Introduction: The Lidar Market Enters a Boom Phase in 2026
In 2026, the lidar industry is undergoing a critical transformation from “optional accessory for advanced autonomous driving” to “core infrastructure for spatial intelligence”. According to industry data, in the first quarter of 2026 alone, the total installation volume of lidar in the domestic passenger car market exceeded 985,000 units, with Chinese manufacturers accounting for approximately 89% of the global automotive lidar market share. At the same time, lidar is rapidly expanding from automotive applications to smart transportation, general robotics, security surveillance, and other domain scenarios, with its application boundaries continuing to broaden.
Against this backdrop, as a perception device that actively emits laser radiation, lidar‘s eye safety has become an insurmountable threshold for product compliance and market entry. IEC 60825‑1, as the internationally recognised “gold standard” for laser product safety, is the key passport for lidar products entering global markets.
I. What is IEC 60825‑1 Lidar Eye Safety Testing?
IEC 60825‑1 is the international standard “Safety of laser products – Part 1: Equipment classification and requirements” published by the International Electrotechnical Commission. The current effective version is IEC 60825‑1:2014. Based on parameters such as wavelength, output power, and pulse characteristics, the standard classifies laser products into seven classes: Class 1, 1M, 2, 2M, 3R, 3B, and Class 4 – the higher the class, the greater the potential hazard.
For lidar, the industry generally requires Class 1 compliance, meaning that the device is safe for human eyes under both normal use and single‑fault conditions. Testing requires special attention to the differences between the two mainstream technical approaches: the 1550 nm wavelength, because it is easily absorbed by the cornea and places less burden on the retina, makes it relatively easier to achieve high‑power Class 1 certification; the 905 nm wavelength, on the other hand, requires stricter control of single‑pulse energy to avoid retinal damage risks.
II. Documentation Checklist for IEC 60825‑1 Testing
Before submitting for IEC 60825‑1 testing, manufacturers must prepare the following technical documentation:
Detailed product technical specifications (including wavelength, power, operating mode, etc.)
Circuit schematics and PCB layout diagrams
Laser component specifications (laser diode parameters)
Product structural drawings and dimensional drawings
Compliant laser warning label design drafts
Draft user manual
Bill of materials (BOM)
Applicant/manufacturer information
The more complete the documentation, the smoother the testing process, effectively avoiding delays caused by incomplete documentation.
III. IEC 60825‑1 Testing Process
A standardised IEC 60825‑1 testing process generally consists of five stages:
1. Documentation review: Engineers conduct a preliminary assessment of the laser class and test plan based on the product documentation provided.
2. Engineering verification: In an ISO 17025‑accredited laboratory, precision instruments are used to conduct optical measurements (wavelength, power, pulse characteristics, etc.) and structural safety inspections.
3. Classification: Based on the measured data and the Accessible Emission Limits (AELs) thresholds, the product‘s safety class is formally determined.
4. Label and documentation review: Verify compliance of product laser warning labels and user manuals.
5. Report issuance: After review and verification, an internationally recognised test report is issued, which can be used for EU CE certification, US FDA, and other global certification conversions.
IV. IEC 60825‑1 Testing Timeline and Costs
Timeline: Standard testing typically takes 7‑15 working days; products with complete documentation and simple structures can be shortened to 5‑7 working days; some organisations offer expedited services within 3 working days. If product design defects require corrections, additional re‑testing time will be needed.
Costs: Testing costs are not fixed and depend mainly on laser class, power level, and product complexity. Low‑power consumer modules are relatively less expensive; medium‑ to high‑power industrial or automotive lidar products have higher costs due to more test items and greater technical complexity.
V. Choosing a Testing Body and Shenzhen Zhongwei Inspection
Choosing a third‑party organisation with CNAS, CMA, and ISO 17025‑accredited laboratory qualifications is key to ensuring the credibility of test reports.
Shenzhen Zhongwei Inspection Technology Co., Ltd. (CTNT), as a professional laser product testing and certification body with over ten years of experience in the laser safety field, offers significant advantages:
Comprehensive accreditations: Holds CMA, CNAS, IAS and multiple laboratory accreditations, authorising more than 70 laser‑related standards, with over 120 testing capability parameters.
Advanced hardware: Fully imported testing equipment, with a power measurement range covering pW to 5 kW and pulse measurement down to the picosecond level.
Extensive experience: Over ten years of laser product testing, having served more than 5,000 customers, issued over 5,000 test reports, and accumulated more than 10,000 successful cases.
Comprehensive services: Whether for lasers, laser modules, lidar, or finished laser products, provides one‑stop safety testing and performance parameter testing services.
Conclusion
As the lidar market continues to expand in 2026, IEC 60825‑1 eye safety testing has become an essential requirement for product compliance and market entry. Manufacturers should plan their testing path in advance, choose qualified and experienced testing bodies, and ensure their products enter global markets safely and compliantly.
