Observatory
07 September 2023
From 1 September, several types of less energy-efficient light bulbs will be discontinued
In Europe, the placing on the market of mains voltage halogen lamps of type G9 and low-voltage halogen lamps of type G4 and GY6.35 is restricted.
Restrictions on the marketing of energy-intensive light bulbs and lamps continue in Europe. The EU's ecodesign regulations have already phased out CFLi, HL R7s > 2700 lm, T2 and T12 FL lamps in September 2021 and, as of February 2023, the RoHS directive has restricted the placing on the EU market of CFLni, LFL long-life and T5 circular lamps. As of 25 August 2023, the same RoHS directive also restricts long life CFL, T5 and T8 FL lamps. And from 1 September 2023, the introduction of G9, G4 and GY6.35 type lamps will be restricted.
The European Ecodesign Directive
The European Ecodesign Directive concerns eco-design, a key tool for improving the environmental performance of products by setting mandatory minimum standards for their energy efficiency. It effectively removes poor-performing products from the market, contributing significantly to Europe's energy and climate goals. Ecodesign supports industrial competitiveness and innovation by promoting better environmental performance of products throughout the internal market.
Among the 10 areas where Ecodesign is applied is light sources. The most common are light bulbs (halogen, compact fluorescent, etc.) or LED modules/lamps.
Among the 10 areas where Ecodesign is applied is light sources. The most common are light bulbs (halogen, compact fluorescent, etc.) or LED modules/lamps.
One of the key objectives of the directive is to promote energy savings. It is estimated that EU legislation on energy labelling and eco-design will lead to energy savings of approximately 230 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe) by 2030. The benefits are for both consumers and businesses.
For consumers, the average saving on household energy bills will be EUR 285 per year. The estimate for European companies is EUR 66 billion in extra revenue.
The new energy labelling
A clear and simple indication of the energy efficiency and key characteristics of products - from light bulbs to household appliances - is provided at the time of purchase in energy labels.
Already from September 2021, the new labels use a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). To make it clearer to consumers which products are the most efficient on the market, the labels must provide the following information about the product:
Already from September 2021, the new labels use a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). To make it clearer to consumers which products are the most efficient on the market, the labels must provide the following information about the product:
- name, brand, model/type;
- energy efficiency class, A to G;
- energy consumption per 1,000 hours of use;
- a QR code.
The QR Code inserted in the label returns detailed information on the model purchased thanks to EPREL's database (European Product Registry for Energy Labelling).
