LIGHTING
THE PHASE-OUT OF OF CFLNI LAMPS ESTABLISHED BY THE ROHS DIRECTIVE HAS ALREADY STARTED, BUT IT IS STILL POSSIBLE TO SELL AND USE EXISTING STOCK… Fluorescent lamp ban now underway in the EU
C ompact fluorescent lights CFL.ni and long-life linear fluorescent lamps (LFLs) had their placement restricted in the European Union in February according to the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive. The legislation has limited several lamps containing mercury and more popular types of fluorescent bulbs will be banned later this year. The placement of long-life compact fluorescent lights (CFL), T5 and T8 LFL fluorescent lamps will be restricted starting on August 25, 2023. In fewer words, compact fluorescent lamps and fluorescent lamps may no longer be placed on the market in Europe, but it is still possible to sell and use stored existing stock. The RoHS Directive also establishes an extension to the exemption of HPD lamps of three to five years and of special-
purpose lamps of three to five years. CFL-i and T2 and T12 LFL lamps were phased-out last year. In the UK and Northern Ireland, the decision to phase-out all mercury-containing light sources comes after a public comment process that closed in July 2021. Linear fluorescent lamps, which are the largest category of mercury- containing light sources, will be banned from September 1, 2023. If they still haven’t started their transitions to LED lighting systems, facility and maintenance managers, purchasing managers, contractors and retailers have been advised to work with a lighting expert to find suitable and energy-saving lighting alternatives for their installations. Risk prevention The RoHS Directive aims to prevent the risks posed to human health and the environment related to the management of electronic
and electrical waste. It does so by restricting the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) that can be replaced by safer alternatives. These restricted substances include heavy metals such as mercury in lightbulbs, flame retardants or plasticizers. The Directive promotes the recyclability of EEE, as EEE and its components that have become waste contain fewer hazardous substances. At the same time, it ensures a level playing field for manufacturers and importers of EEE in the European market.
“The RoHS Directive aims to prevent the risks posed to human health and the environment related to the management of electronic and electrical waste.”
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