Relevant standards & regulations when switching to LED
Overview – the most important LED standards and directives for LED retrofit solutions
Restriction of hazardous substances
IEC EN 62776
1:1 replacement T5/T8
EU Ökodesign
(ESPR)
EPD and ESG
conformity
Standards & regulations - contents
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RoHS-directive & CE-conformity
Ban on fluorescent tubes since August 2023
The RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU restricts the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, in particular mercury. Temporary exemptions applied to T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes. These special provisions expired on 24 August 2023.
Consequence:
Fluorescent tubes may no longer be placed on the market and are no longer considered CE-compliant.
What RoHS & CE specifically mean for operators
- Any modification to lighting systems must comply with the current legal requirements.
- Continued use of non-CE-compliant light sources may render the entire installation non-compliant.
- Replacement is therefore permitted only with CE-compliant LED light sources.
To GLT LED TUBE product seriesTo GLT LED TUBE product series
Retrofit conversion & safety IEC/EN 62776
Since 2015, IEC/EN 62776 has been the authoritative product standard for the 1:1 replacement of T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes with LED tubes using the same bases (G5/G13). After conversion, the luminaire must be operated at least as safely as before – while offering significantly higher efficiency and service life.
What the IEC EN 62776 standard technically requires:
- electrical safety
- interchangeability
- test procedures
- permitted operating conditions
- temperature range from –20 °C to +60 °C
To IEC/EN 62776To IEC/EN 62776
Overview of permitted LED retrofit methods:
LED retrofit lamps (for CCG/VVG)
- 1:1 replacement without luminaire modification, starter replaced with a dummy.
- operation directly at 230 V.
LED conversion lamps (for ECG)
- ECG deactivated via conversion kit, installation by a qualified electrician.
- operation directly at 230 V.
EU Ecodesign Regulation (ESPR) – energy efficiency, service life, circular lighting
Since 18 July 2024, EU Regulation EU 2024/1781 has been in force (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, ESPR). The ESPR shifts competition away from purely efficiency-based metrics towards genuine product quality. Durable, repairable and standards-compliant products are gaining importance. Short-lived disposable LEDs, proprietary systems and products with a limited service life are increasingly coming under regulatory and economic pressure.
New requirements for service life and repairability
- minimum requirements for service life and functional stability
- prevention of premature obsolescence
- repairability and reusability
- high recyclability and material transparency
- verifiable circular concepts (Circular Lighting)
- preparation for the Digital Product Passport (DPP)
Energy efficiency – verifiable usage data is mandatory
• Energy efficiency remains a central assessment criterion for LED products.
• The focus is on real, proven performance data across the entire service life.
sustainability at German LED Techsustainability at German LED Tech
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD):
verified environmental performance of LED light sources
An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is an independently verified environmental product declaration in accordance with ISO 14025 and EN 15804. It transparently documents a product’s environmental impacts across its entire life cycle – from raw materials and production to use and recycling.
Importance of EPDs for ESG, CSRD and public-sector procurement
- robust basis for ESG, CSRD, and sustainability reporting
- recognised assessment tool for sustainable construction
- objective decision-making basis for planners, municipalities, and investors
EPD verification at German LED Tech
The GLT LED TUBE is EPD-verified. All environmental impacts are fully disclosed and independently audited – a key element for verifiable sustainability and regulatory certainty.
Key takeaway – what legally matters when switching to LED
- RoHS: fluorescent tubes banned since August 2023
- IEC/EN 62776: mandatory safety standard for LED retrofit
- Ecodesign Regulation (ESPR): focus on durability, repairability, and Circular Lighting
- EPD: foundation for measurable, verified environmental performance
The legal framework clearly confirms:
Standards-compliant LED retrofit with durable, repairable, and recyclable light sources is the new benchmark.
Clear recommendations tailored to each application
More light. Lower costs. Better safety.
We plan your LED retrofit – standards-compliant and cost-effective.