Laser tape measure certified according to EN60825-1 and EN50689
1. The full name of the EN 60825-1 (Basic Safety Standard for Laser Products)
standard is EN 60825-1:2014/A11:2021 — "Safety of Laser Products Part 1: Equipment Classification and Requirements". This standard was developed
by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and adopted as a European standard by the European Committee for Electrotechnical
Standardization (CENELEC). It serves as the basic safety standard for laser products entering the EU market.
The main content includes: laser classification: dividing laser products into Class 1, 1M, 1C, Class 2, 2M, 3R, 3B, 4, etc. Maximum Permissible Exposure
(MPE) and Acceptable Emission Limit (AEL) measurement conditions, and labeling requirements. For consumer products such as laser tape measures,
it is usually required to meet Class 1 (Class 1 laser), which means "laser radiation does not exceed safety limits under any conditions".
II. The full name of the EN 50689 (Special Requirements for Consumer Laser Products)
standard is: EN 50689:2021 — "Laser Product Safety - Specific Requirements for Consumer Laser Products". This standard was adopted on September
27, 2022, and will be enforced from September 27, 2024.
Important reminder: Handheld laser tape measures/rangefinders are consumer laser products that must comply with both EN 60825-1 and EN 50689
standards. Products that are only certified to EN 60825-1 but fail to meet EN 50689 standards may be detained or recalled by EU customs.
III. The Relationship between the Two Standards
EN 60825-1 serves as the fundamental standard for all laser products, while EN 50689 introduces additional requirements specifically for consumer laser
products, building upon the former. As a consumer laser product, the handheld laser tape measure must comply with both standards.
Additional requirements of EN 50689 (based on EN 60825-1): 1. Laser classification restrictions for laser products that attract children: Must be Class 1.
Other consumer laser products: Can be Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3R. Not allowed: Class 1M, 2M, 3B, 4. 2. Special requirements for Class 3R consumer laser
products: Must not be a laser pointer (laser pen). The instruction manual must explain why Class 3R must be used instead of the weaker Class 2 or Class 1.
Must have a design to avoid accidental triggering (such as long press, double-click, slide to unlock, etc.). Must have a clear laser emission indicator (such as
an LCD symbol, LED indicator light). Functionally, direct viewing of the beam is not required. Wavelength must be limited to 400 nm ≤ λ < 1250 nm. When
classified, C6 must be set to 1. 3. Label requirements: Must be labeled with EN 50689:2021 (can also be labeled with EN 60825-1:2014). Must indicate
"Consumer laser product". 4. Instruction manual requirements: Explain not to intentionally irradiate others. Description of the laser emission indicator.
Technical specifications of the control method. Compliance with EN 50689:2021. Provide date, manufacturer/supplier information
IV. Suggestions for the Certification Process of Laser Tape Measures Product Testing
Entrust a professional laser testing agency to conduct laser safety level testing. Technical Documentation: Include design documents, test reports, risk
assessments, etc. Declaration of Conformity: Issue a DoC based on EN 60825-1 and EN 50689. Affix CE Marking: Complete the CE certification process.
Recommendation: Due to the EU's tightening regulation of consumer laser products, it is recommended that the laser level of laser tape measures be
Class 2 or below. Class 3R and above carry a risk of being recalled.
