Fluorescent and halogen bulb phase out

In 2023 the final stages of the phasing out procedure for certain types of bulbs will take place, with flourescent and halogen lighting products being added to the list with incandescent bulbs no longer available to buy in Europe and the UK.

These changes are primarily as a result of the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) (in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (2012) (the RoHS regulations), aswell as Ecodesign Directive (Directive 2009/125/EC).

[edit] 2006 incandescent

In September 2016 the manufacture of all incandescent light bulbs in Europe was banned, although residual stock continued to be available.

This was one result of the European Union's Ecodesign Directive (Directive 2009/125/EC); a framework setting mandatory ecological requirements for the sale of over 40 categories of energy-using and energy-related products. Any energy-using product (EuP) being required to reduce energy consumption and negative environmental impact by design. The main aim being to reduce energy use, but also material, water, pollution, and waste.

[edit] 2019 halogen

In September 2019 the halogen light bulb ban came into force. As with the earlier ban the manufacture of these bulbs was banned, with some exceptions for specialist applications, though the use of exsting stocks was not.

This was also a result of the European Union's Ecodesign Directive (Directive 2009/125/EC) to reduce energy consumption levels aswell as the RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU restricting the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, in particular polybrominated biphenyl flame retardants (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE).

In Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2012 (as amended) are the underpinning legislation. However, there are differences in how they apply in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

[edit] 2023 flourescent

In February 2023 ring formed flourescent lamps (T5 T9) and compact flourescent lamps with a plug in base (CFlni) were banned from manufacture aswell as importation.

In August 2023 flourescent lamp tubes (T5 and T8) are banned from manufacture aswell as importation

In September Halogen pins G4, GY6.35, G9) are banned from manufacture aswell as importation.

The ban on flourescent lamp is a direct result of the RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU restricting the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, in particular the low levels of Mercury contained in such bulbs.

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