Relevant standards & regulations when switching to LED
Restriction of hazardous substances
IEC EN 62776
1:1 replacement T5/T8
EU Ökodesign
(ESPR)
EPD and ESG
conformity
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.
Implications 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 & safety – IEC/EN 62776
The key safety standard for LED retrofit
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.
The standard defines:
- electrical safety
- interchangeability
- test procedures
- permitted operating conditions
- temperature range from –20 °C to +60 °C
To IEC/EN 62776To IEC/EN 62776
Two standardised 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
Energy efficiency, service life & Circular Lighting: EU Ecodesign Regulation (ESPR)
Since 18 July 2024, EU Regulation 2024/1781 (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, ESPR) has been in force. The EU has clearly shifted its focus from pure efficiency to durability, repairability, and circular economy principles.
Key requirements for LED light sources
- 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 – increased transparency
- efficiency remains a key parameter
- focus on real, verified performance values instead of laboratory values
The ESPR shifts competition towards true product quality, longevity, and sustainability. Manufacturers of durable, standard-compliant, and repairable products benefit, while short-lived disposable LEDs and proprietary systems face increasing regulatory pressure.
sustainability at German LED Techsustainability at German LED Tech
Verified & measurable environmental performance: Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
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.
Relevance for companies and public authorities
- robust basis for ESG, CSRD, and sustainability reporting
- recognised assessment tool for sustainable construction
- objective decision-making basis for planners, municipalities, and investors
EPD 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.
Summary – LED knowledge: standards & regulations
- 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.