DLC 6.0 Is Reshaping the LED Landscape — Are You Ready?

The DesignLights Consortium has officially released its DLC 6.0 technical requirements, marking a pivotal shift in how LED products are evaluated and qualified for the North American market. This update isn’t just a refinement — it’s a redefinition.

Here’s what’s changing:

• Higher efficacy thresholds: DLC 6.0 raises the minimum performance bar, pushing out low-efficiency products and rewarding true innovation.
• Advanced light quality metrics: TM-30 color rendering, flicker control, and spectral optimization are now front and center, aligning with human-centric lighting trends.
• Mandatory controls interoperability: Products must now support advanced controls and seamless integration, reflecting the growing demand for smart, responsive lighting systems.

These changes will impact everything from rebate eligibility to project specifications. Manufacturers who adapt quickly will gain a competitive edge; those who delay risk losing market access.

DLC 6.0 isn’t just a technical update — it’s a strategic filter. It separates the future-ready from the obsolete.