Lighting from China: between design bargain and market surveillance lies a test plan
Pendant lights, LED panels, outdoor luminaires, string lights: lighting is one of the most inspected categories in market surveillance — and one of the most lucrative to import. We secure CE conformity, energy labels and light quality before the goods leave the factory.
The three lighting risks
You see light immediately — safety, efficiency class and flicker only when it gets expensive.
Electrical safety
Missing strain relief, undersized cables, drivers without isolation: the classics of RAPEX recalls. We test to EN 60598 on samples and only buy from manufacturers with complete test reports.
Energy label & EPREL missing
Light sources have needed the new energy label (A–G) and the EPREL entry with QR code since 2021. We compile the measurement data (lumens, efficacy, lifetime) and guide your registration.
Light quality: flicker & CRI
Cheap drivers flicker, cheap chips distort colours (CRI unter 80) and drift in tone. We measure flicker, CRI and colour temperature per batch — compared against the approved sample.
What we handle for lighting sellers
Complete compliance package
CE (LVD, EMC, RED for smart lighting), RoHS/REACH, WEEE registration, energy label data: structured per model — robust for authorities and marketplaces.
Photometric & function testing
Lumens, CRI, colour temperature, flicker, IP ingress testing for outdoor luminaires — measured on samples and by sampling per batch.
Design private label
Own designs, finishes and packaging: lighting is a design category with high margins — ODM adaptation makes your range hard to copy.
Drivers & components separately
You manufacture yourself and only need drivers, modules or profiles? Via our electronic components sourcing we also supply partial scopes.
How your lighting import runs
Send models or references — we check manufacturers, certificates and prices.
Samples with safety and photometric testing — released by you.
Production with AQL and function testing; energy label/EPREL data in parallel.
Breakage-proof packaging, DDP delivery — with the complete document package.
Common questions about lighting from China
What do I need to know about EPREL and energy labels?
Light sources (bulbs, fixed LED modules) must be registered in the EU product database EPREL before sale; the label (A–G) with QR code belongs on packaging and in the listing. The party placing on the market is responsible — that is you as importer. We supply the required measurement data from the manufacturer or lab and walk you through registration; after that it is routine per model.
Are smart lights (WiFi/Bluetooth) more complicated?
Yes, by exactly one directive: radio devices additionally fall under the RED (Radio Equipment Directive) including the new cybersecurity requirements (EN 18031, mandatory since 2025). We check whether the manufacturer holds current RED reports including cybersecurity — many old certificates no longer cover this.
What do you look for in outdoor luminaires?
Actually testing the IP rating instead of believing it (water and dust ingress), housing corrosion protection (salt spray for coastal ranges), UV resistance of plastics and cable quality for permanent weathering. “IP65” on a data sheet costs nothing — the gasket does.
Related topics
Inquire about a lighting range
Models or reference images are enough — we get back within 24 hours with manufacturer proposals, certificate status and prices.