T5 & T8 fluorescent and compact fluorescent tubes are now being phased out.

The time is here and T5 and T8 fluorescent and compact fluorescent tubes (CFL) are being phased out in accordance with the European Commission's ecodesign and RoHS directives. The reason is to remove the most energy- and resource-demanding products from the market and the use of environmentally hazardous mercury. Today (on the 24th of August 2023), all production and import of fluorescent tubes to the EU will be stopped in favor of LEDs. The ban on fluorescent tubes will be an important step towards a more efficient and sustainable Europe.

Why are fluorescent lights banned?

As part of the Global Goals and the EU's 2030 climate goals, the Ecodesign and RoHS directives work to ensure the high environmental performance of products in the EU. The Ecodesign Directive sets minimum requirements for products' environmental performance from an energy perspective and bans the most energy- and resource-demanding products on the EU market. Fluorescent tubes have significantly higher energy consumption and shorter lifespan than LEDs.

The RoHS directive restricts the use of hazardous chemical substances in all electrical and electronic equipment. Since 2009, the use of mercury in goods and equipment has been prohibited, with certain exceptions. One exception has been to use a limited amount of mercury in light sources, but this exception is now abolished by RoHS.

Important dates for phase-outs off fluorescent lights

How will the phase-out affect me?

On 24 August 2023, fluorescent lights will be phased out, which means that all manufacture and import of these will be banned throughout the EU. After the phase-out, the remaining stocks may be sold off and it will continue to be permitted to use fluorescent tubes until they are used up.

T5 and T8 fluorescent and compact fluorescent tubes are still common today and can be found in everything from industries and parking garages to schools and public spaces. As many large facilities around the EU still have fluorescent lighting, there is now a high demand for these. A transition to LED can be both time-consuming and not always relevant for various reasons. Therefore, many fill up their stocks in order to be able to continue with the same lighting for a couple more years.

The availability of fluorescent light will be very uncertain after the phase-out, and for you with a fluorescent lighting installation today, it is important to as quickly as possible plan for how to face the phase-out. We can help you review your needs and make suggestions for suitable solutions based on your specific needs.