In 2026, a new standard will take effect in Spain: only V16 emergency beacons with connectivity features will be allowed as signaling devices during road incidents. This decision is already shaping a large market dominated by manufacturers from China. In recent years, the V16 market situation has drawn attention due to an unusual certification and distribution scheme.
Currently, Spain has officially approved 243 V16 models, but only 29 companies are responsible for their production. Nearly half of all models come from a single major Chinese distributor, Limburg Technology Limited, which offers 110 different options. This high concentration has raised questions among experts and market participants: why are identical devices sold under various brands and with different certificates?
The problem lies in the certification system. Spanish laboratories accredited by the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) issue approvals for the same devices multiple times. This allows distributors to release identical beacons under different brand names, changing only the packaging and price. As a result, store shelves display virtually identical devices that differ only in logo and cost.
How the V16 certification scheme works
V16 certification in Spain is handled by two laboratories: LCOE (Laboratorio Central Oficial de Electrotécnica) and Applus IDIADA. They are the ones who grant the official licenses required to sell these devices. However, it turned out that the same product can receive multiple certificates if it is registered by different companies, or even by the same company under different brands.
A striking example is the V16 Beacon Light IoT CH-019 model, which Limburg Technology Limited distributes under 44 different brands. Each brand has its own IDIADA certificate, even though the devices are technically identical. This approach allows distributors to cover more market segments and offer the same product at various prices.
The official DGT list features dozens of nearly identical models, differing only in brand name. This creates an illusion of variety for consumers, while in reality the choice is limited to a handful of large manufacturers, mainly from China.
Spanish manufacturers are losing ground
Of the 29 companies whose V16 models are approved for sale in Spain, only seven are local. Among them are Oversunenergy, Mirovi, Plásticos Erum, Broad Telecom, Energía Eléctrica Eficiente, Atressa Global Corporation, and Kepar Electrónica. Together, they produce just 29 models, while foreign manufacturers offer 214 options.
Spanish companies are facing serious challenges: production costs in the country are significantly higher than in China. As a result, domestic beacons end up being more expensive, and their market share is shrinking. Even companies like Mirovi and Kepar Electrónica can’t compete in volume with Chinese giants, who supply dozens of brands at the same time.
As a result, Spanish manufacturers are forced either to lower prices—which is often impossible due to high costs—or to cede the market to foreign companies. For consumers, this means that most available devices are imported products, often sold under different names but manufactured at the same factories.
Chinese distributors set the rules
The largest player in the V16 market in Spain is Limburg Technology Limited. The company controls nearly half of all models available in the country and actively collaborates with other Chinese manufacturers, such as Ningbo Chakesi Electronic. Thanks to low production costs and a flexible certification system, Limburg Technology Limited can offer its devices at prices half that of its Spanish competitors.
This strategy allows Chinese companies not only to dominate the market but also to shape pricing policies. Spanish brands find themselves at a disadvantage, while consumers often have no idea they are buying essentially the same product under different names.
Experts are concerned: the lack of transparency in certification and the dominance of foreign manufacturers could lead to a decline in quality and make it harder to control device safety. Authorities are already discussing potential changes to certification rules to improve transparency and protect the interests of local companies.
What lies ahead for the V16 market in the coming years
Starting in 2026, the use of V16 will become mandatory for all vehicle owners in Spain. Demand for these devices is expected to surge, and competition among manufacturers will intensify. However, if the certification system remains unchanged, the market will still be controlled by several major distributors from China.
For Spanish companies, this means finding new ways to cut costs and increase competitiveness. Otherwise, they risk losing their position in the domestic market for good. Consumers should also pay close attention when choosing devices, considering not just the brand but the actual product specifications.
The question of certification transparency and support for national manufacturers remains unresolved. New initiatives from regulators are expected in the coming months that could shift the balance of power in the V16 market in Spain.
By the way: Limburg Technology Limited — who are they?
Limburg Technology Limited is one of the largest distributors of electronic automotive safety devices in Europe. The company is based in China and specializes in the manufacturing and export of emergency beacons, light signals, and other accessories for vehicles. In recent years, Limburg Technology Limited has become a key V16 supplier to European markets, including Spain.
The firm is known for its ability to quickly adapt to changing legislation and certification requirements. With large-scale manufacturing capabilities and established logistics chains, Limburg Technology Limited offers a wide range of products at competitive prices. The company actively collaborates with dozens of brands, enabling them to sell identical devices under various trademarks.
In Spain, Limburg Technology Limited holds a leading position, controlling nearly half of the V16 market. This has been achieved through a flexible certification strategy and close cooperation with local distributors. Despite its market dominance, the company continues to expand its range and introduce new technologies to maintain its leadership amid growing competition.
