Incandescent Lightbulbs FAQs
***Notice for Retailers: Declaration of Compliance forms are available to download here***
General Questions
Consumers
Retailers
General Questions
Why are certain lighbulbs being phased out?
Under the framework European Communities (Ecodesign Requirements for Certain Energy Using Products) Regulations, inefficient incandescent lightbulbs are being phased out by an implementing measure, EU Regulation (EC) No 244/2009 with regard to ecodesign requirements for non-directional household lamps.
This Regulation aims to phase out the least efficient products and to promote energy efficient choices to consumers. As lighting can consume up to a fifth of household energy use, this will save energy and will save consumers money in reduced electricity bills.
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What lightbulbs are being phased out and when will this happen?
From 1st September 2009, household bulbs that do not meet the new EU energy efficiency requirements are gradually being phased out. The following will be restricted from being placed on the market:
- All clear glass bulbs 100 watts or over (except for those with an energy rating of ‘C’ or better)
- All frosted bulbs (except CFLs and LEDs)
- All clear bulbs in energy classes F & G
All remaining lower watt clear glass bulbs will be banned progressively between 1st September 2009 and 1st September 2012. Reflector bulbs and spotlights are excluded from this EU regulation. The most commonly used bulb, the 60W, will remain available until September 2011, the 40W and 25W bulbs until September 2012.
The EU regulation will also set minimum standards for bulb performance and improve product information displayed on the packaging.
The European Commission has developed the following chart to illustrate the phase out periods for lightbulbs:
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What about non-compliant bulbs already in stock with retailers?
The new regulations will apply only to new bulbs shipped for sale in the EU, and the sale of non-compliant lightbulbs will continue to be sold until stocks run out.
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What alternative lightbulbs are available?
The following types of lightbulbs are more efficient than those being phased out:
Below are examples of some of the compliant lightbulbs currently available on the Irish market:
| Lightbulb Type |
Image |
| Halogen Capsule |
 |
| Pear-shaped C-class improved incandescent bulb |
 |
| Spiral Shaped Compact Fluorescent Bulb |
 |
| Candle-Shaped B-class Fluorescent Bulb |
 |
| Mini ball-shaped compact fluorescent bulb |
 |
| Compact LED bulb (transparent) |
 |
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Consumers
Do I have to change all lightbulbs?
It is not an offence to use lightbulbs which are being phased out. However, consumers should be aware that these lightbulbs will no longer be available on the market when stocks run out.
We strongly recommend that, where possible, you change to energy saving lightbulbs now as they offer a significant energy saving over the lifetime of the bulb compared to the upfront cost.
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Should a lightbulb have an energy label attached?
Yes, all houshold flourescent lamps and household domestic lamps should have an energy label with a rating from A-G on the packaging. Further information on energy labelling is available here.
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What can I do to improve my lighting system?
Domestic - For domestic consumers, it is recommended that you start changing your bulbs now as the savings will more than pay for the replacement costs. Energy saving halogen spotlights are available replace regular halogen spotlights. Alternatively, halogen spot lights can be replaced with highly energy efficient LED spotlights.
Business - Modern office buildings are generally lit by fluorescent lighting which is significantly more energy efficient than incandescent lighting and is not affected by Commission Regulation (EC) No 244/2009. In cases where offices are lit by lightbulbs being phased out by the Regulation, it is recommended that incandescent bulbs should be replaced with CFLs, or other efficient lighting applications. Halogen spot lights can be replaced with highly energy efficient LED spotlights.
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Special Purpose Lamps (Heavy Duty/Rough Service Lamps)
Heavy duty lamps and rough service lamps are examples of special purpose lamps and are designed to be more resistant to external stresses (vibrations, noise etc.) than those for domestic lighting. Some, in particular rough service lamps, are being produced in the same standard sizes as those for household use but with greater durability. Special purpose lamps should only be used for the purpose stated on the packaging. They are typically more expensive than normal household bulbs to purchase and will result in higher energy costs for consumers compared to using more energy efficient alternatives.
Regulation 244/2009 focuses specifically on domestic lighting products. Exemption is given to special purpose lamps which can remain incandescent where no replacement technology is available. Special purpose lamps are those designed for applications other than domestic lighting such as traffic signals, terrarium lighting, household appliances and rough service (industrial) lamps.
While special purpose lamps can remain incandescent under the Regulation, they must clearly indicate the following on their packaging:
a) Their intended purpose; and
b) That they are not suitable for household room illumination
The Department is aware that special purpose lamps are available for retail sale in Ireland. However, these lamps are not suitable for domestic use and should not be marketed as such. Consumers are strongly advised not to purchase such bulbs for household use.
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Retailers
I have received a letter requesting details on stock levels of incandescent lightbulbs. Why have I received this letter and what am I required to do?
The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has been appointed as the Market Surveillance Authority for Eco Design, in accordance with EU Directive 2005/32/EC. We will be making contact with a number of businesses to assess the current levels of compliance with this Directive on the Irish market.
If you have received a letter from DCENR, your company has been identified as a retailer of non-directional household lamps as per Commission Regulation (EC No. 244/2009. The aim of this Regulation is to replace incandescent bulbs with more energy efficient alternatives such as halogen lamps and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).
You are required to follow the instructions on the letter under the ‘Declaration of Compliance’ section. If we require further information at a later date, we will contact you directly.
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Can I make a declaration on behalf of the entire corporate group/all stores under franchise?
Yes. The head office or head of an umbrella organisation is encouraged to make a declaration on behalf of all members of the group or franchise. Providing a group total is welcomed and it will reduce the administrative burden associated with processing multiple responses.
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How do I register a contact point for future correspondence?
You are invited to nominate a point of contact in the ‘nominated contact’ section on the Declaration of Compliance form. The market surveillance authority will contact this person directly with any communications in future.
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I have received a letter requesting details on stock levels of incandescent lightbulbs, but I do not stock lightbulbs. What should I do?
If you do not stock lightbulbs, please contact this Department by emailing energy.efficiency@dcenr.gov.ie to allow us to update our list of lightbulb retailers.
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If you are interested in receiving notifications on future developments with regard to lightbulb legislation, please email energy.efficiency@dcenr.gov.ie for inclusion on our mailing list
Further details are available the EU Commissions lightbulb website: http://www.e-lumen.eu/