Low efficiency phase out...

As a result of the global focus on energy efficiency and the drive to reduce CO2 emissions, the European Union has set out a plan to restrict the sale of lamps identified as being inefficient. The phase out began in September 2009 with the restriction of the sale of all 100W and above GLS, frosted incandescent and non-clear halogen lamps. From then on, manufacturers cannot produce or legally sell them and wholesalers can only fulfil existing orders until their stock runs out.

Each year more lamps will be phased out. The decision to switch consumers to more energy efficient alternatives is expected to reduce European energy consumption for domestic lighting by 30 per cent, thereby preventing the release of 23 million tons of CO2 emissions per year.

Which lamps are being phased out?

All frosted incandescent and non-clear halogen lamps from September 2009

T8 halo basic fluorescent tubes by 2010

All clear incandescent lamps (15W-100W) by September 2012

T12 fluorescent tubes by 2012

All clear halogen lamps (Class D&E) by September 2013 and Class C by 2016

Any decision on the phasing out of directional incandescent (reflector lamps) and halogen lamps were made at the end of 2009.