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We would also be happy to advise you personally to find the ideal lighting solution for your application!
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Who would you like to send your enquiry to?

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catrina klee ledcity
julian wiederkehr ledcity

We would also be happy to advise you personally to find the ideal lighting solution for your application!
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Make an appointment

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catrina klee ledcity
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Blog Posts - 22. January 2025

2025 ban on the sale of fluorescent tubes: How to make the switch to LED

The transition to modern, energy-efficient lighting technologies is progressing in leaps and bounds. Following the import ban on inefficient light sources in 2023, another significant step is imminent: from 1 September 2025, a comprehensive ban on the sale of linear fluorescent lamps T8, high-voltage halogen lamps G9 and low-voltage halogen lamps (G4, GY6.35) will come into force. Companies and private individuals who still use these technologies must act now and switch their lighting to LED technology.

In this blog, you will find out the background to the ban, what alternatives are available and how you can successfully plan and implement the switch from fluorescent lamps to LED.

Why a ban on the sale of fluorescent tubes?

The European Union is pursuing ambitious sustainability and climate targets, which are supported by the Ecodesign Directive and the RoHS Directive. These regulations play a key role in promoting environmentally friendly technologies and aim to increase energy efficiency and minimise environmental and health damage.

  • The Ecodesign Directive sets binding minimum standards for the energy efficiency of products, including lighting. The transition to LED technologies, which consume up to 90% less energy, should not only cut electricity costs, but also significantly reduce COâ‚‚ emissions. More efficient technologies will also reduce the load on electricity grids, which will make an important contribution to the EU’s climate targets in the long term.
  • The RoHS Directive (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) restricts the use of hazardous substances in electrical appliances, with a particular focus on mercury. This substance, which is found in many conventional fluorescent tubes, poses considerable risks to the environment and health. LEDs, on the other hand, are mercury-free, durable and recyclable. As a result, they not only reduce electronic waste, but also conserve valuable natural resources.

 

To what extent is lighting affected?

Conventional fluorescent tubes and halogen lamps are technically outdated. On the one hand, their weaknesses lie in their high energy consumption: they are up to 60 % less efficient than modern LEDs. However, it is not only the high energy consumption that pollutes the environment; fluorescent lamps contain toxic mercury, which pollutes soil and water if disposed of improperly. In addition, conventional light sources have a short service life: with an average operating time of around 10,000 hours as opposed to up to 50,000 hours, they are much shorter-lived than LEDs.

Against this background, the European Union is focussing on the transition to energy-efficient and environmentally friendly lighting solutions. LED technology plays a key role here, as it is not only more environmentally friendly, but also saves costs in the long term.

ledcity parking city luzern CMD
The fluorescent tubes affected by the ban can be found, for example, in parking garages, industrial buildings, or school facilities.

Timetable for the ban

The EU has set a clear timetable for the gradual phasing out of inefficient lighting technologies, which countries outside the EU such as Switzerland are also following. Since 1 September 2023, there has been a ban on the import of inefficient light sources. However, it was still possible to sell stock to make the transition easier for users.

This will change on September 1st 2025, when the ban on the sale of certain types of lamps finally comes into force. From this date, linear fluorescent lamps of type T8, high-voltage halogen lamps G9 and low-voltage halogen lamps (G4, GY6.35) may no longer be sold. For all users of these technologies, this means that now is the time to switch to modern LED solutions.

The following table provides a clear overview of the affected light sources and the relevant deadlines:

Type of light source. Import allowed until: Clearance trading allowed until:
Compact fluorescent lamps 24.02.2023 Unlimited
Ring-shaped fluorescent lamps 24.02.2023 Unlimited
Linear fluorescent lamps 24.08.2023 Unlimited
Linear fluorescent lamps T8 24.08.2023 31.08.2025
High-voltage halogen lamps (G9) 01.09.2023 31.08.2025
Low-voltage halogen lamps (G4, GY6, 35) 01.09.2023 31.08.2025

 

Why act now? The advantages of converting to LED.

Switching from fluorescent tubes to LEDs is not only necessary due to the ban on fluorescent tubes, but also has considerable advantages:

  • Longer LED service life: LEDs have a service life of up to 50,000 hours. In comparison, fluorescent tubes only last around 10,000 hours. This means less time and money spent on replacing light sources and a lower environmental impact.
  • 50 – 90 % energy savings by switching to LEDs: LEDs are extremely energy-efficient and consume around 50 % less electricity than fluorescent tubes. In conjunction with integrated sensors (e.g. motion and daylight sensors), savings of up to 95 % are even possible.
  • Environmentally friendly: In contrast to fluorescent tubes, LEDs do not contain any toxic substances such as mercury. They are fully recyclable and need to be replaced less frequently thanks to their long service life.
  • Cost efficiency despite higher product price: The higher purchase costs for LEDs are quickly amortised – usually within 1-3 years. For example, the Swiss company Varioprint was able to cover its investment costs in 1.9 years by converting to intelligent LED technology. You can find more information on this project here.
  • Improved quality of light from LEDs: LEDs offer flexibility thanks to different light colours and brightness levels as well as uniform illumination due to less flickering and no warm-up time.
  • Funding opportunities for lighting conversions: There are still government subsidy programmes that provide financial support for switching to LEDs. These subsidies are particularly attractive for intelligent solutions with sensor technology – but they will be reduced over time.

