Fluorescent light ban is here
T5 & T8 fluorescent and compact fluorescent tubes have been phased out.
In 2023, T5 and T8 fluorescent and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) were 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. After August 24, 2023, all production and imports of fluorescent tubes into the EU will be stopped in favor of LEDs. The ban on fluorescent tubes is 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
| Type | Phase out dates |
| Compact fluorescent tubes, < 20 000 h lifetime | Phased out 24 Feb 2023 |
| Circular fluorescent tubes T5, T9 | Phased out 24 Feb 2023 |
| Fluorescent tubes T5 | Phased out 24 August 2023 |
| Fluorescent tubes T8 | Phased out 24 August 2023 |
| Compact fluorescent tubes, > 20 000 h lifetime | Phased out 24 August 2023 |
| Halogen lamps G9 (230 V) | Phased out 1 September 2023 |
| Low voltage halogen lamps G4 and GY6.35 | Phased out 1 September 2023 |
How will the phase-out affect me?
On 24 August 2023, fluorescent light sources were phased out, meaning that all production and imports of these fluorescent tubes are banned throughout the EU. After the phase-out, remaining stocks may be sold off and the use of these fluorescent tubes will continue to be allowed until they are exhausted.
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.
Handling the phase-out
For those of you with fluorescent tubes, it is important to review the lighting in good time, find out what alternatives there are, and plan for a suitable long-term solution.
Read moreFAQ about the phase-out
T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent tubes (CFL) will be phased out of the European market. Want to know more? Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Read moreLight consultation
Get help evaluating your existing solution and plan and prioritize the project. You will also receive a proposed solution as well as a calculation of energy savings and pay-off time.
Read moreWe help you step by step
Do you have old fluorescent light sources in your premises? After 24 August 2023, new production of these will be stopped, but existing lighting installations with fluorescent may be used and stocks sold out. On the other hand, it is a good idea to already now review what future-proof and sustainable lighting alternatives there are. We can help you, step by step, to find a solution that suits your application!
Inventory and evaluation
Together, we go through all the lighting that is available in the premises that are to be upgraded to determine what needs there are. Does everything need to be replaced or are the luminaires in such good condition that the light sources can be replaced with LEDs? Is the lighting also adapted to the room's design and purpose?
Prioritize
In what order should the lighting be replaced? Where there's the greatest energy saving? Fastest repayment period? Or where the need is greatest due to lack of lighting today?
Suggestions and calculations
When the basic work is done and the requirements established, we give you a proposal for a suitable lighting installation adapted to the room. We also make calculations on how much energy, costs and CO2 you can expect to save per year. In addition, our lighting designers can offer visualizations of the suggestions, so that you can get a picture of the end result.
