1、 Standard positioning and implementation time
GB 44703-2024 "General Requirements for Optical Radiation Safety" is the first top-level mandatory national standard in the field of optical radiation
safety in China. It was jointly released by the State Administration for Market Regulation and the National Standardization Administration on September
29, 2024, and will be officially implemented on October 1, 2026. This standard breaks the previous situation of separating laser and incoherent light
product standards, and uniformly covers laser products in the 180 nm to 1 mm wavelength band and incoherent light products in the 200 nm to 3 μ m
wavelength band. Laser pens, as laser products, are naturally included in its control scope.
2、 Scope of application
The standard is applicable to laser products with a wavelength range of 180 nm to 1 mm, and laser pens belong to the typical category of laser products.
It should be noted that if the laser pointer is used for consumer purposes (teaching demonstrations, office instructions, entertainment, etc.), in addition to
meeting the general requirements of GB 44703-2024, it must also comply with the mandatory national standard GB 46865-2025 "Safety Requirements for
Optical Radiation of Consumer Laser Indicator Products", which has been implemented since July 1, 2026.
3、 Risk classification system
GB 44703-2024 establishes a correspondence between "professional classification" and "general grading". For laser pens, the laboratory needs to determine
their professional level according to GB/T 7247.1 and map it to a general level that is easy for the public to understand:
Exemption level: Corresponding to Class 1 laser, no risk of injury.
Low risk level: Corresponding to Class 1C, 1M, 2, 2M, 3R, short-term scanning is safe, and long-term direct viewing or observation with the help of optical
instruments may cause injury.
Medium risk level: Corresponding to Class 3B, direct viewing of the beam may pose potential harm to the eyes, and some high-power Class 3B may also
have skin hazards.
High risk level: Corresponding to category 4, both direct exposure and diffuse reflection may cause acute harm to the eyes and skin, and there is also a
risk of fire.
4、 Core testing items
The testing of laser pens needs to be conducted in a standard darkroom environment using precision instruments such as spectrometers, laser power
meters, beam analyzers, etc. The main testing contents are as follows.
4.1 Determination of achievable emission limit (AEL)
According to GB/T 7247.1, measure the achievable emission level of laser pens under any reasonably foreseeable usage conditions and compare it with
the corresponding category's AEL limit. If it exceeds the standard, it is necessary to consider downgrading the classification or reducing the achievable
emission level through embedded design.
4.2 Wavelength measurement
Use a spectrometer or wavelength meter to measure the actual emission wavelength of the laser pointer and confirm whether it is within the nominal
range. For consumer laser pens, GB 46865-2025 further limits the wavelength to be within the visible light range of 400 nm to 700 nm.
4.3 Measurement of Transmitting Power/Energy
Measure the maximum output power using a laser power meter to ensure that all light spots fall into the effective receiving surface of the detector, and
record the maximum power value. The power limit is determined based on wavelength and emission duration according to Class 1 AEL, for example, within
the range of 500 nm to 700 nm, the maximum emission power of a single wavelength does not exceed 0.39 mW.
4.4 Measurement of beam divergence angle
Measure the divergence angle of the laser beam to calculate the beam diameter at a specific distance and evaluate the achievable emission level.
4.5 Output Method Verification
Check if the laser output is continuous wave, without flickering or pulse phenomenon. It can be verified by using a photodetector in conjunction with an
oscilloscope, and the waveform should be displayed as a continuous curve without repeated pulse fluctuations.
5、 Identification and document requirements
After passing the inspection, the laser pen product must have two types of markings at the same time. One is professional graphic identification, including
warning signs, prohibition signs, and instruction signs, and indicating laser level, wavelength, and output power; The second is the universal identification,
which adopts a four-color arrow design (green, yellow, orange, red), with the right arrow indicating the actual risk level, making it easy for ordinary consumers
to intuitively identify.
The product manual must include a description of risk level, hazard distance (NOHD), and protective measures. For consumer laser pens, GB 46865-2025 also
requires a rectangular warning mark containing the warning phrase 'Do not stare at the laser' to be prominently affixed on the body.
6、 Engineering Control and Management Requirements
6.1 Engineering Control
Low risk products should be equipped with control switches and clear instructions for use, suitable for households and ordinary places. Products with medium
or higher risk levels require additional safety interlocks, protective covers, and specialized tool maintenance requirements, with restricted usage locations. High
risk products require embedded design, emergency stop devices, and electronic control keys, and are only suitable for use in dedicated control areas.
6.2 Management Control
Enterprises need to incorporate radiation safety management into their occupational health and safety management system, establish radiation safety records,
including training records, protective equipment lists, and emergency plans. Special tools are required for repairing products of Class 3B and above, and a
safety assessment must be conducted again after maintenance.
7、 Testing process
The compliance testing of GB 44703-2024 usually follows the following steps.
Data preparation and pre evaluation: The manufacturer provides product specifications, circuit diagrams, and expected usage environment, and the laboratory
determines the testing plan.
Comprehensive testing: In a standard darkroom, imported precision instruments are used to measure the above-mentioned optical radiation parameters.
Level determination: Compare the measured data with the standard limit values to determine the general risk level and professional laser category of the product.
Report issuance: After passing the test, a laboratory with CMA and CNAS qualifications will issue a test report and assist the enterprise in establishing a light
radiation safety file.
8、 Additional mandatory requirements for consumer laser pens
As mentioned earlier, consumer oriented laser pens must not only comply with GB 44703-2024, but also meet the specific requirements of GB 46865-2025.
The core difference lies in:
Power level: Consumer laser pens are strictly limited to Class 1 laser products, and laser pens with 3R or higher power are prohibited from being sold in the
consumer market.
Structural safety: Continuous pressing switches must be used, and self-locking constant light function is prohibited; Equipped with anti disassembly structure;
The total length of the product must be greater than 8 cm.
Power supply limitation: Battery power must be used, with a rated operating voltage not exceeding 5V.
Child protection: It is strictly prohibited for children under 3 years old to use it. The outer packaging and e-commerce platform must be labeled with clear
safety warnings.
9、 Suggested testing cycle
For conventional laser pen products, the full inspection cycle is approximately 7 to 10 working days. If the initial test fails and requires rectification, retesting
after rectification will take an additional 3 to 5 working days. Considering that GB 44703-2024 will be enforced on October 1, 2026, while GB 46865-2025 has
already been implemented on July 1, 2026, it is recommended that relevant enterprises complete the inspection as soon as possible and reserve sufficient
time for label rectification and inventory digestion.
