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UK: The government published RoHS exemptions of Mercury in lamps

JUNE 2023 - ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS

The UK published its review of RoHS exemptions on mercury-containing lamps. The legislation¹ will come into force on 17 July 2023. This action is in line with the EU plan to phase out certain mercury-containing lamps and is applicable in England, Wales and Scotland. 

Previously, we reported² that the European Commission adopted regulations under the RoHS Directive effectively banning fluorescent lighting for sale in the EU. The EU phase-out date for mercury in single-capped (compact) fluorescent lamps is 24 February 2023, while the UK phase-out date is 1 February 2024. 

The amendment replaces old entries 1 to 9 of Table 1 in Schedule A2³ of UK RoHS with new entries 1 to 9.4, for mercury to be used in various types of lighting. The updated exemptions are either renewed or revoked from the restriction. Some exemptions are revoked as there are reliable mercury-free substitutes for use in the equipment and the substitution is scientifically and technically practicable.

[1] The Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (Amendment) Regulations 2023

[2] EU: EC Ends Certain RoHS Mercury Exemptions in Lamps

[3] The Hazardous Substances and Packaging (Legislative Functions and Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020

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