European Union
The initial Europe wide ban only applies to general-purpose, non-directional incandescent bulbs, so does not affect any bulbs with reflective surfaces (e.g. spotlights and halogen down lighters) or special purpose bulbs including those used in devices such as household appliances, traffic lights, and infrared lamps. The sale of the most inefficient bulbs will be phased out. The first types to go are non-clear (frosted) bulbs, which are off the market since September 2009. Also from September 2009 clear bulbs over 100W were made of more efficient types. This limit was moved down to lower wattages, and the efficiency levels raised by the end of 2012.
In practice, the "ban" is fictious because the bulbs are still available on the market, just marketed as "rough-service" or "shock-resistant" bulbs.[18] Since first bans were introduced however, prices of these bulbs have risen by 20-25%.
Also, the EU has given the target of 2016 to phase out halogen bulbs, and any bulb available for purchase after the 2016 date must have at least a 'B' energy rating.
Finland
The Finnish parliament discussed banning sales of incandescent light bulbs by the beginning of 2011.
Ireland
The Irish government was the first European Union (EU) member state to announce a ban on the sale of incandescent light bulbs. It was later announced that all member states of the EU agreed to a progressive phase-out of incandescent light bulbs by 2012.
Switzerland
Switzerland banned the sale of all light bulbs of the Energy Efficiency Class F and G, which affects a few types of incandescent light bulbs. Most normal light bulbs are of Energy Efficiency Class E, and the Swiss regulation has exceptions for various kinds of special-purpose and decorative bulbs.
United Kingdom
The UK government announced in 2007 that incandescent bulbs would be phased out by 2011. The UK followed the EU-wide ban on 60w incandescent bulbs that came into effect on 1 September 2011; 40w and lower ratings will be phased out in 2012. In the UK a program is run by the Energy Saving Trust to identify lighting products that meet energy conservation and performance guidelines; the intent of the program is to reduce consumer concerns due to variable quality of products.
Poland
Sales of incandescent bulbs were gradually limited since 2009, starting from 100 Watt bulbs. Over years 2009-2012 sales of other typical power ranges (75W, 60W) were limited. In September 2012 finally sales of 40W and weaker bulbs is limited. The limit doesn't actually prohibit sales of incandescent bulbs, but requires that the bulbs are clearly marked as "not suitable for home use". The incandescent bulbs of all powers are still available but they are officially sold as "shock-resistant bulbs" or under other names suggesting their industrial usage, just as in other EU countries.
