Published August 18, 2026 · Updated August 31, 2026
Introduction
EN12368 is the European product standard for traffic signal heads. It defines optical performance, mechanical construction, environmental resistance and testing. EN 12368 is commonly referenced for European projects and may also be cited in other markets. Buyers should verify the current tender and destination-country requirements before specifying compliance. This guide explains the questions to confirm.
Scope of EN12368
EN12368 covers fixed signal heads for road traffic signal installations. It does NOT cover:
- Bollards and road studs: verify the product-specific applicable standards
- Warning lights: verify the applicable standard and its scope for the exact product and use.
- Pedestrian signal heads (also covered by EN12368)
- Controllers (covered by EN12675)
For a complete signal installation, determine all applicable requirements with the responsible authority. EN12368 may address the selected signal heads where applicable, but it does not by itself cover the complete installation or establish every required standard.
Intensity Classes
For an EN 12368 project, identify the applicable edition and the exact optical classes required by the specification, then check the selected configuration’s supporting test evidence:
- Class selection: confirm the exact optical class definitions in the applicable standard and the road authority’s required performance. Do not assign Class 1 to a road solely because it is low-speed or well lit.
- Optical class: select the specified class and standard edition required by the approved project design.
- Intensity class: use the class required by the approved project specification; do not assume that a higher class number is automatically suitable for every high-speed or sun-exposed approach.
The required performance class should be fixed in the order specification and verified against the test report for the exact signal-head model and configuration.
Chromaticity
Signal colours should be assessed against the chromaticity requirements of the applicable standard and edition. For EN12368 or US projects, request measurements and test documentation for the selected model and configuration. Visual appearance alone cannot demonstrate compliance, and acceptance under one specification does not automatically establish compliance with another.
The buyer should confirm that the offered LED module and production configuration are covered by suitable chromaticity evidence. When a batch-specific inspection record is required, include it in the purchase and acceptance documents.
Beam Distribution
Beam distribution is evaluated against defined angular and intensity criteria. Do not select a product from a single on-axis candela value; request the applicable class, full test method and report for the exact optical assembly.
Environmental Testing
The compliance plan should identify the required ingress, temperature, vibration, impact and other environmental tests from the current licensed standard and project specification. Confirm the exact classes and acceptance criteria instead of copying generic values from a catalogue.
Test Reports and CE Marking
Request the declaration, test report, product label and certification evidence required by the destination market and contract. Check that every document covers the supplied model, size, optical configuration and production revision; a report for a similar family is not automatically evidence for every variant.
Featured Products
GAOQIAO supplies EN12368-compliant signal headswith model-specific test evidence and applicable CE documentation to be confirmed. See theEN12368 certification page.
Conclusion
EN12368 addresses road traffic signal heads. Confirm the applicable edition and required performance classes for the project. Ask GAOQIAO for the reports and conformity documents available for the exact model and configuration, and verify their scope before relying on them. Do not assume that a generic reference to the standard is a certificate for all products.
Get a Quote
Email: sky-sale@njgq.net
WhatsApp/Phone: +86-18805173545
Tel: +86-25-84471080
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need EN12368 for export to Africa?
Not automatically. Requirements vary by country, road authority and tender. Check the current project specification and the destination country’s standards or procurement authority before offering EN 12368 as the compliance basis.
How long does EN12368 testing take?
Timing depends on the selected laboratory, product scope, sample availability and failed-test corrections. Build the quotation schedule from a written laboratory plan rather than using a universal lead-time estimate.
Is EN12368 accepted in South America?
Acceptance is project-specific. South American countries and municipalities may use local standards or tender requirements. Confirm the destination rules before quoting and do not present EN 12368 as a universal substitute for local compliance.
Relevant GAOQIAO products
These public GAOQIAO catalogue pages are related to the guide. Open them for the representative description, then confirm the latest drawing and configuration before ordering.
- Traffic signal controllersWired and solar controllers with 6, 22, 44 and 56 output options.
- LED traffic signal heads200mm, 300mm and 400mm signal heads; confirm the selected model and applicable project requirements.
- Signal polesVertical, signal arm and double-arm poles; confirm suitability for the approved site design.
- Spare parts and accessoriesSpare LED modules, lenses, visors, surge arrestors and anchor bolts.