Letter-calling-to-end-the-exports-of-mercury-added-lamps-EU-mercury-regulation-revision

Our countries – the recipients of the EU’s fluorescent exports – will benefit far more from mercury-free lighting and are not prepared to manage the inevitable mercury waste resulting from several more years’ worth of fluorescent lighting production and sales. [...] The current review of the EU mercury regulation provides the opportunity to finally close the loop on mercury added lamps and end the EU’s manufacture for export of fluorescent lamps. [...] The ban on linear fluorescent lamps (LFLs) and non-linear fluorescent lamps should and can begin by 2025 in support of EU commitments to maintain global leadership in the mercury-free transition. [...] The EU commitments via the Energy Efficiency Directive and the Joint communication on the new EU external energy strategy should also not be forgotten. [...] As calculated by CLASP, if the EU adopts a 2025 deadline (two years before 2027), the EU will prevent 284 kg of mercury pollution and 27 Mt of CO2 emissions.iv The global market is already transitioning to mercury free alternatives: Research shows that more than 60 countries globally, representing 70% of the fluorescent lighting market have initiated actions for a smooth transition to all LED ligh.