South Africa Bids Farewell to Old Bulbs: What the New Light Bulb Ban Means for Households

Out with the Old: South Africa’s Light Bulb Ban Takes Effect

If you’re still flicking switches on old incandescent or compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs, it’s time to rethink your lighting. South African retailers can no longer sell bulbs with a luminous efficiency below 90 lumens per watt (lm/W) a rule that effectively bans most CFLs and all incandescent bulbs.

The ban officially kicked in on 24 May 2025, though the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC) allowed retailers until November 2025 to clear out leftover stock. This move, part of a broader push for energy efficiency and safety, is the first phase of a two-step plan that will raise the efficiency requirement to 105 lm/W in March 2026.

Why the Ban Matters

Incandescent bulbs, with efficiency ratings between 4lm/W and 12lm/W, and CFLs, which reach 47lm/W to 70lm/W, simply can’t compete with LEDs. LEDs are not only more energy-efficient but also last longer, making them a win for households and the environment.

The regulations were first published by former trade and industry minister Ibrahim Patel in May 2024. According to the DTIC, the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) has been enforcing the rules while providing some leeway for retailers with pre-existing stock.

Clearing the Shelves

Even after the first phase of the ban, MyBroadband observed that many online stores still listed incandescent and CFL bulbs. The NRCS clarified that the extension only applies to stock imported or manufactured before the new rules came into effect, and manufacturers must notify the regulator to obtain permission to sell remaining bulbs.

“The extension isn’t a blanket sales permit,” the DTIC stressed. Retailers must provide proof of remaining stock and formally request an extension to continue selling older bulbs.

Households Could Save Big

Energy savings are the most immediate benefit for consumers. Grant Pattison, managing director of Savvy Savers and former Edcon and Massmart CEO, says households switching to LEDs could see major reductions in electricity bills.

“Incandescent bulbs consume roughly ten times more power than LEDs, and CFLs about twice as much,” Pattison explained. The switch not only trims monthly electricity costs but can also reduce the size of photovoltaic systems for homes trying to rely less on the grid.

Pattison added that the ban simplifies shoppers’ choices. Instead of navigating crowded aisles with multiple options for incandescents, CFLs, and LEDs, shoppers can focus on one high-efficiency standardmaking both the shopping and stocking process easier for retailers.

Environmental Gains

The transition isn’t just about moneyit’s also about reducing waste. CFLs contain mercury, which can be harmful if not disposed of correctly. LEDs, in comparison, are simpler to manage at the end of their life, containing only small chips that pose minimal environmental risk.

“The new specifications will go a long way in reducing harmful waste in South Africa,” Pattison said, emphasizing that energy efficiency and environmental responsibility are now intertwined with everyday household decisions.

With the second phase of the ban on the horizon, South Africans will need to fully embrace LEDs by March 2026. While the shift may initially create challenges for retailers and consumers adjusting to new pricing and options, the long-term benefits are clear: energy savings, environmental protection, and simplified shopping.

For now, the days of flicking a switch and watching an old incandescent glow are numbered, South Africa is officially stepping into a brighter, greener future.

{Source: My Broad Band}

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