Championing a Novel Approach

A new initiative from the largest trade body representing the lighting industry in Europe is being launched in January to counter the threat from poor quality, non-compliant lighting products entering the UK market.

How many times has the lighting industry come together to discuss, criticise, or even try to find a solution to counter poor quality, non-compliant products entering the UK market and creating unfair competition? Things are about to change following the announcement of a new initiative from the Lighting Industry Association (the LIA).

An unprecedented move to prove the quality of their products will see all LIA Members commit to participating in an industry-wide market surveillance exercise in January, which will include random inspection and testing of products - as part of the first ever initiative of its kind to be undertaken by a lighting industry trade association.

Building on the its experience of undertaking previous national and European market surveillance projects, the LIA has utilised its subscription funding to create an in-depth surveillance scheme that is truly ground breaking and of significant benefit for the whole lighting supply chain.

The LIA's ongoing market surveillance initiative will randomly select LIA member products throughout the year. Qualified laboratory engineers will put these products through their paces at the LIA's UKAS-accredited laboratory. Resulting in the compilation of an annual 'State of the Industry' report.

The LIA, its Council and Membership are totally committed to this initiative and its ramifications. From January 2017, Member participation in the initiative is a mandatory condition to their membership to the Association.

This is not a name and shame or 'point scoring' exercise. It is a serious attempt to create a real differential to ensure the market, has access to compliant and quality lighting products.

This initiative and the independent results it will yield will help bring clarity to the industry and gives the supply chain confidence that buying from LIA Members mean they are safe and compliant.

These are exciting times for our industry with its continued technological advances and the LIA is standing tall to ensure we stay ahead of the curve.

Visit www.thelia.org.uk/surveillance for additional information.