The short answer
In Great Britain, common 2 ft, 4 ft and 5 ft T8 fluorescent tubes were caught by ecodesign rules from 1 September 2023, and the mercury exemptions for ordinary T5 and T8 lamps ended on 1 February 2024. Northern Ireland followed the EU timetable, with ordinary T5 and T8 tubes phased out from August 2023.
Can we keep using our fluorescent lights?
Yes. The rules stop new lamps being placed on the market; they do not make existing fittings illegal to use. Stock that was already lawfully on the market can generally still be sold, so you may still find tubes for a while.
In practice, replacement tubes are getting harder to source and more expensive, and failing ballasts in older fittings add to the maintenance burden.
How to plan the switch
- Survey what you have: fitting types, quantities and running hours.
- Prioritise areas with the longest hours or the hardest access.
- Replace complete luminaires rather than fitting LED tubes into old gear.
- Add controls while the electrician is already working on each fitting.
- Recycle old tubes properly: they are hazardous waste.
Disposing of old tubes
Fluorescent tubes contain mercury and are hazardous waste. Store them safely and use an authorised collection or recycling route. We bag and recycle tubes from our own jobs and give you the paperwork.
Questions
Is it illegal to use fluorescent lights now?
No. Existing fittings can keep running. The phase-out affects the supply of new lamps.
Related services
LED lighting upgrades
Swap fluorescent, halogen and metal halide fittings for efficient LED.
Office lighting
Glare-free LED lighting for desks, meeting rooms and receptions.
Warehouse lighting
LED high bays and aisle lighting for warehouses and distribution sites.
School and education lighting
Classroom, hall and corridor LED upgrades planned around term time.
Last reviewed 9 November 2026. This guide is general information, not legal, tax or engineering advice for a specific site.