Economy 23 August 2018, 5:14pm

Halogen light bulb ban in EU to enter into force on 1 September

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Manufacturing and importing halogen light bulbs will be banned in the European Union from 1 September. The ban is the final stage of the EU’s energy rules that seek to root out less efficient light sources, aiming to improve energy efficiency all across the bloc.

The LED lights that will replace the bulbs are said to consume five times less energy than halogen ones. Manufacturers and shop owners will not be allowed to store, import or sell the classic-style halogen lights starting September 1, 2018. However, it is not a total ban. Some oven lights that are halogens that will still be permitted for sale, as well as some capsule, linear and low-voltage reflector bulbs.

There is no directive to immediately replace the halogen lights before they stop and can be substituted as and when the bulbs expire. The ban is to stop the new stock from coming into the market.

This is the final stage of a European Union directive (EC 244/2009) that has progressively banned less efficient light sources, with the aim of improving energy efficiency and cutting carbon emissions across the EU, starting with traditional incandescent light bulbs in 2009.

While halogen lights are cheaper, LED bulbs use far less power and are expected to last longer.