chemical test, and more. Thus, you can ensure that the fixture you purchase is safe for human health and the environment.
Compliance with Standards
Manufacturing your LED strips from companies that have certifications ensures maintenance of the standard regulations and quality. The LED strips that comply with the standard are ideal for global business. They guarantee that they meet the customer’s requirements and thus build reliability on the LED strip.
Improved Product Quality
While applying for any certification, the LED strip needs to pass multiple tests. This process lets you point out the weaknesses or negative aspects of the fixture and improve them accordingly. This way, you can enhance the quality and output of the lighting.
Product Differentiation
You can outstand your competitors by providing certifications for LED strips. This allows the customer to differentiate your products from the competitors. Having more certification is always a plus point. This helps the buyer to trust your product more and ensures quality.
Access to Target Markets & Successful Import
To access a specific market, you must have regional certifications in those areas. So, if you have multiple regional certifications, global businesses will definitely select you to manufacture LED strips. For example- with a CE certificate, you can market your product in Europe. Again, to target the United States, you must have the FCC certifications. This way, regional certificates aid in successfully importing and accessing all possible markets.
Building Trust and Reputation
Certification is provided by international and globally recognized bodies. Besides, the LED strip needs to go through a third-party test to achieve this certification. This is where trust builds in product quality. While purchasing LED strips from any manufacturer, you can directly ask for copies of certification and test reports.
How To Get An LED Strip Certification? – Get UL Certified
Step 1: Visit the UL website and find the “Contact Us” page.
You can find links to all relevant information and forms for submitting product samples to UL testing here.
Step 2: Submit a sample product for UL to test.
The organization that obtains UL certification needs to prepare samples according to the requirements of UL certification and should pay the transportation fee when sending samples.
Step 3: UL began to evaluate samples in various aspects.
When UL receives your sample product, they will begin a safety evaluation. After UL has tested a product, it will be considered compliant with the standards and requirements or rejected for non-compliance.
Step 4: For manufacturers, UL requires factory inspection.
For manufacturers, UL will arrange for staff to inspect the factory on-site. UL certification can only be obtained by simultaneously passing product testing and factory inspection.
Step 5: Obtained UL certification.
After the product is verified as safe and a factory inspection pass(if needed), a certificate will be issued by UL.
Your business will then be authorized to place the UL logo on the manufactured product. Audits will be performed intermittently to ensure the product keeps to the relevant guidelines and remains compliant with the UL standards.
Things To Know Before Applying For a LED Strip Certificate
List Down the Required Certifications For The Targeted Market
Firstly, you need to note down which market you are targeting to sell your LED strip lights. Different regions have specific standards that you need to fulfill to get access to those markets. For instance, if you want to sell your product in Saudi Arabia, you must have a SABER certification. Again, CCC certification is mandatory for China, and BIS is mandatory for India. This way, you need to have the certification on a business location basis.
Technology & Machinery Required To Pass Test
When you apply for any certification, the Certification Body examines your factory and considers the equipment or machinery you use for production. Some certifications may require having an environment chamber, surge test equipment, waterproof chamber, IES Laboratory, Temp & Humi Test Chamber, etc. Therefore, while applying for multiple certificates simultaneously (such as CCC+ energy-saving certification and CCC+ CB), you must consider them carefully.
Know The Quality Standards For The Certification
To run the sample for testing, you need to pay a fee to the Certification Body. So, if the test fails, it’s a complete waste of money. You will need to develop the product and pay fees again for retesting. That is why it is essential to know about all the requirements like product range, unit classification, testing plan, quality assurance, and other parts. This will increase the chances of passing the certification test.
Time Limit of The Certification
Certifications have an expiry date and need to be renewed after a specific period. CE, UL, and RoHS are usually valid as long as you do not make any changes in design or material. However, PSE and CCC require annual renewal to meet compliance. Therefore, check your certification’s validity and keep them updated to avoid losses.
FAQs
Wrapping Up
Though applying for certification is time-consuming, they are crucial to build trust and reliability. Customers look for these certificates before purchasing LED strips, and having them builds reliability & trust. Besides, with these certificates, you can successfully approach the global market and gain access to worldwide business.
LEDYi has UL, ELT, CB, CE, RoHS, LM80, and more certifications for LED strip lights. So, if you are looking for international standards LED strip lights that ensure safety, quality, and performance, definitely LEDYi LED strip lights are the best choice!
