The Halogen Light Bulb Ban

Halogen light bulbs will begin to be phased out from 1st September 2016, as the European Commission (EC) has launched two new directives to ban the inefficient bulbs from circulation.

In 2011, energy rating G incandescent bulbs were phased out, and halogen bulbs (energy rating D) are next in line to be phased out of supply. The EC aims to ensure that only light bulbs with energy ratings of B or higher are sold within Europe.

With two recent bans being actioned, it’s important to understand what each one means for you and your home. Halogen bulbs are being phased out of the market slowly, but which bulbs are being banned from the 1st September?

Which halogen light bulbs are banned?

Directional halogen lamps (known as GU10 lamps, spotlight bulbs), which have an extremely low D energy rating, will be phased out first as part of two new EU directives put in place.

From 1st September, markets will no longer be able to purchase these types of halogen lamps. They will be available in stores to purchase until that stock runs out.

The second ban implemented, but not effective until September 2018, is the phasing out of non directional halogen lamps (standard pear shaped or candle bulbs). Despite this not being enforced now, it is still recommended that, if you haven’t done so already, you make the switch to LED bulbs now.

Halogen bulbs may be cheaper to buy, but they are more expensive to run, compared to energy efficient LED bulbs. They have a short life span, with an average of two years, and waste a lot of the energy produced.

Halogens only use 10% less energy than the banned incandescent lightbulbs, while LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy.

The reason for not banning all types of halogen lightbulbs from September 2016 is due to manufacturers needing more time to produce and develop different types of LEDs, to keep up with consumer demand.

LED light bulb alternatives

LED light bulbs are available in a variety of sizes and colours, and also dimmable. Although the initial payout is more expensive than halogen bulbs, they last longer and cost less to run.

The light output from LEDs is just as good as halogens, if not better as they use even less energy! With halogens, a lot of its energy is wasted and emitted as heat, whereas LEDs do not get hot and use the energy correctly and efficiently.

Popularity of LED light bulbs is growing and sales are rising, as many homeowners move to eco-friendly lightings solutions. This eventual ban of all halogen bulbs will mean that the only options for customers will be standard energy saving bulbs (CFL’s) and LED bulbs.


It’s important for electricians to be aware of these new regulation changes and to ensure you are longer fitting banned directional halogen bulbs in homes.

Nearly half of all homeowners surveyed by Which still have halogen bulbs in their home and 43% have the soon to be banned halogen spotlights in their home. It is up to electricians to advise and inform their customers of these European Commission bans and lead them towards LED alternatives that are energy efficient and available in a wide range of wattage and colours.

The ban is aimed to promote how inefficient halogen bulbs are and get customers to invest in the cost effective and energy efficient LED bulbs, which can also help them save money on their energy bills for years to come.

Make sure you are complying with the newest regulations by making the switch to energy efficient LED bulbs! Find out what is LED lighting here!

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