UK retailers advised of new bulbs legislation
Commercial insurance
25th August 2009
New regulations that will ban the import and sale of 100W and frosted incandescent light bulbs are due to come into force.
Retail insurance seekers may be interested to note that the mandatory phase out of old-fashioned light bulbs is intended to reduce bills and cut carbon emissions by encouraging consumers to opt for energy-saving versions.
The move follows a European Union ruling in December 2008, after member states - including the UK government - backed proposals, which could save an estimated one million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
A voluntary scheme to reduce sales of traditional bulbs, which can waste 95 per cent of energy as heat has been in place since 2007.
The new regulations take affect from September 1st and any retailer caught flouting the rules will face a fine of up to £5,000.
In related news, Krishnan Rama, press officer for the British Retail Consortium, called recently for a zero VAT rate to be applied to all energy-efficient white goods to reduce carbon emissions and increase sales.
For more information on how Giles can help you with your business insurance, Click here.
