Restriction of Hazardous Substances
Fluorescent Ban: Legislation Change - September 2023
Restriction of Hazardous Substances
Restriction of Hazardous Substances Fluorescent Ban: Legislation Change - September 2023
Shop LED Alternatives for Fluorescent Tube Lights
Shop LED Alternatives for Fluorescent & Halogen Light Bulbs
Ban on Fluorescent Lighting
The production of fluorescent lamps is set to be banned in Great Britain from September 2023 and banned in the EU and Northern Ireland from August 2023; as a result of the EU Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive.
Less energy efficient and cost effective than their LED counterparts, they also contain potentially toxic and hazardous mercury, which could pose a threat to the environment. Both the EU and UK government have forbidden mercury to be used in all new lamps as well as other types of electrical and electronic equipment.
Why is the ban happening?
Less energy efficient than their LED counterparts, they are perfectly safe to use in lighting sources when undamaged but if a fluorescent lamp breaks or is disposed of improperly, the mercury it contains could contaminate the surrounding environment, posing a risk to public health. Considered to be a hazardous substance, mercury is a powerful, developmental neurotoxin which could cause health and environmental problems.
| Lamp Type | EU & NI Phase-Out | GB Phase-Out |
|---|---|---|
| CFLni Non-Intergrated | 24 February 2023 (RoHS) | 1 February 2024 (RoHS) |
| CFLni Long Life (<30W,≥ 20,000h) | 24 August 2023 (RoHS) | 24 February 2025* (RoHS) |
| T5 | 24 August 2023 (RoHS) | 1 February 2024 (RoHS) |
| T8 (2',4' & 5') | 24 August 2023 (RoHS) | 1 September 2024 (Eco-design) |
| T8 (other lengths) | 24 August 2023 (RoHS) | 1 February 2024 (RoHS) |
| T5/T8 Long-life | 24 February 2023 (RoHS) | 1 February 2024 (RoHS) |
| SON Deluxe | 24 August 2023 (RoHS) | 1 February 2024 (RoHS) |
*Date to be confirmed
(Table Source: The Lighting Industry Association’s Guide to the latest announcement on Restriction of Hazardous Substances 2023)
Now is the time to think about making the switch to LED lights to help maximise cost and energy savings.
Advantages of LED over Fluorescent
- Uses up to 80% less power.
- Cheaper to operate and far more environmentally friendly.
- Have a significantly longer life.
- More controllable - allowing colour temperatures and intensities to be set.
Making the LED Switch
The phasing out of fluorescent lighting is expected to result in LED light bulbs accounting for 85% of all bulbs sold by 2030 and reduce carbon emissions by 1.26 million tonnes every year – the equivalent of removing over half a million cars from the UK’s roads.
Given the current economic and sustainability pressures that homeowners are facing upgrading to LED is a sensible option.
For more information please see the Government website: End of halogen light bulbs spells brighter and cleaner future - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).