Update on RoHS Exemptions for UV Fluorescent Lamps in Insect Light Traps

There’s been a significant development in the RoHS exemptions for UV fluorescent lamps, as LightingEurope and Signify (Philips) confirms their renewal request – and it’s good news for pest management professionals.

LightingEurope Requests Extension of RoHS Exemptions

Recently, LightingEurope, the trade association representing Europe’s lighting industry, formally submitted a renewal request to extend critical RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) exemptions that apply to UV-A and UV-B fluorescent lamps.

These lamps are essential for insect light traps used to monitor and control flying insects in sensitive environments such as food production, food storage, and healthcare facilities.

The request covers two key exemption categories:

1(f)-I – Compact fluorescent UV-A, UV-B lamps

2(b)(4)-II – Linear fluorescent UV-A, UV-B lamps

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Will UV Fluorescent Lamps Be Banned Soon?

Under EU rules, once an exemption renewal request is submitted, the current exemptions remain valid until a final decision is made – even beyond their original expiry date.

If, ultimately, the exemptions were not renewed, the European Commission would still allow an additional 12–18 months’ transition period to give the market time to adapt.

In practice, these reviews often take two years or more to complete. With this latest request now under review, fluorescent UV-A lamps are expected to remain available until at least late 2028, with strong industry confidence that they will continue to be used well into the 2030s.

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Why is the RoHS Exemption for UV Lamps So Important?

While LED technology for insect control is developing, fluorescent UV-A lamps remain the most dependable and effective solution in many applications – and they will for some time to come.

 Phasing out fluorescent special lighting isn’t as simple as switching to LED. Several critical conditions must be met before any ban can be implemented:

• Viable retrofit options must be available for all lamp types and control gear, including less common formats such as compact fluorescent lamps and those using electronic ballasts – many of which currently have no LED alternative.
• Other sectors covered by the same RoHS “special lighting” category – such as UVB lamps for medical treatment and UVC lamps for air and water disinfection – also need technically and commercially viable LED solutions before a phase-out can proceed.
• A sustainable transition is essential to prevent premature disposal of serviceable equipment, which would undermine the environmental objectives of the RoHS Directive.

Until these challenges are resolved, fluorescent UV-A lamps remain the proven, reliable choice for pest management in critical environments like food manufacturing, storage, and distribution.

Opti-Catch’s Commitment to a Sustainable Future

At Opti-Catch, we welcome this update as it provides clarity and reassurance for pest control professionals and food businesses planning ahead.

A complete phase-out of fluorescent UV lighting will only be possible when retrofit LED solutions exist across all applications. Currently, Opti-Catch offers retrofit LED lamps for T8 fluorescent insect light traps, allowing businesses to upgrade to energy-efficient LED technology without replacing their existing traps – avoiding unnecessary costs and reducing waste.

We are also actively developing retrofit LED solutions for additional applications, helping the industry prepare for the future in a way that is sustainable, practical, and performance-driven.

Why Consider Retrofit LED Now – Even Without a Ban?

While fluorescent UV-A lamps remain widely available and will continue to be for years to come, there are strong reasons to consider retrofit LED solutions sooner rather than later:

Lower Running Costs: Retrofit LED lamps typically consume far less energy than fluorescent, delivering significant long-term savings – especially important for businesses running multiple insect light traps around the clock.

Reduced Maintenance: Many LED retrofit solutions, such as Opti-Catch’s T8-compatible lamps, last up to three times longer than traditional fluorescent lamps. This means fewer replacements, less downtime, and lower maintenance costs.

Sustainability Benefits: Upgrading to LED reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions while avoiding unnecessary waste – you can keep using your existing traps rather than replacing them entirely.

Future-Proofing: Transitioning gradually also gives you time to test LED solutions in your environment to ensure they match or exceed fluorescent performance.

In short, switching to retrofit LED isn’t about reacting to a ban – it’s about cutting costs, improving efficiency, and preparing your business for the future in a controlled, sustainable way.

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Need Advice on Compatibility? Get in Touch

We’ll continue to monitor RoHS developments and provide updates as soon as they’re available. In the meantime, fluorescent UV-A lamps remain a secure and compliant choice, and Opti-Catch is here to support you.

If you’re considering a switch to LED but are unsure whether your current traps are compatible with Opti-Catch retrofit lamps, contact us today – our team will be happy to advise and ensure you have the right solution for your business.

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