Zemper is the first manufacturer with products certified in accordance with the new RETILAP 2024, in force since January 2026.
Bogotá, March 18, 2026 – The entry into force in January 2026 of Resolution 40150 of 2024 —an update to the Technical Regulation for Lighting and Public Lighting (RETILAP)— represents a structural change in the emergency lighting sector in Colombia, significantly raising standards of safety, quality, and professionalization.
RETILAP, a technical lighting regulation mandatory since 2010, now evolves into a much more demanding and comprehensive framework, directly impacting manufacturers, designers, installers, and those responsible for building and infrastructure projects.
In this new regulatory context, the market is undergoing a transition phase towards the new standards required by RETILAP 2024. In this scenario, Zemper is the first emergency lighting manufacturer with products certified under this new regulation, enabling designers, engineering firms, and contractors to rely on solutions already adapted to the requirements that will become mandatory across the sector.
A more demanding product regulation
One of the most significant changes is found in Book 2, which regulates product technical requirements. The new regulation introduces stricter requirements in key aspects such as:
- Mandatory marking and labeling with detailed technical information
- Inclusion of parameters such as power factor, efficiency (lm/W), CRI and lifetime
- Mandatory certification by ONAC-accredited bodies
- Performance requirements such as a minimum autonomy of 60 minutes and near-instant response times
- Greater control over battery quality (more than 400 life cycles)
These changes aim to ensure that emergency lighting systems not only comply but also guarantee reliable performance in critical situations.
From evacuation to comprehensive safety
Book 3, focused on application, expands the scope of emergency lighting. While previously focused mainly on evacuation, it now incorporates new key concepts:
- Anti-panic areas to prevent disorientation in large spaces
- High-risk areas requiring higher lighting levels (minimum 5 lux) at critical points such as exits or safety equipment
- More precise photometric requirements, including uniformity and standardized digital formats (.IES, .LDT)
This change represents a qualitative leap: emergency lighting evolves from a basic evacuation element into a comprehensive safety system.
Professionalization of the sector
Book 4 introduces a key aspect: the professionalization of emergency lighting.
From now on:
- Designs must be signed off by qualified personnel
- Installations must be carried out by qualified professionals
- Traceability and technical responsibility of projects are reinforcedde los proyectos
This approach aims to reduce design and installation errors, ensuring systems operate correctly when truly needed.
A paradigm shift for the market
The RETILAP update is not just a regulatory revision, but a paradigm shift for the sector in Colombia. The market moves from basic requirements to a highly regulated environment, where:
- Product quality is verifiable and certified
- Application is technically demanding
- Execution is carried out by competent professionals
In this context, market awareness—especially in construction, engineering, and architecture—will be key to ensuring compliance and, above all, improving safety levels in buildings and infrastructure.
About RETILAP
The Technical Regulation for Lighting and Public Lighting (RETILAP) is the Colombian regulation that establishes safety, efficiency, and quality requirements for lighting systems. Its update through Resolution 40150 of 2024, effective from January 2026, strengthens its role as a key tool for protecting people and improving installations.