Bye, bye light bulb

The light bulb will begin to be phased out of the market starting Autumn 2009, as a result of a decision taken by the EU. Starting
1 September 2009 all frosted and other light bulbs of over 75 watts will be banned, to be followed gradually by lower-wattage light bulbs later on.

According to the Government, frosted bulbs are in the first wave of the ban because they are the "least efficient of all incandescant bulbs". Lamps in Energy Classes F and G will be also banned from
1 September 2009. Clear 100 watt bulbs will disappear from stores at the same time.

From 2010, retailers will not be able to buy in new stock of any incandescent bulb with an output of 75 watt or more. In 2011 manufactureres and importers may no longer sell light bulbs with an output of 60 watt and more. Other clear bulbs which have low-efficient ratings will be phased out by 2012. From 2016 all light bulbs have to achieve at least Energy Class B.