M/531 - Laser products

Purpose

This mandate concerns the standardisation of consumer laser products within the European Union. It aims to ensure that such products comply with relevant EU legislation, specifically Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012 on European standardisation and Directive 2001/95/EC on general product safety. The focus is on facilitating a harmonised approach to the safety and performance of laser products marketed to consumers.

Standardisation request

The European Commission has requested the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation (CENELEC) to develop and adopt standards related to consumer laser products. These standards should support the implementation and enforcement of EU legislation by providing clear technical specifications and safety requirements for manufacturers and market surveillance authorities.

Expected deliverables

• Harmonised European standards covering the safety aspects of consumer laser products.
• Technical requirements aligned with the general product safety directive and relevant EU regulations.
• Documents facilitating conformity assessment and market surveillance activities.
• Standards that help reduce risks associated with laser emissions to ensure consumer protection.

Context

This mandate is issued under Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012, which governs the European standardisation framework, and Directive 2001/95/EC, the General Product Safety Directive. The initiative reflects the EU’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards for consumer products and ensuring a unified internal market where laser products can be traded safely and efficiently. It supports the broader objective of protecting consumers from potential hazards arising from laser devices commonly used in various consumer applications.