The EU directive 2009/125/EC of 20 November 2009 established a legal framework for the determination of ecodesign requirements for energy-related products (ErP Energy-related Products, also referred to as ecodesign directive).
Sustainable product design
The approach for the ErP directive is derived from climate protection and the commitments from the Kyoto Protocol. It is not directly effective as a framework directive itself. Certain product categories must fulfil requirements established in so-called "enforcement activities".
The regulation relevant for technical lighting is no. 245/2009, which regulates energy efficiency of inefficient lighting components, such as e.g. the ban on high-pressure mercury vapour lamps effective 13.04.2015 or the ban on "standard" fluorescent lamps since 13.04.2010. It also regulates permissible threshold values for standby losses of controlled luminaires in standby operation.
A further restriction level is expected for 13.04.2017, the precise content of which is not yet certain in detail.