Standards & regulations when switching to LED
Published December 18th, 2025
Overview – the most important LED standards and directives for LED retrofit solutions
Restriction of hazardous substances
IEC EN 62776
1:1 replacement T5/T8
Efficiency, longevity,
sustainability
EPD and ESG
conformity
Table of content - Which LED retrofit methods exist according to IEC EN 62776?
- What role does RoHS play in CE conformity?
- What safety requirements apply to LED retrofit conversions?
- The EU Ecodesign Regulation – requirements for energy efficiency, service life and reparability
- What is an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)?
- Decision-maker summary: what operators should pay attention to
What role does RoHS play in CE conformity?
Compliance with the RoHS Directive is a prerequisite for the CE marking of LED lamps and LED luminaires, as it restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products.
What is RoHS?
The RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU (“Restriction of Hazardous Substances”)RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU (“Restriction of Hazardous Substances”) limits the presence of hazardous materials in electrical and electronic equipment within the European Union, for example mercury in electrical and electronic devices.
What does the CE marking mean?
The CE marking stands for “Conformité Européenne”, meaning “European Conformity”. It is a legally required manufacturer’s declaration. By affixing the CE marking, the manufacturer confirms that the product complies with all applicable EU directives and EU regulations relevant to its product category.
In the case of luminaires and lamps, this includes in particular regulations relating to electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility and the Ecodesign Directive.
What RoHS and CE mean for operators
- When modifications are made to lighting installations, the applicable current legal requirements must be observed. Only RoHS-compliant luminaires and lamps may be used in order to maintain CE conformity.
- Continuing to operate lamps that are not RoHS-compliant may result in the non-conformity of the entire installation.
- LED retrofit lamps compliant with IEC EN 62776 ensure that lighting conversions are carried out in accordance with the relevant standards.
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Ban on fluorescent tubes since August 2023
The current RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU prohibits the use of mercury in electrical and electronic equipment. Temporary exemptions previously applied to T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes containing mercury.
These exemptions expired on 24 August 2023. Since then, mercury-containing fluorescent tubes may no longer be placed on the market and are no longer considered CE-compliant.
What safety requirements apply to LED retrofit conversions?
The international standard IEC/EN 62776 has been the relevant product standard since 2015 for the 1:1 replacement of double-capped T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes with LED tubes using the same sockets (T5/G5 and T8/G13).
After conversion, the luminaire must be able to operate at least as safely as before, while offering significantly higher energy efficiency and a longer service life.
What is the IEC EN 62776 standard?
The IEC EN 62776 standard defines safety requirements for LED retrofit lamps designed as 1:1 replacements for linear fluorescent lamps in existing luminaires. It specifies requirements relating to:
- electrical safety
- interchangeability and test procedures
- permitted operating conditions
- an operating temperature range of –20 °C to +60 °C
Which LED retrofit methods exist according to IEC EN 62776?
LED retrofit lamps (for CCG luminaires)
CCG stands for conventional control gear. In luminaires equipped with CCG, the 1:1 retrofit can be carried out without modifying the luminaire:
- The starter is replaced with a dummy starter.
- The LED lamp / LED tube is inserted.
- The luminaire then operates directly on 230 V mains voltage.
LED conversion lamps (for ECG luminaires)
ECG stands for electronic control gear. In luminaires equipped with ECG, the control gear inside the luminaire must be decommissioned by a qualified electrician:
- The ECG is deactivated using a conversion kit.
- The LED lamp / LED tube is inserted.
- The luminaire then operates directly on 230 V mains voltage.
The EU Ecodesign Regulation – requirements for energy efficiency, service life and reparability
Regulation (EU) 2019/2020 (Ecodesign for light sources)Regulation (EU) 2019/2020 (Ecodesign for light sources)defines minimum requirements for energy efficiency, service life and reliability for light sources placed on the EU market.
In the future, these requirements will be expanded through the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). As a result, durable, repairable and standards-compliant products are becoming increasingly important. Short-lived disposable LEDs, proprietary systems and products with limited service life are coming under increasing regulatory and economic pressure.
Minimum requirements for LED tube lamps under
EU Ecodesign Regulation 2019/2020
Parameter
Luminous efficiacy
Lifetime L70
Switching cycles
Reparability
Min. Value
~ 85-120 lm/W
15.000 h
≥ 15.000
no
LED TUBE
140-180 lm/W
50.000-70.000 h
50.000-100.000
no
GLT LED TUBE
✅ up to 210 lm/W
✅ 130.000 h
✅ > 1 Mio
✅ yes
What is an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)?
An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a Type III environmental product declaration for construction products, verified in accordance with ISO 14025 and EN 15804. It transparently presents the environmental impacts of a product over its entire life cycle – from raw materials and production to transport, use and recycling.
In Germany, EPDs are reviewed and verified by the Institute for Construction and Environment (IBU)Institute for Construction and Environment (IBU). They are publicly available, both as a data sheet and in digital format.
Importance of EPDs for ESG, CSRD and public procurement
- Reliable basis for ESG, CSRD and sustainability reporting
- Recognised assessment framework for sustainable construction
- Objective decision-making basis for planners, municipalities and investors
- Contribution to healthy working environments
EPD verification at German LED Tech
The GLT LED TUBE is EPD-verified. The Environmental Product Declaration was prepared by the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics (IBP) and verified through the Institute for Construction and Environment (IBU).
Download EPD for the GLT LED TUBEDownload EPD for the GLT LED TUBE
Decision-maker summary:
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