Phase-out in four stages
The phasing out of incandescent lamps will take place in four stages from 1 September 2009 to 1 September 2012. Non-clear (frosted) incandescent lamps and halogen lamps will be removed from the market right from the start. The staging relates to clear incandescent lamps and clear halogen lamps. The successive withdrawal is designed to make it easier for the lamp industry to switch production and thus save jobs dependent on the manufacture of incandescent lamps.
There is already a wide range of alternative lamps available. However, lamp manufacturers plan to use the time through to 2012 to develop more energy saving lamps. A longer time frame also makes it easier for consumers to adjust.
Phase-out stages
The table on the right "Staged phase-out of incandescent lamps: the schedule" (PDF) shows which lamps will no longer be admissible from which date. The schedule applies to non-directional light sources.
Non-clear lamps
With the exception of energy-saving lamps with an Energy Efficiency Class A rating, all of the non-clear (frosted) lamps have been removed from the market since 1 September 2009. Non-clear lamps that are developed in the future and conform to Energy Efficiency Class A will naturally be admitted to the market.
Clear lamps
- Since 1 September 2009, incandescent lamps and halogen lamps in Energy Efficiency Classes F and G are no longer allowed onto the market. Lamps with a 100 W rating or more have to conform to Energy Efficiency Class C; for all other lamps, Energy Efficiency Class E is the minimum permitted.
- Since 1 September 2010, Energy Efficiency Class C are required for incandescent lamps and halogen lamps with a 75 W rating or more. For all other lamps, Energy Efficiency Class E is the minimum permitted.
- Since 1 September 2011, Energy Efficiency Class C will be required for incandescent lamps and halogen lamps with a 60 W rating or more. For all other lamps, Energy Efficiency Class E will be the minimum permitted.
- As of 1 September 2012, all clear incandescent lamps and halogen lamps will need to comply with Energy Efficiency Class C. Because no incandescent lamp meets this requirement, incandescent lamps will thus be entirely eliminated from the market.
- As of 1 September 2016, halogen lamps will need to comply with Energy Efficiency Class B. There are halogen lamps available that meet this requirement. Apart from this, an exception will be made for clear halogen lamps with R7s or G9 base. They will continue to be admitted to the market even though they have only an Energy Efficiency Class C rating.
Lamps in stock can be used up
After each September deadline, the trade may continue to sell lamps in stock until stocks are used up. Naturally, the consumer may continue to use these lamps at home – both those which are in operation and those which are kept as spares.
