Projectors exported to the United States must meet multiple mandatory and voluntary certification standards, mainly focusing on four dimensions: electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility, energy efficiency, and wireless functions (if applicable). In some cases, they must also comply with environmental protection or product labeling requirements. The following is a breakdown of the latest certification standards and requirements for 2025:

1. Mandatory Core Certification: The "Threshold" for Entering the US Market

1. Electrical Safety Certification: UL 62368-1:2025 (Fourth Edition)

Scope of Application:

All electrically powered projectors (including power adapters, internal circuits, etc.) are subject to this mandatory safety standard required by the US Federal Regulations (CFR Title 16). It aims to prevent risks such as electric shock, fire, and mechanical injury.

Key Updates for 2025:

- Ban on traditional standard components: Components certified under outdated standards IEC 60950-1 (IT equipment) or IEC 60065 (audio-video equipment) are no longer accepted. A full review of the BOM list is required.

- Coin cell battery safety upgrade: The new UL 4200A standard requires that the battery compartment design prevents accidental access by children.

- Liquid cooling system regulations: Modular liquid cooling systems with a capacity over 1 liter must meet new requirements for leak detection and fluid compatibility.

- Lithium battery segmented testing: Rechargeable lithium batteries need to be tested according to segmented parameters, and fixed lithium battery systems (such as large energy storage devices) are included in the mandatory scope.

Testing Content:

Electrical insulation performance, abnormal operation (short circuit/overload), mechanical strength, fire-resistant enclosure opening dimensions, etc.

Projectors with lithium batteries also need additional testing for charge/discharge protection mechanisms and thermal runaway protection.

2. Electromagnetic Compatibility and Wireless Certification: FCC Certification

Applicable Scope:

All electronic devices, divided into two categories:

RF radio frequency performance (transmission power, frequency band compliance).

SAR testing (devices used close to the human body, such as portable projectors).

FCC SDoC (Supplier's Declaration of Conformity): Applicable to projectors without wireless functions, requiring FCC testing (conducted/radiated interference).

FCC ID Certification: Projectors with wireless modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) must undergo more stringent third-party testing, including:

New Requirements:

Wi-Fi 6E devices must support Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) for the 6GHz band, and 5G devices must pass TLS 1.3 encryption protocol review.

2025 New Regulations:

Laboratory Restrictions: Laboratories associated with the Chinese military-industrial system are prohibited from participating in tests; it is recommended to choose FCC-recognized laboratories in Southeast Asia or the US.

Labels and Documentation: The FCC ID must be clearly marked on the product (height ≥5mm), and test reports must be retained for 10 years for reference.

Certification Cycle: FCC SDoC takes about 5-7 working days, and FCC ID requires 2-3 weeks.

2. Energy Efficiency Certification: Dual Federal and State Requirements

1. Federal Level: DOE Energy Efficiency Certification

Scope:

All projectors must comply with the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) and 10 CFR Part 430 regulations.

Testing Items:

Key indicators such as light output efficiency, standby power consumption, and off mode power consumption.

New Requirements in 2025:

Battery charging systems (such as projectors with built-in lithium batteries) must meet the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS).

Certification Process:

Submit test report to CCMS system for registration → Obtain DOE registration number → Label energy efficiency rating (some products need to affix the Energy Guide label).

Violation Risks:

Non-certified products may be detained by customs, and platforms like Amazon will enforce removal from sale.

2. California Level: CEC Energy Efficiency Certification

 Scope of Application:

Only projectors sold in California are covered, with stricter requirements than DOE.

Test Items:

Light output efficiency, standby power consumption (≤0.5W), brightness uniformity, etc.

New Requirements for 2025:

Smart home devices must support energy management protocols (e.g., Matter).

Certification Process:

Submit application to a CEC-recognized laboratory → After passing the test, register on the CEC official website → Certification must be updated every two years.

Notes:

Both DOE and CEC requirements must be met, otherwise the product cannot enter the California market.

3. Voluntary Certification: Enhancing Market Competitiveness

1. ENERGY STAR Certification

Applicable Scope: Voluntary application, suitable for projectors pursuing eco-labels.

2025 Standard (Version 8.0):

- 15% improvement in light output efficiency, standby power consumption ≤ 0.3W.

- Test data must be submitted through the "Product Registration Form" on the ENERGY STAR official website.

Advantages: Eligible for U.S. government subsidies, prioritized display in Amazon search results.

2. Environmental Certification: California Proposition 65 (Prop 65)

Applicable Scope: If the product contains harmful substances such as lead or phthalates, warning labels must be added on the packaging or instruction manual.

Test Items: Heavy metals (lead, cadmium), chemical substances (formaldehyde, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), etc.

Precautions: Failure to label may result in class action lawsuits from consumers.

4. Other Key Requirements

1. FDA Radiation Safety Certification

Scope of Application: Projectors containing laser light sources must comply with 21 CFR Part 1040 standards.

Test Content: Laser classification (Class 1/2/3R), beam divergence, safety interlock devices.

Certification Process: Submit test reports to the FDA, no factory inspection required.