Important notice: A laser can be a hazard to people. It is prohibited to sell laser Class III b and Class IV. Do not describe a Class III b for a Class III a; it is illegal. It constitutes a false advertisement, which is a federal and state offense.
Lasers are generally classified according to the hazard posed by the amount and type of light they emit. Hazard classes range from Class I to IV, with Class I lasers being non-hazardous and Class IV lasers being the most hazardous.
- Class I products include laser printers and CD players where the laser radiation is usually contained within the product. Products exceeding Class I permit access to some amount of laser radiation.
- Class II and IIa products include bar code scanners.
- Class IIIa products include laser pointers.
- Class IIIb and IV products include laser light shows, industrial lasers, research lasers.
What is a laser pointer?
- Laser pointers are hand-held lasers that are promoted for pointing out objects or locations. Such laser products can meet one of two definitions for laser products. The first is for “surveying, leveling, and alignment laser products” as defined by Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 1040.10(b)(39)
- Hand-held lasers promoted for entertainment purposes or amusement also meet the second definition, that of “demonstration laser products” as defined by 21 CFR 1040.10(b)(13)
Does FDA have a mandatory limit on the power emitted by laser pointers?
Yes. Laser products promoted for pointing and demonstration purposes are limited to hazard Class IIIa by FDA regulation. This means that pointers are limited to 5 milliwatts of output power in the visible wavelength range from 400 to 710 nanometers. There are also limits for any invisible wavelengths and short pulses. Pointers may not exceed the accessible emission limits of CDRH Class IIIa or IEC1 Class 3R.
What is the problem with more powerful Class IIIb lasers being promoted and sold as pointers?
Class IIIb hand-held lasers are too dangerous for use as pointers or amusement articles. Furthermore, the promotion of Class IIIb or IEC Class 3B products for pointing or amusement violates FDA requirements and the United States law.
What are the FDA requirements for Class IIIa and IIIb laser systems?
The FDA standard 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11) requires a warning label on Class IIIa and IIIb products. Class IIIb (which cannot be listed on Zona Shoppers) products must also have a key switch and connector for remote interlock. The products are also required to have identified and certifying labels and instructions for safe use.
Do other organizations have requirements or standards for lasers?
Yes. Several states have registration requirements and annual registration fees for operators of Class IIIb lasers. Check with the Department of Health in your state for additional information.
What laser I can sell on Zona Shoppers?
You can sell Class I examples of Class 1 laser use are: laser printers, CD players, DVD devices, geological survey equipment and laboratory analytical equipment, Class II, Class II A examples are: classroom demonstrations, laser pointers.
NOTE:
This policy is to keep laser pointers out of the hand of kids or inappropriate users. This laser can cause harm to other people if you sell a laser pointer as a “lab component” or “industry” or any other description not directly related to the real product, then you are responsible for the outcome of incidents. The vendor is responsible for any damage caused due to the lack of proper description.
