Montenegro starts phasing out inefficient incandescent light bulbs

Montenegro has launched a phase-out of traditional filament incandescent light bulbs starting with the highest wattage – 100-watt conventional incandescent light bulbs and above, as part of a new legal framework introducing the EU’s ecodesign requirements for a range of energy-using and energy-related products.

The rulebook to progressively ban conventional incandescent light bulbs in favor of more energy-efficient lighting alternatives took effect on July 1, allowing vendors to sell only the remaining stockpiles, while banning further imports and sale of traditional incandescent light bulbs of 100W and above. The phase-out will continue with 75W lamps and above on January 1, 2019, and 60W bulbs and above on July 1, 2019, said the Ministry of Economy.

The all-out ban on traditional filament bulbs will take effect in Montenegro on January 1, 2020.

The country is following in the footsteps of the EU, which completed the phase-out in 2012, targeting savings of 39 TWh of electricity annually by 2020.

The rulebook is one of 16 regulations introducing ecodesign requirements for a range of products, including refrigerators and freezers, air conditioners, washing machines, tumble driers, dishwashers, televisions, and other energy-using and energy-related products.

The German development organization GIZ and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) helped establish Montenegro’s legal framework regulating ecodesign and energy label requirements, the Ministry of Economy said.