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Conventional clear (transparent) bulbs will be phased out progressively, starting with the highest wattage, 100W conventional incandescent bulbs and above. All conventional frosted (non-transparent) light bulbs will be phased out as from today.

The European Commission believes that the legislation will encourage the uptake of more energy efficient bulbs. The energy efficient bulbs could save money for consumers and reduce carbon emissions.

The most commonly used bulbs, the clear 60W bulbs, will remain available until September 2011. 40 and 25W bulbs will remain until September 2012.

The legislation also introduces a requirement for the approximate lifetime of the bulb to be stated on the packaging.

The regulation is aimed at household light bulbs. Coloured lamps are not affected by the new regulation and retailers will have until 2012 to sell their existing stock.