On Oct. 9, 2024, Health Canada published updated the Radiation Emitting Device Regulations (REDR) pertaining to laser products. These new regulations become effective one year after they were published, and they align closely with IEC 60825-1:2014 (Safety of Laser Products: Part 1 – Equipment classification and requirements) for classification, engineering features, labeling and user information. Requirements from IEC 62471:2006 (Photobiological Safety of Lamps and Lamp Systems) and IEC 62471-5:2015 (Photobiological Safety of Lamps and Lamp Systems – Part 5: Image projectors) may also be allowed in certain scenarios.
One reason for the updated regulations is Canada’s recognition that IEC 60825-1 is widely used globally as the primary safety standard for laser products*. Another reason for adopting requirements from IEC 60825-1 is to ensure that laser products have clear labeling regarding their laser classification. This clarity will lead to a better understanding of the actual potential laser radiation hazards associated with these products.
In the past, the REDR primarily focused on laser scanners and demonstration lasers only. The new regulations will expand this scope to cover all laser products except for medical devices — as defined in the Canadian Medical Devices Regulations (CMDR) — and other scenarios, such as components and repair parts.
*The U.S. is a notable exception, as FDA/CDRH 21 CFR 1040 is the main laser product safety regulation there, even considering the optional use of FDA Laser Notice 56.
User, purchasing and service information
For the new regulations, user information must meet the user information requirements of IEC 60825-1:2014 subclause 8.1, or if applicable, IEC 62471-5:2015 subclauses 6.6 and 6.7. One difference between the user information regulations and IEC 60825-1 is that, in the regulations, some of the user information requirements only apply for Class 3R laser radiation or greater that can be accessible during operation, maintenance or service whereas IEC 60825-1 does not distinguish between applicability of those requirements based on laser class. Also, the purchasing and service information requirements in IEC 60825-1 do not apply to the regulations. Furthermore, all information must be provided in both official languages, English and French.
Labeling
The updated REDR require that products meet the labeling requirements from IEC 60825-1:2014 clause 7, or if applicable, those in IEC 62471-5:2015 subclauses 6.5 and 6.7. Products employing lasers designed to function as conventional lamps (such as laser projectors) should also meet the labeling in IEC 60825-1:2014 subclause 4.4, when that option is used. In addition, the labeling must also be provided in both English and French.
Notable differences between the REDR and IEC 60825-1 are the following additional labeling requirements:
- The product manufacturer’s name and address
- The product’s model number
- The product’s date of manufacture
- The distributor’s name and address in Canada, for products that are imported for sale or lease
Only the above labeling can be provided in one official language, either English or French.
Exemptions
The regulations provide some level of exemption from requirements for several different scenarios. Companies may contact UL Solutions for further information on their products and the scenarios where exemptions may apply.
Enforcement of the regulations
Health Canada’s enforcement of these regulations includes post-market surveillance as well as evaluating products themselves to determine whether they meet the regulations as applicable. These actions may be accomplished through sampling and testing of products.
Manufacturers of noncompliant products could be subject to various actions, including the destruction of their products, removal of their products from the market or prosecution.
How UL Solutions can help
We can offer assistance in navigating these new requirements before and after they become effective on Oct. 9, 2025. We can also answer your questions and assist with testing and documentation to cover compliance with the regulations. UL Solutions has global optical radiation laboratories that are qualified to perform IEC 60825-1:2014, IEC 62471:2006 and IEC 62471-5:2015 testing and evaluation to support compliance with these regulations or for any other laser product safety purposes.
More information on the Health Canada REDR can be found here.
Learn more about UL Solutions Optical Radiation services here.
Winn Henderson is a principal engineer for optical radiation at UL Solutions.
Get connected with our sales team
Thanks for your interest in our products and services. Let's collect some information so we can connect you with the right person.