A ban on the sale of inefficient lamps in the United Arab Emirates comes into effect on 1 July. The move is expected to save Dh668 million (£106.8 million) on energy bills annually.
The ban is part of the UAE's indoor lighting standard and will mainly focus on the end of inefficient incandescent sources. The new standards will be based on environment, safety and efficiency criteria.
Part of the standard includes the restriction of mercury. If the mercury in any lamp, including CFLs or LED, exceeds the permitted level, it will not gain entry to the country.
The ban will specifically target imports as there is no domestic production of lighting products in the UAE. It is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 940,000 tonnes - equivalent to taking 165,000 cars off the road.
There are no restrictions on using existing low-standard bulbs, which currently make up about 78 per cent of lamps in use in the state.
