Laser pointers are portable laser-emitting devices widely used for teaching demonstrations, business presentations and outdoor guidance. However, high-power laser pointers can cause irreversible eye injuries upon misuse, leading to continuously tightened EU regulations for such products.
Since September 2024, the new standard EN 50689 for consumer laser products has been enforced mandatorily. To enter the EU market, laser pointers are no longer qualified merely by complying with EN 60825-1; they must additionally meet the special requirements specified in EN 50689. For manufacturers planning to export laser pointers to the EU, dual-standard testing to EN 60825-1 + EN 50689 has become a mandatory compliance threshold.
1. Overview of the Standard Framework: Relationship Between EN 60825-1 and EN 50689
EN 60825-1 is the EU-adopted fundamental safety standard for laser products, corresponding to international standard IEC 60825-1. It specifies laser product classification, safety requirements, labelling and user information. All laser products intended for the EU market must first comply with this standard.
EN 50689:2021 is a supplementary safety standard developed by the EU exclusively for consumer laser products, titled Safety of laser products – Particular requirements for consumer laser products. It complements, rather than replaces, EN 60825-1. Products shall satisfy EN 60825-1 first before meeting the extra requirements of EN 50689.
Mandatory Implementation Timeline: Per EN 60825-1:2014/A11:2021, consumer laser products must comply with EN 50689 after its release. The radiation safety requirements of EN 50689 entered into force on 27 September 2024. This means for laser pointers classified as consumer laser products exported to the EU, testing to EN 50689 is compulsory.
2. Special Positioning of Laser Pointers within the Standard System
Laser pointers fall under one of the most strictly regulated product categories under EN 50689.
Definition of consumer laser products: Products incorporating a laser, intended for use by ordinary consumers (non-professional users), or products that may be used by consumers under reasonably foreseeable conditions even if not originally designed for them. Laser pointers clearly belong to this scope.
Laser Class Restrictions: Under EN 50689 and latest EU regulatory requirements, laser pointers are only permitted to be Class 1 and Class 2, with a maximum allowable power of 1 mW. Class 1M and 2M are explicitly excluded for laser pointers. If a laser pointer is classified as Class 3R or higher under EN 60825-1, it cannot meet EN 50689 compliance and is prohibited from sale in the EU market.
EU Regulatory Stance: The German Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) has stated that high-power laser pointers present safety risks from a radiation protection perspective. The new standard strengthens consumer protection, especially for children and adolescents.
3. Core Test Items
Laser Classification Verification (Foundation under EN 60825-1)Laser pointers are classified in accordance with EN 60825-1:2014/A11:2021. Parameters including output power, wavelength and pulse characteristics are measured to determine whether the product falls into Class 1, Class 2 or higher categories. Class 2 (visible light, ≤1 mW) is the common target grade for laser pointers, while Class 1 offers higher safety margin.
Consumer Grade Compliance Assessment (Core of EN 50689)Compliance evaluation of consumer laser product grades following EN 50689. Only Class 1 and Class 2 laser pointers are acceptable. Products classified Class 3R or above will be deemed non-compliant with EN 50689 and ineligible for CE marking.
Child Attractiveness AssessmentEN 50689 sets extra requirements for consumer laser products attractive to children. If the shape, colour or functions of a laser pointer may attract children to use it, the laser classification must be Class 1 (Class 2 is not allowed). Testing assesses whether the product carries child-attracting features and verifies matching laser class requirements.
Accessible Radiation TestAccessible laser radiation levels are measured at all accessible positions to ensure they do not exceed maximum radiation limits defined in Table A.5 of EN 60825-1:2014. For Class 1/2 consumer products, it is also verified that laser radiation does not exceed the declared laser class during user maintenance.
Labelling and Instruction Manual ReviewOn top of EN 60825-1 labelling requirements, EN 50689 adds the following obligations:
Mark the standard number EN 50689:2021 on labels
Mark the product as a consumer laser product
For non-laser-pointer Class 3R products, the manual shall contain additional safety statements; laser pointers are restricted from Class 3R and this clause does not apply.
4. Certification Process & Lead Time
Product Evaluation: Confirm whether the product is a consumer laser product, assess child attractiveness and preliminarily estimate laser class.
Technical Document Preparation: Collate product specifications, circuit diagrams, optical parameters, label drafts and user manuals.
Sample Testing: Perform laser classification and optical parameter measurement per EN 60825-1; carry out consumer grade compliance judgment, child attractiveness assessment and accessible radiation testing per EN 50689.
Rectification & Optimisation: If laser power exceeds limits, redesign by reducing output power to achieve Class 1/2 classification.
Test Report Issuance: After passing testing, a dual-standard test report with CNAS or CMA accreditation for EN 60825-1 + EN 50689 will be issued.
Testing Lead Time: Standard turnaround takes 5–10 working days, subject to product complexity and required rectification work.Testing Cost: Fees vary by product type and test scope. Dual-standard assessment covers full evaluation against two standards. It is recommended to confirm pricing with the testing laboratory in advance.
5. Shenzhen CTNT Testing Technology Co., Ltd.
Shenzhen CTNT Testing Technology Co., Ltd. (CTNT) is an authoritative third-party laboratory focusing on laser product testing and certification, holding CMA accreditation and CNAS recognition. We have rich experience in EN 60825-1 and EN 50689 testing for laser pointers and other consumer laser products.
Our laboratory is equipped with high-precision laser power meters and spectrum analysis instruments covering visible wavelength bands, capable of full testing including laser classification, output power measurement, child attractiveness assessment and EN 50689 compliance judgement.
Our testing scope covers EN 60825-1:2014/A11:2021 and EN 50689:2021. Besides test reports, we provide technical document consultancy for EU CE marking, delivering one-stop services covering testing and product rectification, helping manufacturers gain EU market access efficiently.
For more details about EN 60825-1 + EN 50689 dual-standard testing for laser pointers, please contact Shenzhen CTNT Testing Technology Co., Ltd. (CTNT) for professional compliance guidance and accurate quotation.
