EU Directive

The Move to Low Energy Lightbulbs:

How the phase out of traditional lightbulbs will affect you.

The European Union has passed legislation to ban all old-fashioned incandescent and halogen lightbulbs (which are highly inefficient and energy-wasteful) within just a few years. Some have already disappeared from high street shops, and all others will follow by the end of 2012.

By taking this action, the EU expects to reduce the huge annual carbon dioxide emissions of power stations by around 15 million tons, and huge savings to be made in power generation costs. The phase out should enable about 5-10 billion Euros to be re-invested in the European economy.

Inefficient, non-clear (opaque, or frosted) lightbulbs were phased out from September 2009, and in future all bulbs with this type of finish will need to be of a certified low-energy type (Class A).

Also from September 2009, all bulbs equivalent in light output to 100W (clear incandescent types) and above have had to be at least Class C (improved efficiency halogen types instead of incandescent bulbs).

By the end of 2012, other wattage levels will follow and the bulbs that replace them will also have to have a Class C certification. The EU’s most commonly used bulb, the 60W frosted type, will remain available until September 2011 and both 40 and 25W types until September 2012.

Megaman Low Energy Lightbulbs

Here at Megaman we have been preparing for some time to meet the extra requirements and product certifications which these new changes have required.

We are already capable of meeting the EU's timetable of changes, and are able to supply highly efficient low-energy equivalents of every type of lightbulb you are likely to require.

Do check out the product sections of this website, but if in doubt, or you need technical assistance, please contact us.