Answer given by Mr Sinkevičius on behalf of the European Commission
13.11.2023
The Commission is aware about such products and carefully considers their practical needs in preparing legal requirements.
Regulation (EU) 2019/2020 laying down ecodesign requirements for light sources[1], has been amended by Regulation (EU) 2021/341[2], which introduced an exemption from the ecodesign requirements for incandescent lamps, specifically designed and exclusively marketed for infrared heating in Annex III point 3(x).
Moreover, there are relevant exemptions related to Ultraviolet (UV)A and UVB radiation under Regulation (EU) 2019/2020, in Annex III points 2(a), 3(c), 3(e), 3(h) and 3(i).
Moreover, UV and Infrared (IR) light sources could be out of scope of the regulation due to the range of the (x,y) colour coordinates required in Article 2(a).
Under the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive[3], temporary exemptions from the substance restrictions exist, including for mercury in discharge lamps for special purposes (e.g. entries 1(f), 2(b)(4) or 4(f) of Annex III to that directive).
In the last review, which was concluded in 2022, specific technical applications were identified, assessed and, if justified, proposed for an explicit exemption with a maximum validity period.
One pertinent exemption entry covers lamps emitting light in the UV spectrum, under which also basking spot lights might fall. Which exemption entry is relevant depends on the individual case. In general, stakeholders can apply for renewal.
- [1] Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/2020 of 1 October 2019 laying down ecodesign requirements for light sources and separate control gears pursuant to Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Commission Regulations (EC) No 244/2009, (EC) No 245/2009 and (EU) No 1194/2012, OJ L 315, 5.12.2019, p. 209-240.
- [2] Commission Regulation (EU) 2021/341 of 23 February 2021 amending Regulations (EU) 2019/424, (EU) 2019/1781, (EU) 2019/2019, (EU) 2019/2020, (EU) 2019/2021, (EU) 2019/2022, (EU) 2019/2023 and (EU) 2019/2024 with regard to ecodesign requirements for servers and data storage products, electric motors and variable speed drives, refrigerating appliances, light sources and separate control gears, electronic displays, household dishwashers, household washing machines and household washer-dryers and refrigerating appliances with a direct sales function, OJ L 68, 26.2.2021, p. 108-148.
- [3] Directive 2011/65/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2011 on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, OJ L 174, 1.7.2011, p. 88-110.