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DarkSky Approved Luminaires application

 Credit: LED Linear

Thank you for your interest in participating in the DarkSky Approved Luminaires program.

Before completing the application below, please make sure you have reviewed the application process, fee schedule, and program criteria. If you have any questions, please review our Q&A section, or reach out to our programs team at [email protected].

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Criteria
Logo usage
Certification-fees
Application
FAQ

Criteria

DarkSky International has officially launched Version 3.0 of the DarkSky Approved Luminaires Program (formerly the Fixture Seal of Approval). This update introduces refined guidelines and a more efficient approval process to promote responsible outdoor lighting worldwide.

The updated program now includes four luminaire categories, each with specific criteria:

  • Residential
  • Commercial
  • Pedestrian Comfort
  • Wildlife Tuned

For full details on the updated requirements and category-specific criteria, please refer to the program guidelines.

The DarkSky Approved Luminaires logo is to be used in association with approved products only. These situations include:

  • On the approved product specification and ordering documents on both print and websites as a unique image.
  • On the approved product specification and ordering documents on both print and websites as part of a cluster along with other certification logos such as UL, DLC, IP65, ETL, etc.
  • In a catalog or portfolio document or a website page in a Table of Contents, indicating approved products can be found in a particular section containing only approved products.
  • On retail packaging, store “shelf talkers,” in-store promotional materials, price signs for the product, or in advertisements for approved products.
  • In advertisements for approved products.
  • When used in association with the approved product in promotional materials by some third party, such as a utility company describing fixtures being installed by them.
  • In HOA and project specification materials describing approved products.

The DarkSky Approved logo may never be associated with products that haven’t been evaluated and approved by DarkSky. The logo should not appear without approved product descriptions or explanation of the significance of the logo, such as randomly placed on a document or web page without context to its meaning.

Note: DarkSky Approved Luminaires Version 3.0 has an updated logo, with requirements noted below.  Previously approved luminaires may not use this new logo, and will be removed from the program January 2028, unless the manufacturer requests a review of the product and the product passes the new program requirements. 

Certification fees

A. Brand registration: $3,000 U.S.

This is a one-time fee for manufacturers submitting for the first time.  Brands that fail to pay the brand annual renewal fee (see below) will be required to pay the brand registration fee again to reactivate their registration.

B. Brand annual renewal fee: $500 U.S.

An annual brand renewal fee is due every July 1st, beginning a minimum of 6 months after initial registration.  The annual fee will cover our time to review your existing DarkSky Approved luminaires product updates to meet the v3.0 guidelines, miscellaneous updates, and time needed to keep the product database current.  The annual renewal fee will be invoiced on June 1st and paid by July 1st, Brands that have not paid by September 1st will no longer be registered.

D. Single product listing: $200 U.S.

This is for a single luminaire that is only available one way, i.e., with one total lumen output and one type of light distribution (not a product family).

E. Family listing: $350 U.S.

For the purpose of this program, a family is considered to be a luminaire with a single housing design (i.e., same shape and size) but different distributions and outputs. The listing fee covers the time required to review materials, create certificates, and add products to the DarkSky website, as well as administrative items such as invoicing and communications. 

F. Additional category listing: $200 U.S.

When a product is approved for a specific category (see section 1.1.B in the DarkSky Approved guidelines) it can also be approved in additional categories for $200 per additional category if the product meets all of the required criteria in that category.   

DarkSky Approved Luminaires application

General Information

Max. file size: 128 MB.
Required for companies applying for the first time.
Brand Address(Required)
Contact Name(Required)

Product Information

Is this a new product applying for DarkSky Approved certification, or is this an existing DarkSky Approved product applying to our updated program (V 3.0).
Submission category(Required)
Product use
(select all that apply)
(select all that apply)
Must link directly to the specific product page.
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Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 128 MB, Max. files: 5.
    Upload up to 5 data sheets in pdf format
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    Accepted file types: jpg, png, Max. file size: 128 MB, Max. files: 8.
      Upload up to 8 images in jpg or png format.
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        Upload up to 5 files in jpg or pdf format.
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        Max. file size: 128 MB, Max. files: 30.
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          Max. file size: 128 MB, Max. files: 30.
            This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

            FAQ

            Q:  What if I have existing approved products that don’t meet the new criteria?

            A:  There is a three-year grace period allowing your product to maintain an approved status for three years from the release date of the new criteria.  At this time, you can update your product by supplying compliant submission materials or choose to let the approval expire.

            Q:  Is an annual fee required to be DarkSky Approved?

            A:  All existing and new manufacturers will be subject to paying a $500 annual brand renewal fee.  Annual brand renewal fees are due every July 1st, beginning a minimum of 6 months after initial registration.  The annual fee will cover our time to review your product updates to meet the v3.0 guidelines, miscellaneous updates, and time needed to keep the product database current.

            Q:  If my company owns multiple manufacturers/brands, do I have to pay separate registration and annual fees?

            A:  With the release of the updated DarkSky Approved Luminaires program, each manufacturer/brand will pay a registration and annual fee.

            Who do I contact with questions?

            Please contact the DarkSky Lighting Program Manager.