The Dutch authorities have announced that during autumn 2011 they will be specifically targeting importers and producers of household lighting who will have to prove that their products comply with EU Ecodesign legislation (Directive 2009/125/EC).  Failure to prove compliance will result in the products being refused entry onto the EU market and likely prosecution for those involved.

Production or importation into the EU of clear incandescent lamps of 60 W has been banned from 1 September 2011 under EU Ecodesign legislation – with all incandescent bulbs to be banned from end 2012.


The Ecodesign Directive establishes framework requirements for products in general, which are then implemented by product specific measures adopted by the European Commission (see at : http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/sustainable-business/ecodesign/index_en.htm). These regulations set out the specific requirements for the product groups in relation to the  energy consumption and possible other environmental and labeling elements if they are to be put legally on the EU market.  

Verification and enforcement is carried out at a national level by Customs and other national authorities.  
Further product specific measures are to be adopted by the EU Commission – see at http://ec.europa.eu/energy/lumen/overview/whatchanges/index_en.htm.