New Emergency Lighting and Evacuation Certification Rules in China

New emergency lighting and evacuation certification rules in China will be effective from May 1, 2025 due to the newly issued national standard GB 17945-2024, which replaces GB 17945-2010. The update introduces significant structural and technical changes, including expanded classifications, new performance criteria, and the removal of “emergency lighting distribution equipment” from the CCC certification scope.

These changes are being implemented and enforced by the China National Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA), the agency responsible for mandatory product certification in China. International manufacturers supplying to the Chinese market — such as those producing fire emergency luminaires, distribution boxes, or centralized power systems — should assess these changes promptly. The updated regulation reflects a broader trend in China’s fire safety regime toward digitization, higher safety standards, and enhanced product traceability. Early alignment with GB 17945-2024 is recommended to ensure uninterrupted market access and compliance with China’s evolving regulatory framework.

Core Adjustments

1. Simplified Certification Scope

Effective May 1, 2025, “emergency lighting distribution equipment” under the “Fire Emergency Lighting and Evacuation Indication Products” category will be removed from the Compulsory Product Certification Catalog Description and Definition Table (2023 Revision) and the annex Compulsory Certification Unit Division and Standards for Refuge and Escape Products in the Compulsory Product Certification Implementation Rules for Refuge and Escape Products (CNCA-C18-03:2024). These products will no longer be subject to CCC certification management.

2. Comprehensive Standard Upgrade

2.1 Updated Terminology and Definitions

• New Terms Added:
  • Luminaire types: Type A fire emergency luminaires (≤DC 48V), Type B fire emergency luminaires (>DC 48V), and composite luminaires (e.g., “fire emergency lighting-signage composite luminaires”).
  • Equipment types: Type A/B emergency lighting distribution boxes, centralized power supplies, and independent/centralized/regional emergency lighting controllers.
  • New appendices: Dedicated evacuation graphic display devices for fire control rooms (Appendix E) and luminaire self-test information storage requirements (Appendix C).
• Revised/Deleted Terms:
  • Revised definitions for “fire emergency signage luminaires”.
  • Removed outdated terms such as “self-contained power centralized control systems” and “emergency lighting distribution equipment” to align with GB 51309-2018.
  • Deleted obsolete battery-related appendices (nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, lead-acid batteries).

2.2 System Classification and Technical Specification Adjustments

• Refined Equipment Classification:
  • Luminaires: Classified by voltage and function; ground luminaires must use centralized power supplies (voltage ≤36V).
  • Power supplies and controllers: Added classifications for centralized power supplies and distribution boxes (Type A/B); controllers categorized by coverage scope (independent, centralized, etc.).
• Enhanced Performance and Safety:
  • Materials and batteries: Added flame-retardant material requirements; prohibited cobalt oxide lithium-ion or ternary lithium-ion batteries; limited lithium battery capacity (≤0.5kVAh).
  • Protection ratings: Elevated to IP67 for ground/outdoor luminaires to improve waterproof and dustproof capabilities.
  • Circuit safety: Adjusted creepage distances, electrical clearances, grounding, and insulation requirements; strengthened tensile and torsion resistance tests.
• Functional Improvements:
  • Smart features: Added Bluetooth communication and personnel positioning functions for precise rescue operations; enhanced self-test capabilities and data storage.
  • Evacuation signage: Unified color/graphic standards; added floor indication functions; clarified definitions for safety exits.

2.3 Testing and Evaluation Requirement Changes

• New Test Items: Visual inspections, material analysis, collision operation tests (6.21), power frequency magnetic field immunity tests (6.32).
• Adjusted/Deleted Tests: Removed charge-discharge endurance tests (2010 version 7) and impact tests (2010 version 15). Integrated charge-discharge tests into basic functionality testing (6.10) to streamline processes.
• Optimized Test Procedures: Revised sample selection rules (6.1.4), adjusted testing sequences (6.1.5), and strengthened phased verification.

2.4 Appendix Revisions

• New Appendices:
  • Appendix A: Renamed “Basic System Concepts,” added controller/power supply classification diagrams, and equipment status descriptions.
  • Appendix C: Luminaire self-test data storage requirements for traceability.
  • Appendix E: Standards for dedicated evacuation graphic display devices.
• Revised/Deleted Appendices:
  • Updated evacuation signage nomenclature (Appendix D), product model requirements (Appendix B), and grinding wheel diagrams (Appendix F).
  • Removed nickel-cadmium and lead-acid battery appendices (2010 version Appendices D, E).

Key Deadlines

• May 1, 2025: Mandatory compliance for new certifications.

• May 1, 2026: Certificate conversion required for existing certified products.

• January 1, 2027: Final validity date for old certificates.

Notes for International Manufacturers

• Product Design and Certification: Adjust designs and production processes to meet GB 17945-2024 requirements.

• Certification Process: All new certifications must follow the updated rules from May 1, 2025. Engage with designated certification bodies early to ensure smooth procedures.

• Self-Verification: Conduct internal verification to preempt certification issues.

Further Information

Please refer to the original announcement about adjusting the compulsory certification implementation requirements for fire emergency lighting and evacuation indication products from CNCA.

If you are a fire safety equipment manufacturer with questions about how long it takes or how much it costs to register your product for the China market, please contact Cisema.

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