Definition of phase-out:
Phasing out means that the relevant product groups may no longer be placed on the
market in the European Union. This relates to initial marketing only.
Stocks at OEMs, wholesalers and end customers are not affected of course and
may continue to be sold and used as they are already on the market and the measures
do not relate to the use of the products.
Changes on product names and packaging
In addition the EU directive provides that the term “energy-saving" may only be applied to products with the Energy Level A. In the future, packaging for energy-saving products is to provide information very simply on wattage, energy level, light colour etc. with the help of pictograms. The new directive will also lay down new minimum quality requirements for lamps – to the benefit of the consumer.
Right time for replace?
The new EU directive does not mean that incandescent lamps may no longer be used in the household. It solely regulates retail sales. Anyone still using incandescent lamps at home is not obliged to replace them from 1 September 2009 – even if this would be worthwhile. Energy-efficient products are indeed initially more expensive to buy; however in most cases they already pay off after about a year, due to the substantially lower energy costs.