Laser pens
The law
Under the General Product Safety Regulations 1994 products supplied to customers must be safe. Laser products are covered by a British/European Standard which classifies them into groups i.e. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, and 4 according to their power level. Recent tests have shown that laser pointers classed as 3A and 3B could cause injury to the eyes. These laser pointers are considered to be unsuitable for use by the general public.
Seller responsibilities
It is the sellers responsibility to ensure that the laser pointers are labelled including the classification. If there is no classification markings then these lasers must not be sold and you should return them to your supplier. Class 3A and 3B lasers should also be withdrawn from sale and returned, where possible to your supplier.
Some lasers will be marked in Roman numerals i.e. class II, class IIIA etc. It is believed that any lasers marked class II or above could also be unsafe and should therefore be withdrawn from sale and returned to your supplier. Please note that some lasers marked class 1 or class 2 could be unsafe due to the variations in output and should only be supplied to responsible customers. It is also advised that copies of certificates are obtained from your supplier to show that the class 1 or class 2 pointers are in fact safe.
What could happen?
If you sell an unsafe laser pointer you may be prosecuted with a maximum fine of £5000 and/or 6 months imprisonment.
In addition all your stocks will be seized and maybe destroyed.
Please note that this information is for guidance only and is not a full interpretation of the law which only a court of law can give.
This page was last updated on 4 October 2009
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