The EU has established efficiency requirements for luminaires and light sources through the Ecodesign Regulation 2019. Among others, mercury-containing high-intensity discharge lamps such as high-pressure sodium lamps and metal halide lamps, as well as the associated luminaires, no longer meet these requirements. Their use is restricted under the RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU) and currently falls under exemptions 4(b) and 4(c) for high-pressure discharge lamps, which are due to expire on 24 February 2027.

Exemption 4(c), Maximum mercury content of 20 or 25 mg Hg
Permitted until further notice

Renewal applications have been submitted for exemptions 4cI, 4cII and 4cIII, which allow a maximum mercury content of 25 mg Hg. These applications are currently under review, and a decision is expected around mid-2027. This means that the exemptions will remain valid until a decision on the renewal request has been made. If the renewal is approved, the exemptions are expected to remain in force until 2032. If the application is rejected, a transition period of 12 to 18 months will apply, meaning that the exemptions are likely to expire in mid-2028 or early 2029.

Exemption 4(b), Maximum mercury content of 30 or 40 mg Hg
Deadline: 24 February 2027

No renewal applications have been submitted for exemptions 4bI, 4bII and 4bIII. As a result, these exemptions will expire on 24 February 2027, affecting all high-pressure sodium and metal halide lamps with a mercury content of up to 30 or 40 mg Hg. From that date onward, these lamps may no longer be manufactured or imported into the EU. Existing stock, however, may continue to be sold until depleted.

Our Aura products Crystal Ellipsoid and Crystal Tubular are affected by these changes. Secure your required quantities now while supplies are still available!

1. Why can HPS and HID lamps no longer be sold?

With the EU Ecodesign Regulation of 2019, efficiency limits were defined that HPS/HID lamps and their associated luminaires do not meet. In addition, mercury‑containing lamps were included in the RoHS Directive and must be withdrawn from the market by the deadline (no new production).

2. From when may HPS/HID lamps no longer be sold?

After 24 February 2027, remaining stock from warehouses, retail, or already produced goods may continue to be sold while stocks last.

3. May HPS/HID lamps still be manufactured or imported into the EU after the deadline?

No, HPS/HID lamps containing more than 25mg Hg of mercury (up to 40 mg Hg) can neither be imported nor manufactured in the EU. Lamps below this amount can continuously be imported.

4. May HPS/HID lamps continue to be used?

Yes, there are no restrictions in the usage of HPS/HID lamps. They can be stored for up to 10 years without any loss of quality.

5. Will Aura Light continue to sell HPS/HID lamps after the deadline?

Yes, as long as stock is available.

6. Will Aura Light stockpile products specifically for customers?

No, not even for fixed call‑off orders.

7. Until when can larger orders be placed?

The earlier, the better. For orders of more than 1,000 units, we recommend placing them as soon as possible to ensure material availability and production.

The following alternatives are available for Aura Sodinette and Aura Crystal (please note: luminous flux values of LED light sources are not directly comparable on a 1:1 basis):

*The market for metal halide lamps is declining rapidly. Luminaires using this type of light source are being replaced by LED luminaires. Based on current market observations, replacement light sources are not economically viable.

Retrofit with SodiLED

When using an LED replacement for Sodinette and Crystal, the luminaire must be technically modified to allow the use of SodiLED. The retrofit constitutes a substantial modification, meaning that the party carrying out the modification becomes the manufacturer and must reassess conformity to ensure legal compliance in the event of damage. The luminaire is modified as follows:

1. The existing ignitor must be removed.
2. It is recommended to remove an existing conventional ballast (CB). However, it may also remain connected inside the luminaire. Any existing electronic ballasts (EB) must be removed.
3. The capacitor may be removed to improve efficiency.
4. After modification, the luminaire must be fitted with a new product label.

Other LED street luminaires from Aura Light that comply with the EN13201 standard for road and pathway lighting are Berzelia and Berzelia Street.