 

These advantages make it clear that an early switch to LEDs is the right decision. However, this is a complex and time-consuming process, especially for large buildings. Our checklist summarises the most important points for a successful conversion.

How does the switch to LED work?

Step 1: Taking stock.

Switching to LED technology requires careful planning. A thorough analysis of the existing lighting is therefore the first step. Create a list of all the light sources in your building, including:

  • Type (e.g. T8, G9) and number.
  • Location (e.g. office, corridor).
  • Requirements (e.g. brightness, light colour).
  • Emergency lighting system (centralised battery or decentralised).
  • Current control system (e.g. KNX or DALI)
A detailed inventory of the current lighting systems, including emergency lighting and control systems, is crucial for a successful lighting retrofit.

Step 2: The right LED alternative.

The next step is to find the right LED alternative to the existing luminaire for each area. There are typically three options to choose from: LED tube, complete LED luminaire or an intelligent LED light source. In the next section, we present all three options, what the advantages and disadvantages are and for which areas they are suitable.

Alternative 1: Simple LED tube

Normal LED tubes are the simplest and, in the short term, most cost-effective solution for replacing existing fluorescent tubes. ECG-compatible LED tubes can be inserted directly into the existing luminaires. However, we recommend refurbishing the existing lampholder (removing the ballast) and switching to conventional LED tubes, as ballasts are often at the end of their service life.

The biggest advantage lies in the initial cost efficiency: simple installation and low investment costs. However, particularly due to the high energy prices, it is worth investing in LED tubes with sensors in the long term, which are presented below.

Areas of application:

  • Areas with low frequency of use, e.g. storerooms, garages or cellars.
  • Buildings where a quick and cost-effective conversion is required.
Alternative 2: Complete LED luminaires

Complete LED luminaires are modern, integrated lighting units in which all components (housing, driver, LED modules) are installed in one unit. They replace not only the light source, but the entire luminaire.

The biggest advantage is the design. Complete luminaires often impress with their modern and visually appealing design. However, the purchase and maintenance costs are higher than for normal LED tubes, and sustainability is limited: In the event of a defect, the entire luminaire must be replaced. In addition, replacement usually requires the help of an electrician.

Areas of application:

  • Areas where design and aesthetics play a central role, e.g. prestigious offices, reception areas or showrooms.
Alternative 3: LED with integrated sensors

An effective way of making the most of the switch from fluorescent tubes to LEDs is to use LED light sources with integrated sensors. These intelligent light sources avoid the expense and complexity of external motion detectors, as each luminaire is controlled locally and automatically. This enables energy savings of up to 90 % compared to conventional lighting and up to 80 % compared to conventional LEDs, as the example from Stampfenbach shows (click here for the project description).

The higher initial investment is amortised within 2-3 years due to the energy savings and the shorter burning time, which means that the light sources need to be replaced less frequently – in the example of the property owner SISKA in just 1.6 years. In addition, networked, IoT-based lighting systems such as NOMUS can be integrated into building management systems to provide valuable information on usage behaviour and room occupancy.

Areas of application:

  • Large and highly frequented areas such as corridors, stairwells, multi-storey car parks and offices.
  • Buildings with high energy efficiency requirements and smart solutions, e.g. modern office complexes or public buildings.

 

Intelligent LED systems enable 90 % energy savings without compromising on comfort, as this office installation from LEDCity shows.

Step 3: The installation.

After planning and selecting the right LED solutions, the next step is the professional conversion of fluorescent tubes to LED. Professional electricians not only ensure safe installation, but also the environmentally friendly disposal of old light sources, especially those containing harmful substances such as mercury.

To get the best service, it is advisable to obtain various quotes and compare providers carefully. Choose specialist companies with experience in converting fluorescent tubes to LED to achieve the best results – efficiently, safely and sustainably.

Leave your project to us and benefit from subsidies and energy efficiency.

Converting from fluorescent tubes to LED is not only a technical project, but also a strategic one that requires careful planning. With our expertise, we accompany you step by step so that the changeover is efficient and uncomplicated for you:

  • Individual consultation: we analyse your current lighting on site and develop a customised solution that best suits your building and your needs.
  • Cost-effectiveness calculations and subsidies: We carry out free cost-effectiveness calculations and actively support you in applying for subsidies. This allows you to maximise your savings right from the start.
  • Professional implementation: From dismantling the old light sources and installing the new LEDs to environmentally friendly disposal – we take care of every step for you.
  • Sustainability and future-proofing: With our support, you not only receive an energy-efficient lighting solution, but also actively contribute to a more environmentally friendly future.

Rely on our experience and commitment to make your lighting efficient, sustainable and cost-saving. With us, your conversion to LED will be a success!

Book a free consultation now and discover your energy-saving potential.