Laser labelling and classification

Hi

I recently purchased a green laser pointer for my son for general use. The laser spec was advertised as having a power output of <5mW and also the advert stated that the product was class 2.
When I received the laser i noticed that the power output rating was as stated but the classification was IIIb which made me a bit concerned as I understand this classification of laser can cause some eye damage. I contacted the supplier who assured me that in fact it was a power output of <5mW.
Was this product incorrectly labelled as class IIIb instead of 2? Are suppliers incorrectly labelling products to make them legal?

I then contacted another supplier before purchasing another laser who assured me that the laser they supply has an output of 1mW. This time when I received the pointer it was indeed labelled as 1mW power output but again was classed as IIIb. The beam looks as powerful as the first one!

Could someone explain to me why is the labelling like this as it is confusing, are the power outputs incorrectly labelled or are the classifications on the devices incorrect?

I am just concerned that using this pointer could be a bit dangerous.

Any comments would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Iain

There are 2 classification systems in use; from what I can see, *most lasers* are classified under the "old system", but I've seen some classified under the "revised system".

I am NOT an expert. This link might help you:

Laser safety - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Also you should know that these 5mw greens are often much more powerful than the stated 5mw. As an example I have 2 pens that are rated at 5mw that actually hit
100mw+.