DarkSky Approved Luminaires application
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.
Logo usage
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. Company registration: $3,000 U.S.
This is a one-time fee for manufacturers submitting for the first time. Companies that fail to pay the company annual renewal fee (see below) will be required to pay the company registration fee again to reactivate their partnership.
B. Company annual renewal fee: $500 U.S.
An annual company 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, companies who have not paid by September 1st will no longer be registered.
C. Submission deposit fee: $200 U.S.
A $200 U.S. non-refundable deposit fee will be collected at the time of submission, which will automatically be applied toward the application fee total. The application fee total will be determined and shared after initial review of the submission. Note: failing submissions will not be refunded.
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
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 partners will be subject to paying a $500 annual company renewal fee. Annual company 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: When do I pay for the submission?
A: With the release of the updated DarkSky Approved Luminaires program a $200 non-refundable deposit fee will be charged at time of submission. During the review an estimate for the final invoice amount will be determined and shared with you.
Who do I contact with questions?
Please contact the DarkSky Lighting Program Manager.
