Lighting Industry Questions European Commission Mains Voltage Directional Halogen Lamp Phase out

LightingEurope accepts but disagrees with the European Commission’s decision to phase out mains voltage halogen directional lamps. Stage 3 of Regulation EC 1194/2012 will now take effect, and these lamps will no longer be available on the European market from September 2016 onwards. This is contrary to the mains voltage non-directional halogen lamps, which will be phased out on 1^st September 2018.

This decision has been taken by the Commission against the opinion of a large number of European Member States. Only a few months ago, on 17^th April 2015, the European Member States voted the postponement of EC 244/2009 Stage 6 phase out of mains voltage non-directional halogen lamps from 2016 to 1^st September 2018.

According to LightingEurope the technological arguments which led to the postponement of Stage 6 are equally valid for mains voltage directional and non-directional halogen lamps, and should therefore have been considered as well for the Stage 3 decision. These arguments are specifically related to dimmability, affordability and dimensional compatibility.

“Although the European Lighting industry is prepared, within today’s technical limits, this decision will cause confusion and restricts European consumer choice. LightingEurope has always been strongly supporting the European Commission energy saving strategy and will further contribute to all relevant regulations for lighting systems” said Mr. Diederik de Stoppelaar, Secretary General of LightingEurope

Examples of mains voltage directional halogen lamps

Example of mains voltage non-directional halogen lamp

28 Sep